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June 20, 2007

Former PSU alumni director dies suddenly

By STEPHEN BARTLETT

PLATTSBURGH -- More than four years ago, Paul Dingman fell and shattered his leg when a tree stand collapsed.

For the next two hours, his close friend Malcolm Mal' Lavery cleared a path through a forest that had been ravaged by Ice Storm '98 as Dingman, too big to carry at over 6 feet and 220 pounds, crawled behind him. Dingman will never forget Lavery's sense of humor as they made their way to safety.

"You'll never have a more loyal friend."

Lavery died unexpectedly late Monday night and was remembered by those who knew him as kind, funny, intelligent and giving.

The 65-year-old's educational pursuits included a career at Plattsburgh State and service on the Plattsburgh City School Board and Clinton Community College Board of Trustees.

"He was an extremely gifted man," said Michael Mannix, who served for more than 10 years on the City School Board with Lavery. "He listened and was able to digest situations."

He recalled Lavery's "tremendous smile" and zest for life. Lavery cared about people, Mannix said, and wanted to give back to the community.

"The City School District was better for the years he served."

Former Plattsburgh City School Superintendent Arthur P. Momot agreed, fondly remembering the past board president as a good thinker who had the best interests of the district at heart.

Lavery graduated from Plattsburgh State in 1965 and landed a job there as an admissions counselor in 1969. Two years later, he earned his master's degree and in June 1972 was named director of alumni affairs.

He was appointed director of development and alumni affairs in September 1991 and retired from the university in May 1997.

Rose Anderson, who holds Lavery's former position at Plattsburgh State, called alumni board members to relay the news of his sudden death, the cause of which was not immediately determined.

"It is like they have lost a member of the family," she said.

She'll never forget Lavery's sense of humor and ability to brighten the day of those around him.

"He was a strong member of the Plattsburgh family and will be missed."

A year before his retirement from Plattsburgh State, the Clinton County Legislature appointed Lavery to the Clinton Community College Board of Trustees. He was recently reappointed for a seven-year term and served as secretary.

"He was a very positive individual and cared very much about the college," said CCC President Dr. Maurice "Moe" Hickey.

Lavery called Hickey on Monday to say he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't make a meeting of the trustees.

Board Chair Nina Coolidge fielded calls Tuesday morning from fellow trustees, devastated by the news of Lavery's death.

"I can't imagine the board convening without Mal," she said.

She said that while Lavery was known for his sense of humor, he could be serious when needed.

Dingman also appreciated Lavery's serious side.

"He was very well read."

They met more than 30 years ago, the bonds of their friendship growing strong with time.

They owned land together that they hunted on and were partners on real-estate deals for Remax North Country Calkins Professionals.

Lavery got Dingman into the business.

"When I retired, he figured I was driving everybody around the house nuts and encouraged me to take the exam."

The pair eagerly awaited May 1 of each year because of turkey hunting. They would set up camouflage tents overlooking a meadow, and though they were within a few feet of each other, Lavery would communicate with Dingman by walkie-talkie.

"We were supposed to be quiet," Dingman said, "but that didn't last long."

sbartlett@pressrepublican.com

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