Grover LaFountain, a retired truck driver from Johnstown, passed away December 16th, 2021. He was 82.
He was born December 28th, 1938 in Cranberry Lake, NY, the son of Norene LaFountain and Grover M. LaFountain who died before he was born. Later, he moved to Russell, NY with his mother and stepfather Harvey Hickok. He graduated from Knox Memorial Central School in 1956 then joined the United States Coast Guard where he served from 1957-1961, primarily aboard the U.S.S. Westwind, an icebreaker, where he was able to visit both the Artic and Antarctic circles among other places. After his service he was a warehouse worker, then truck driver, which he did for over 50 years.
In April 1958, he married the love of his life, Helen Guiles, who predeceased him in October, 2015. He is survived by his two sons, Michael (Robin) of Port Jervis, NY and Grover “Tommy” (Melissa) of Saint Johnsville, NY; his sisters Nadine (Richard) Krantz of Zephyr Hills, Fl, Connie (Evan) Harper of Parishville, NY, and Colleen (Alan) Lamere of Huevelton, NY; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
In addition to Helen, he was also predeceased by his parents, stepfather, and oldest son Thomas (Karen) of Deland, Fl.
At his request, he is being cremated and there will be no services, although the family will have a small graveside ceremony at the South Russell (NY) cemetery in the spring where both Grover and Helen will be interred. In addition, his sons are planning a “celebration of dad’s life” to be held in the spring as well. Donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital New England (Springfield) at Shriner’s Hospital New England, 516 Carew Street Springfield, MA 01104 or online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/locations/new-england using code SHC for the New England (Springfield) location. You can also donate to the First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown, New York by contacting their office at (518) 762-8263 or by email at office@johnstownpresbyterian.org.