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William E. Lavery
1930 - 2009
William E. Lavery
1930 - 2009
Obituary
Guest Book
William Lavery Obituary
Lavery joined the faculty at Virginia Tech in 1966 as director of administration for the extension division before being tapped as vice president for finance in 1968. In 1973, he became executive vice president, and he was appointed president in 1974, effective January 1, 1975. Lavery earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, his master's in public administration from George Washington University, and his doctorate in extension administration from the University of Wisconsin. During his presidency the National Conference of Christians and Jews presented him with the Brotherhood Award, the governor of Virginia appointed him to serve on the Commission on Virginia's Transportation in the 21st Century, President Ronald Reagan named him chair of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury appointed him to the National Savings Bond Committee. Dr. Lavery served on the first NCAA Presidential Commission.
The university recognized his contributions by presenting him with the Ruffner Medal in 1993 and by dedicating the William E. Lavery Animal Health Research Center in his honor in 1995. Dr. and Mrs. Lavery were named Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizens of the Year in 1991. He was inducted into the Livonia Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame in its Inaugural Year.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy J. Lavery, of Blacksburg; daughters and sons-in-law, Debra L. and David H. Sensibaugh, of Kingsport, Tenn., Lori L. and Carl E. Mitchell, of Radford, Va., and Mary Beth Lavery-Fisher and Scott D. Fisher, of Culpeper, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, K. Michael and Lisa C. Lavery, of Midlothian, Va.; brother and sister-in-law, John W. and Lois T. Lavery, of Snug Harbor, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; three nephews; and five cousins.
Funeral mass will be conducted 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2009, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father James Arsenault officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the the William E. Lavery Professorship for International Affairs, Virginia Tech University Gift Accounting, (mail code 0336) 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24061 or to St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund, 1205 Old Mill Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24060.
Friends may call anytime after noon on Thursday, February 19, 2009, and the family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening with a Rosary service following at 7:30 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Cub Drive, S.W., Blacksburg, Va.
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Norma Keltner Kerbaugh
March 10, 2009
Dear Peggy and Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Dr. Lavery had passed away. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
It was such a pleasure to have worked with you both when he served as Vice President on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He worked so hard to better the Commonwealth in so many ways. I know he will be greatly missed.
I especially treasure the memory of football games at VT when we were your guests in The President's Box.
May God bless each of you.
Sincerely,
Jim Heller
March 9, 2009
Dear Laverys
I have fond memories of your family, growing up with Mike and Debbie, playing football in your backyard and enjoying the warm hospitality you shared with us.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss and may your fond memoreis of your Dad live on forever.
Dan Frith
February 24, 2009
Debbie and Mike:
My sincere condolences over the death of your father. I will always remember his quick smile and easy manner. Your fine family is a testament to his accomplished life. He will be missed.
Charlie Phlegar
February 24, 2009
Debbie and family- I send my best to all of you and remember so fondly Dr. Lavery the man, leader, and friend to our family. I trust you all will share many wonderful memories of him in the weeks and months ahead. Warmly, Charlie
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Sue and Tom Robertson
February 22, 2009
Peggy and family; Tom and I were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. You are in our hearts and on our minds. We will always cherish the times we spent together here in Naples and at Virginia Tech.
Karen Skeens
February 20, 2009
Dear Mrs. Lavery, Lori, and family,
I am so sad to learn of Dr. Lavery’s death. He was a wonderful man and helped open doors for me during my tenure in development at Warm Hearth Village. Dr. Kroontje, founder of Warm Hearth Village, spoke often of his gratitude for Dr. Lavery’s assistance with many endeavors at Warm Hearth Village and Virginia Tech. When I heard that Lori had succeeded me at Warm Hearth Village, and knowing how much Dr. Kroontje thought of Dr. Lavery, I remember thinking that Dr. Kroontje must be smiling. After I moved to Northern Virginia, Dr. Lavery continued to open doors for me and had a hand in helping me secure my current position. I feel blessed to have known him, will always cherish the memories I have and will be forever grateful for his assistance. He will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love,
loretta buffer
February 20, 2009
Dear Lavery family, Jim and I were saddened to hear of Bill's passing and send prayerful condolences to each of you. We remember him as a trusted colleague and supporter, as well as a fellow parishioner who worked as hard at academia as he did in church work, if not moreso. We have asked our son, Fr. Tom Buffer, to offer a Mass for Bill's repose. May he rest in peace, may the angels welcome him into paradise where he will hear our Savior's words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
With love and prayers,
Jim and Loretta Buffer
Paul Shelton
February 19, 2009
Mike & Lisa,
My sincerest condolences to you and all your family at this difficult time. I'm sorry I was not able to make the trip up to Blacksburg. But please know that you're in my thoughts.
