Claude D. Everts

gansevoort The world is forever changed with the passing of Claude D. Everts of Gansevoort. Claude passed peacefully on July 6, 2008 in the log home that he built himself. Claude was surrounded by his family and friends, with his wife, Elena at his side. Born March 4, 1925 in Fairhaven Vt., Claude was the second of 10 children to Claude and Martha Everts. Claude graduated from Fort Edward High School, and worked the Everts family farm in Gansevoort prior to beginning his military service in 1942. Claude's distinguished career included service under General George Patton as a flight engineer in the WWII European Theater of Operations. A humble man, Claude was most proud of his role in the rescue of the Lipizzaner Stallions from Austria. This dangerous mission was both humanitarian and tactical in nature. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Claude resumed his life in Gansevoort as a husband, father and musician. Claude established SARACO Masonry in 1951 and he quietly left his legacy throughout the region. The late Charles Wood commissioned Claude to assist him with a "risky new venture" many years ago. Claude's craftsmanship is still enjoyed by children and adults alike in the Storytown portion of the Great Escape. Claude's most recent project was the Rimbrave Estates development in Gansevoort. "Pa" was proud to apprentice his trade to his grandson, Adam, who proudly took ownership of SARACO in January of 2007. As a member of the Rambler's, a country music band, Claude played several musical instruments, and called square dances in countless local venues. Survivors, in addition to his devoted wife, Elena, include the following siblings: a half-brother, George Everts of River Road in Gansevoort, Lenore (Everts) Wolfe of Schuylerville, Marion (Everts) Mihalic of Montecello Ky., Beatrice (Everts) Clausen of Mott Road, in Gansevoort, and Theodore Everts of Ticonderoga. A daughter, Charlene (Everts) Bennett and her husband, Richard, of New Port Richey, Fla., and step-daughter, Casmina Nedelcu and her husband, Nick, of Dekalb, Ill. Claude's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a huge part of his life. Claude and his first wife of 46 years, Velma Everts, raised their granddaughter, Danielle (McKinney) Crosse, also of Gansevoort, as one of their own. Granddaughter Stacey McKinney recently moved from Gansevoort to Troy. Out-of-state, but no less special, are Richard "Rick" Bennett of New Port Richey Fla., Rebecca (Bennett) Mintz of Maryville Tenn., and Gary Nedelcu of Dekalb Ill. Great-grandchildren are: Adam J. Crosse, Ashleanna V. Crosse, and Lakota J. McKinney, all of Gansevoort; Justin T. Mintz, Christie N. Mintz, and Matthew T. Mintz, all of Maryville, Tenn. Unrelated by genetics, however family by nature, are Jamie (Page) Berardi, and her daughter, Samantha N. Berardi, also of Gansevoort. Several nieces and nephews are mourning this loss as well. In addition to Velma, Claude was predeceased by his second wife, Florence (Bastian) Everts, a daughter, Cheryl (Everts) McKinney-Jennison, siblings Jennie Hamelrick, Rose Sweenor, John Everts, Oscar Everts, and Wilbur Everts, and great- granddaughter, Cheyenne L. Bennett. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Gansevoort. Interment will follow at Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls. A calling hour will be held prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Claude D. Everts.