Obituary of Lansing Richard Laraway

Canton-- Lansing (Lanse) Richard Laraway passed away at the age of 70 on April 4, 2017, in his home in Canton, NY. Lanse was born on March 6, 1947, in Philmont, NY to Richard and Eleanor Laraway. He was an only child. Lanse graduated from Ockawamick High School in 1965 and received a Bachelors Degree in Music Education/Voice from the Crane School of Music SUNY Potsdam in 1969. Lanse was a member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Simphonia, and was the President of the Crane School of Music Alumni Association for many years. He was hired right out of college by Canton Central Schools where he was the Jr./Sr. Hugh C. Williams Vocal Music Teacher until 1988. Lanse then worked in Governeur Schools as the Jr./Sr. Vocal Music Teacher until his retirement. After his retirement Lanse was an adjunct instructor of voice at St. Lawrence University, Canton. Lanse is survived by his former wife Valerie, two Aunts, Kay Starks in Dunedin, FL and Doris Peluso in Long Island, NY, several cousins in the Philmont/Albany area, the many students he taught over the years and numerous Church friends. Lanse’s passion was music. He was an organist in a local church in Philmont, NY when he was still in High School. He played trumpet in his HS band and was the organist at the Canton United Methodist Church from 1969 to the present. Lanse also loved Barbershop Music. He sang in the barbershop quartet the Adirondack Harmony Company since the 1970’s and directed the men’s chorus the Goldenaires off and on for many years. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists and a NYSSMA Zone #5 Representative. Lanse was an incredible teacher. Patient, kind with a wonderful sense of humor. Many of his students have gone on to have musical careers of their own. He loved teaching, and he loved his students. Lanse had the most beautiful tenor voice. He was always humble about his musical talent, but he was a phenomenal vocalist, pianist and organist. Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 4-6 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 21 Park Street, Canton. Memorial services for Lanse will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Canton United Methodist Church, 41 Court Street, with Rev. Michael H. Terrell officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are with Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canton United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund or Steeple Restoration Fund or to the Canton Goldenaires Barbershop Chorus.