-Paul
Ed Moore '71
February 19, 2009
Dr. Lavery was a fine man and a great Hokie and President!
God Bless.
Bill and Susan Linkous
February 19, 2009
Mike and Lisa,
Bill and I are sorry for your loss. Try and remember are the happy times you all had together. Great memories never go away. Bill and I sit right behind you all at the football games. We remember how proud you were at homecoming and your Dad was on the field. Take care.
Nita Kelly
February 19, 2009
To the Laverty Family,
Dr. Laverty personally helped me into the Upper Bound Program and VT. His act of believing in me forever changed my life. I can still hear him saying, "It doesn't matter where you came from it only matters on where you plan to go". Those words will remain in my heart forever. I am now a teacher and I can hope that I pass his kindness on in some small way. I am holding you close in prayer. This I know to be true.. A great man is NEVER forgotten.
Kathy Keltner, Ph.D.
February 19, 2009
Dear Lavery family; I offer my sincere condolences to each of you. Dr. Lavery was one of my favorite people in the world. Not only did he make Virginia Tech an incredible academic institution, but he also took a sincere interest in its students (quite a feat for an institution of that size and magnitude). He was such a positive influence on me and my decision to continue in academe. I will forever be humbled and grateful for his kind and supportive words, and also for the congratulatory notes he sent as I passed each milestone. We have indeed lost a great person, but I know his spirit will live on in the many lives of those whom he touched. May God bless each of you.
Agnes Heller
February 19, 2009
Dear Pegy, Mike, Debbie Lori and Mary-Beth, we are so sorry for your loss. We can not be with you, because we are away for the winter, but do have fond memories with you as our neighbors.
The pregame breakfasts at your house and neighborhood get to gethers as our children grew up will be remembered by all of us.
We always see Bill with a smile on his face, no matter how weighty his professional life was.
All our love Agnes and Bob Heller, Blacksburg.
Phil & Sharon Brougham
February 19, 2009
Peggy and Family
It was with deep regret that Sharon & I heard of Bill's passing. We had heard he was sick some time ago. Please know that you are in our thoughts and look forward to seeing you back in Pepper Tree soon.
Lucinda Piro
February 18, 2009
Sending you lots of love and prayers at this time. When my Dad passed, someone said, "The extent to which you hurt, is the extent to which you loved." Peace & Love, the Piros'
John and Kelly Wheeler
February 18, 2009
Mrs. Lavery and family,
Our most heartfelt condolences to you -- Dr. Lavery was a wonderful man who made us feel special, even though we are just friends of Lori's family (and Wahoos too!). We will be praying for God's comforting touch to be with you at all times.
Kurt Holderied Class of '87
February 18, 2009
Sad news to hear about the passing of your father/husband…but what a great life. To me, I just remember him as a great person and someone to admire (especially for those of us in school at Tech during his years as president). I didn’t have much contact with him but I remember meeting with him once in his office – one of those required things for my fraternity. It always amazed me that he made the time for something like that. I was in the Marching Virginians and he was a big fan of the marching band - did a lot to support its growth and development. I remember when questions came up about the band attending different games (cost issues) he always sided with the band being there and found a way to make it work. That was always fun for us because we got to go on all those great road trips to bowl games and away games at Clemson, WVU, UVA and others (long before bowl games were an annual event). I remember at the Independence Bowl one year he was all stressed out due to some controversy at the time (can’t remember what it was) and he showed up late for the pep rally. When he came into the building where we were having the pep rally everyone stood up and cheered for him, we played the fight song and he got all emotional. I remember him walking around the band and the cheerleaders, shaking hands and talking to everyone. He truly loved the students and Virginia Tech. Ut Prosim – Dr. Lavery lived the motto. The five years I spent at Tech were some of the best of my life and I think Dr. Lavery deserves credit for building a foundation of excellence that has expanded ever since.
