George L. Staves
Dan McClelland
George L. Staves of Plattsburgh, NY formerly of Tupper Lake, NY died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, with his wife beside him. Born in Tupper Lake, to Yvette Delair Staves and Edward Staves. He had a wonderful happy childhood filled with many aunts, uncles and cousins. The love and devotion he was given he shared with Carol’s parents when ill health required help. His Mother’s New Year's Day spaghetti feast was an event to look forward to. (Carol got the recipe!) He married the love of his life, Carol Bujold Staves on May 15, 1965, they in turn were blessed with two children, Christine Staves Young & Mark E. Staves. From Mark (& Lisa Chesbrough) came Jayson Staves (Kaylea) who brought to the family great granddaughters Olivia & Ava Newstead and twins Lyra & Kaida Staves born June 4, 2024 and Braydon a Senior at TLHS. Daughter Christine and Len Young welcomed Corey of Gouvernor, NY, his children Taylor, Blake, Ella, Sullivan & Quinton. Megan of Tupper Lake, & Jordan “Tino” (Sarah Robinson) Young of Buffalo NY. There are 2 special “nieces” whom he loved dearly, Amy Seguin of Morrisonville NY and Margo Turner Bogard of Marion, NY. He leaves his brother Richard (Gwen) of Tupper Lake. His brother in laws, Roger Bujold (LaVeta) Nampa I D, Scott (Tina) of San Diego CA, Monica (Mark) Buhler & Stan. Bill Bujold (Lona). His sister-in-law, Bonnie St. Dennis (Bill), as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
George served and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy 1960-1964. His destroyer, Escort, was involved in the ‘Bay of Pigs’ Cuban Crisis.
Upon discharge he worked at White’s Electric, the Draper Corp, and Wm.C. Johnson Construction, a job he really liked and with the men he worked with. He went to work at Sunmount DDSO in 1968, retiring in April 1998. He made fasting friendships, Cliff Varden is one of those blessed friendships to this day. During his later years he developed relationships with several “clients”, leading to his becoming an advocate for Frankie and Legal Guardian to Fred. Fred was always at family gatherings and is buried in the family plot.
Shortly after his retirement, to keep active and involved with the community, he became the Altamont Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer. He served with dignity and honor. Upholding the oath, he swore to uphold and to provide his knowledge for the safety of others. During his days of leisure and relaxation, he, his brother Dick and friend, (often thought of mistakenly as his brother) Henry Staves became Boy Scout Leaders and Scout Masters. How he enjoyed his days with “my guys” and the activities involved. His skills as a scout master helped him survive when he became “misplaced” (not lost) in the Adirondack woods. In the 80’s he briefly left state service and was hired as Caretaker of the American Legion Mt. Camp. How he enjoyed the physical labor, the carpentry skills he had honed and known or unknown to him, the compliments of his skills as both a “boss” and “handyman” received on his behalf. He always saw himself in others and how he wanted to be treated. He was a very creative carpenter beautifying his homes. Carol’s favorite creation was the library he built for her in their home on Blueberry Hill. His children were his joy. How he hated to see them grow up and to become the independent people they are today. George also enjoyed Fish Creek camping, boating, water skiing, and canoeing.
Over the years his health became fragile requiring a “snowbird” move to Florida. Once there he became a candidate for a double lung transplant at Tampa General Hospital. He was on the list for nine months before receiving donor lungs from a murdered Tampa Police Officer. Officer David Curtis gave him his new life 6/10/2010. These fourteen plus years, George did acknowledge that each day was a gift, and he said many times, “we have had a wonderful life based upon the misfortune of others”.
Become an organ donor, and please encourage your children and everyone to help give life.
His name will be a blessing forever.
There will be no viewing per his request, but a celebration of life will be held at the VFW 3120 Tupper Lake, September 28, 2024, from 2-4 PM.
Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh, NY. For online condolences, please visit www.brownfuneralhomeny.com