Ernest "Skip" LaRose

“Skip” E.H. LaRose, a man of integrity, was born on January 12, 1944. He was pre-deceased by both of his parents, Ernest and Delima and his sister Clara. He is survived by his wife Caroline, daughters Denise LaRose, Rebecca (Jake) Stephens, and his granddaughters Maria and Alyssa Osuchowski. Born in the small town of Redford, NY, Skip was raised near his numerous cousins. He spent his days fishing, working on local farms, and in high school playing basketball, soccer, and as a pitcher on the baseball team. Skip enlisted in the United States Army July 1 st , 1964. He was Vietnam Era Veteran whose tour of duty was in Berlin, Germany. When Skip was discharged from the Army in 1968, he met his wife Caroline at the local hospital. Within days they knew that they would spend the rest of their lives together. Caroline fulfilled a promise to her parents, to complete her education to attain a Bachelor’s degree; on August 8, 1970 they were married, (Thenceforth he “ walked the line. ”) Three years later they welcomed their first daughter Denise and two and a half years later their daughter Rebecca. Skip received his Associate’s Degree of Criminal Justice in 1978. He worked for 33 years for the State of New York Department of Corrections; a job he never loved, but dutifully endured for the good of his family. In retirement, he worked a part-time job as a courier for Glens Falls Hospital. In 1983, with the help of dear friends John and Doris Myers, he purchased his first camper, which began his love of camping. In 1985, the family took a five week long trip across the country. The family was hooked on exploring the incredible country God has blessed us with. He has visited every state but Alaska. Skip and his family began attending church in the late 1970s. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Richard S. and Shirley Bird, he and his family grew in faith, and developed personal relationships with Jesus Christ. During his time at Bay Road Presbyterian Church, his service included, but was not limited to Deacon, Trustee, Elder and member of the men’s ministry. He also was instrumental in the construction of the Upper Room and South Wing Projects at the church. Additionally, Skip and his wife Caroline served on the childcare committee and team of the Young Lives camp at Lake Champion where he turned “ zeros into heroes ”. He also served on the local committee for SODAK Young Life as well as being an active member of the Glens Falls Lions Club. He is a member of Pine Knolls Alliance Church. Skip’s retirement years have been spent traveling, enjoying time with friends and family, and as an avid Yankees fan, watching baseball. He and Caroline have spent the past 13 winters surrounded by friends, who have become like family, at Manatee Hammock Campground in Titusville, FL. The rest of the year, he could be found every Wednesday morning at Cronin’s Golf Course with his favorite crew of golfing buddies. Skip is loved by all who knew him. He was a man of integrity, faith, love, and humor. He was a faithful friend, brother, son, husband, father, and grandfather. He began his battle with an aggressive bladder cancer in 2009. He fought bravely and valiantly, never complaining as he endured multiple surgeries and cancer treatments. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

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