Stephen J. Rand
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen John Rand on Nov. 22, at the age of 73. Born in Lake Placid, he was the son of Jay Rand Sr. and Eileen Hall.
Steve grew up in Lake Placid where he attended St. Agnes Elementary School, the Lake Placid High School and then Northwood School, where he graduated with the class of 1969. He then attended college at the University of Wyoming at Laramie and the University of New York at Buffalo.
Growing up in Lake Placid Steve was an excellent student athlete. Where he excelled in many sports including soccer, lacrosse, cross country running and skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping. While attending Northwood School, he was a writer and editor for the school newspaper. His interest in writing and reading continued throughout his life.
At a young age, Steve found a meteorite which spurred his life long passion for rocks and minerals. Everyone who met Steve always received a lesson in the Geology of the Adirondacks. Steve’s passion for geology and his inherent artistic talents led to his career as an artisanal stone mason, where he was locally renowned for his craftsmanship. Not only was Steve a talented stone mason, he was also an extremely gifted oil painter. A true Renaissance Man, the talents in his hands knew no end.
Steve is predeceased by his father Jay Rand Sr., his mother Eileen Hall Rand, his former wife Patty Rand, his brother John (Curly) Rand, his brother-in-law Donald Scammell and his brother-in-law Dennis Ryan. Steve is survived by his sister Judy Scammell of Lake Placid, his brother Jay Rand and his wife Gun Rand of Lake Placid, his sister Barbara Ryan of Lake Placid, his sister Mary Farr and her husband Dan Farr of Gabriels, as well has his five nieces: Nikki Todd, Ingrid Rand, Janne Gilligan, Denja Weibrecht and Stanzi Bliss. Steve is also survived by his son Tyler Rand his wife Natasha Rand, two beloved grandchildren Henry and Vera Rand, and his son Owen Rand of Lake Placid.
Our father’s dedication to the art of stone masonry will be a testament to his talent and work ethic for generations to come. A man of deep intellect, his breadth of knowledge spanned from literature to quantum mechanics and every “Quark” in between. A working class hero is something to be.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, Hillcrest Ave. Lake Placid. Burial followed at St Agnes Cemetery. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate.
The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com