The Columbia Paper

Lyle Hamm

Lyle G. Hamm (1948 – 2020)

ALBANY—Lyle George Hamm of Hudson, affectionately known to his hundreds of students and friends as “Hammy,” and to his seven grandchildren as “Becky,” passed away at Albany Medical Center after a long and courageous battle with cancer, April 1, 2020.

He is survived by: his wife of 27-years, Rose Anne Hamm of Hudson; his daughter, Jessica Chiera (Frank) of Valatie, their children Zac, Jarid and Felicia; his daughter, Jene Luciani (Patrick Sena) of Rotterdam, their children Gianina, Ayva, Patrick and Kalen; his brother-in-law, Dale Rowe of Mellenville; his nephew, Sean Rowe of Mellenville (Michelle), and their children; his niece, Courtney Hutchings of Oswego (Daniel) and their children; cousins and other beloved family members.

To say that Mr. Hamm influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of young people in his lifetime, would be an understatement. He spent the majority of his life, teaching others. In his nearly four-decade tenure as a music and band teacher at Taconic Hills, many students credited him with changing their lives, and “caring when no one else did.” One student even dedicated her Grammy award to him. While leading the school marching band, he took them around the country for competitions, and outside school hours, spent his time coaching various sports including girls field hockey, boys swimming and girls track and field. When he announced his retirement, hundreds of students gathered to give him a “Mr. Holland’s Opus”-style send-off, which was covered in many local papers.

But he never really retired. He spent nearly every weekday as a substitute at that same school he’d grown up in and graduated from, and spent his entire career at. Teaching was in his blood.

Outside of school, he was an avid triathlete, having once raced alongside Christopher Reeve. Referring to himself as the “real life David Hasselhoff,” in a nod to the popular Baywatch series, he relished the 35-summers he spent as a lifeguard at Lake Taghkanic State Park, training many other lifeguards over the years. He served on the ski patrol at Catamount, the Philmont Rescue Squad, did CPR and first-aid certifications for the Red Cross, was a member of the Columbia County Republican Committee, and was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity (St. Mary’s) in Hudson.

His phone rang off the hook (and is still ringing) with people asking for his help, whether it’s for a lifeguard certification, a past student asking for a reference, asking for swim lessons for their children, or his daughters looking for advice.

Those who knew Mr. Hamm, know that when he loved, he loved hard. Such was his love for the music of the Beach Boys (“the only good music there is“), his beloved Kentucky Bourbon, his Minnesota Vikings (even when they were 2 and 11), his Alma mater Murray State, and southern food.

He wasn’t at all demanding (in fact, his wife Rose could often be found sitting around eating bon bons), had the temperament of a kitten, and loved onions.

“That last sentence, was our April Fool’s joke for you, Dad.”

The family will hold a private burial and will host a public memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.

Doris E. Garrison (1919 – 2020)

PHILMONT—Doris E. Garrison, 100, of Stottville passed away Wednesday April 1, 2020 in Philmont.

Born August 14, 1919 in Germantown, she was the daughter of Clarence and Bernice (Coons) Platner.

Mrs. Garrison worked for the New York State Training School for Girls until her retirement. She loved spending time with her family, and enjoyed an occasional casino trip.

Left to cherish her memory are: her children, John (Joyce) Banks, Ellen Bower, Gary Garrison, Jr., Gregory (Carol) Garrison, and Diane Jacobs; 14 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Robinson, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Banks.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Carl Garrison; son, Robert Banks, Sr.; sons-in-law, Rodney Bower and Aaron Jacobs, along with five brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held graveside at Cedar Park Cemetery, Monday, April 6 at noon. Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.