“so stand and sing all hail to thee…”
Sharon Jennelle Snyder
February 18, 2009
Dear Mrs. Lavery, Debbie, Michael, Lori and Mary,
Your Husband and Father always made me feel so welcome in your home. He was so cheerful, affectionate and interested in what his children as well as there friends were doing. That moment that he always took with me every time lifted my self worth as a teenager and opened my mind up to what kind of a husband I wanted one day. He was such a nice man. My heart breaks for your loss. I know you will miss him as will everyone who ever met him. My Love and Sympathy to you all.
Nancy Benedict (Class of '86)
February 18, 2009
Dr. Lavery gave me a college environment that I cherish to this day. His wife and Mary Beth provided hours of enjoyment during my Eagle Express employment days, and Lori has always had a special place in my heart.
To this day I cannot think of the Lavery family without finding a smile on my face.
Loss, in a word, stinks. I'm thinking of you all especially hard, and sending my prayers and lots of love.
Mary Ann Weimer Lentz Poole
February 18, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Lavery. He was a great support to me while at the University and I have always remembered his committment to others and was always honored that he remembered me.
As with the angels he will be...
Kathy Queen Gambill
February 18, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Lavery was a wonderful man and the world has surely lost a gem. He was always so kind to the friends of all the Lavery children and I have many fond memories of him laughing and joking with us when we were at your house. I loved going to Tech, being a “townie” and knowing he was the President of the University! His legacy is one of love, joy and accomplishment.
JANICE DOVE HODGE
February 18, 2009
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE EXTENDED DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
BHS CLASS OF 1976
JANICE DOVE HODGE
February 18, 2009
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE EXTENDED DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
BHS CLASS OF 1976
Mark Holdren
February 18, 2009
Dr. Lavery was a true gentleman and I will always remember his kind manner and commitment to Virginia Tech. I was fortunate to meet him as a Class officer at Virginia Tech and personally as his son Mike's fraternity brother. I will always remember his willingness to help all members of the Virginia Tech Family. My thoughts are with all the members of his family.
Jim & Ginny Teitt
February 18, 2009
He was a pillar of the school, the community and our lives at Tech, a man exemplifying the true spirit of Ut Prosim; may God bless Bill and his family.
Dr John White, Tracy Roberts, Dottie and Staff at Pulmonary Medicine of Virginia
February 18, 2009
It has been an honor to both know and treat Dr. Lavery. His visits to our office always left everyone, from patients to staff, feeling happier just to interact with him. His kindness, intellect and humanity was apparent in the extra time he took to visit with all of us on an individual basis, including Dot the therapy dog. He loved to share animal stories, and he and I shared a fond saying when it was time to stop chatting and go. It always made him laugh; "My boot is in the stirrup and my pony is ready to go."
Our love and condolences to the family. You were blessed to have him as a husband and a father. He will be greatly missed and long remembered.
Coach Spaulding
February 18, 2009
Mitchell Family:
Thinking of you during this difficult time, and sending prayers your way!
Robert Wilson
February 18, 2009
As a youthful undergrad in 1975 I wrote to new President Lavery, telling him that he had big shoes to fill, and I was there to guide him. To my surprise he wrote back and took me up on the silly offer. He had a great sense of humor.
Virginia and VT will benefit for generations from the acquisition of Kent Land (Whitethorne Plantation). It was an inspired move and helps to preserve a great cultural and historic heritage. Condolences to the family, Bill was a good man, and I thank him for his service to VPI.
R. J. MCCRACKEN ('73)
February 18, 2009
Deepest Sympathies to the Lavery Family.
Ken and Joyce Martin
February 18, 2009
Peggy, Joyce and I want you to know our heartfelt sympathy, due to the passing of your husband and dear friend and colleague Bill Lavery. I still remember the first time I met Bill, when he was employed by the Federal Extension Service in Washington D.C. The friendship has remained since that time. Virginia Tech was truely blessed to have had a President with a servant's heart and character like Bill's. Our lives were enriched because of his leadership and friendship.
Ken and Joyce Martin
Les Hutchinson
February 18, 2009
We share in your loss and we grieve with you. Dr. Lavery was a gentleman and such a pleasure to be around. He truly was a role model to thousands of students. He was a dear friend to me and I will always treasure his kind words of encouragement and support. HokieNation will never be the same. May God be with each member of the family.
Willis Jackson
February 18, 2009
Jerrie & I have known Bill and Peggy since he joined the Shenandoah Life Insurance board of directors in 1975.They quickly became good friends. Bill was a great contribitor and really made a difference. We extend our condolences to Peggy and family.
Shirley Carroll DeWeese
February 18, 2009
I worked with Peggy at Dr. Dyer's office in the 80's and Dr. Lavery's visits were always a highlight for everyone. His passing is a great loss and my thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and family.
Will and Donna Farmer
February 18, 2009
To Mike and Family, Will and I were very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and sad time.
Janet & Richard Perkins
February 18, 2009
Mrs. Lavery & family:
We were students at Tech in the late 70s and have many fond memories of President Lavery. Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Mary Helen Loftin
February 18, 2009
I worked with the Virginia Copertive Extension when Dr. Lavery was with
The Extension Service. He was a very pleasant person to work with and I truly cherish that connection.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Paulette Moore Boothe
February 18, 2009
Mrs. Lavery and family. Dr. Lavery will be surely be missed in the community. Starting in Madison, WI when my sisters and I babysat for your children to the years in Blacksburg after Dr. Lavery was, I'm sure, instrumental in bringing our father to the faculty. The Paul Moore family thought so highly of you all. There are many glorious reunions happening in heaven!
Kerry and Eileen Powers
February 18, 2009
Our sincere condolences to the Lavery family. Dr. Lavery was one of the finest men we knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carilion Pulmonology
February 18, 2009
We are very sorry to hear about Bill. We are going to miss him dearly. Our thought's and prayer's are with your family at this difficult time. May God Bless.
Ray and Ann Allen
February 18, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lavery family in the loss of Bill a humble and caring human being.
Blacksburg is a better place because he lived there.
Fran Williams Collins
February 18, 2009
Mrs. Lavery and family:
Bev and I enjoyed our visit to your home in Florida when we were traveling to Ft. Lauderdale. Dr. Lavery will certainly be remembered for his friendly smile and generous hospitality. He was a true Mentor to my daughter Robin Atkins. We will keep you in our prayers.
Gene Wilson
February 18, 2009
Our love, thoughts, and prayers to you, the Lavery family, as we fondly remember Dr. Lavery.
Gene and Mary Wilson
Bill Dickson
February 18, 2009
Bill Lavery was one of the nicest people I ever met. Virginia Tech is fortunate to have had such an unselfish person. My condolences to the Lavery family.
Anita & John (Dashon's Grandparents) Lilly
February 18, 2009
Lori, Carl and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you and your family. I did not know your dad personally, but have been in the community and at Va Tech, and have been hearing wonderful stories about his loyalty to Va Tech. For a man to be that loyal to his job, I know that he was a great husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ranjana Chachra
February 18, 2009
Dear Peggy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We will always remember Bill in our hearts and for all he did for Va Tech. We pray for you and your family and hope the fond memories will be a source of comfort to you.
With deepest sympathies,
Ranjana and Vinod.
Robert Turner
February 17, 2009
Thanks for his contributions to Virginia Tech's greatness.
MILDRED WHITESCARVER
February 17, 2009
MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE LAVERY FAMILY,KEEP THE MEMORIES AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Paul & Chris Burtner
February 17, 2009
Lavery Family - Chris and I send you our deepest sympathies on the loss of Bill. He was always good to our family and my parents really enjoyed knowing them and all of you. We will keep you all in our prayers through this time.
Bill & Marion Leadmon
February 17, 2009
Peggy:
Marion and I were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Lavery's passing. Although we only met you a couple of short years ago, we feel like we have known you for many years. We both enjoyed our conversations with you and Bill and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracey Phillips Beck (Class of 1987)
February 17, 2009
Kathy and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Lavery family. I had the distinct privilege to get to know Dr. Lavery while a student at Virginia Tech. His genuine compassion for everyone -- students, faculty, and alumni -- left a lasting impression on those who had the good fortune to know him. While saddened by his passing, may the Hokie nation -- and especially the Lavery family -- take solace from the enduring legacy of service to the University and community that he leaves behind.
JT Spanos
February 17, 2009
Bill Lavery was a wonderful man. He always had time to talk to the students and listened to what was said. I will miss him as will all in Hokie Nation
Todd D. Dale
February 17, 2009
Virginia Tech has lost a great soul. I had the honor of knowing this man and his family personally during my time at Tech. I sincerely believe that he was one of the early and lasting influences on my career and approach to balancing work, family and community involvement. God Bless the Lavery family. His spirit lives on in all those who were graced by his presence.
Paul Zweifel
February 17, 2009
Kathy and I were saddened to hear
of Bill Lavery's passing. He was an
inspiration to me when I was a member of the Tech faculty.
May he rest in peace.
A. Bill Beach
February 17, 2009
Class of 1973
To Mrs. Lavery and the entire Lavery family, my deepest sympathy. Dr. Lavery did much for Virginia Tech to move the school to where it is today.
Bill Roberts
February 17, 2009
"Uncle Bill" was a class act. Whenever our paths crossed I was meet by a smiling face and joyful greeting. Our daughter was a student @ Tech during his tenure and you could sense the fondness they had for "Uncle Bill.
Ken Alexander
February 17, 2009
Dr. Lavery let me into Virginia Tech after being denied admission. Thanks sir, your act of trust in me changed my life. God Bless your family, for you helped bless mine.
Carl Verboncoeur
February 17, 2009
I met Dr Lavery during my freshman year at Tech in 1970, and had the good fortune to be in his company on multiple occasions during my time in Blacksburg. No matter how busy he was, he always took the time to chat, showing a sincere interest in my life, leaving an indelible impression of a man I truly admired. May God rest his soul and comfort his loving Family.
Doug Waters
February 17, 2009
I was Editor of The Collegiate Times in 1979-80, when Dr. Lavery was president. He was incredibly supportive of me, the CT, and all student-oriented programs. I have complete respect and admiration for his life and his work.
H. Jackson Furr, III
February 17, 2009
Class of '77
Deepest Sympathies to the Lavery Family.
Evelyn Williams
February 17, 2009
Dear Mrs. Lavery,
We are all deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Lavery's passing. We will miss his smiling face at St. Mary's. He always seemed excited to see our two sons and was pleased to hear about their progress in higher education.
You will both be remembered in our prayers and Masses.
Very Sincerely,
Evelyn, Harold, Timothy and Andrew Williams
Bill And Kathy Moore
February 17, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Leslie Roberts Gregg
February 17, 2009
My heart goes out to the Lavery family. Growing up in Blacksburg, I have fond memories of Blacksburg High School activities with Dr. and Mrs. Lavery always attending. Our high school prom breakfast was spent at their home on Rainbow Ridge. While a student at VA Tech, I recall Dr. Lavery always had time, a smile, and a kind word for everyone. His support and love for Virginia Tech was evident. He was known to always show up to greet returning athletes (no matter what the hour), congratulating them on their success or consoling if necessary. He will be greatly missed.
Matthew Hankins
February 17, 2009
To Mrs. Lavery, Lori and the entire Lavery family, We for God's peace and comfort for you during this time.
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