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October 9, 2007

Lake Champlain Legends: Happy Lamare

By MICKEY MAYNARD

Harold "Happy" Lamare is one of the Champlain Valley's most legendary fishermen and outdoor sportsmen.

Born in Lyon Mountain in 1917, Hap spent his boyhood years in the wilderness around the rural mining town learning to hunt, trap and fish. As a teenager he moved with his family to Plattsburgh and a few years later, he graduated from high school at Saint John's Academy, class of 1937.

From 1950 to 1969, Hap owned and operated Plattsburgh Seafood, located on Montcalm Ave. in the city's French Quarter. It was at this quaint neighborhood market where many residents of Plattsburgh shopped for seafood and freshwater bounty from Lake Champlain.

Beginning in the early 1960s, folks were treated to a Friday night fish fry of yellow perch, all of which were caught locally by Hap himself, or a hand full of other anglers from his close circle of friends. Clientele throughout the North Country cherished his fish-breading recipe.

Soon after his store closed, Hap moved on to a management position at Janco's Sports shop near Valcour. About the same time, Peaboody's, a downtown Plattsburgh establishment, offered his cultural taste treat, serving "Happy's Fish and Chips" to a new generation of eager fish lovers.

Hap's enthusiasm for the woods and water was equally matched by his love for music. He was a well-known local performer, playing saxophone for 50 years with a number of area artists including The Lynn King Trio, Chet's 4 Notes and The Knights.

Happy Lamare's charisma and legendary status as an outdoorsman led to a position as a newspaper journalist for the Press Republican in the early 1980s. His popular weekly column, "The Outdoors" featured a seasonal hunting and fishing theme. He would often tout the virtues of Lake Champlain and openly share advice and hot spots with readers.

Happy Lamare befriended scores of fellow outdoorsmen on the water, in the field and through his business affairs. He touched many more with his kindness and zest for life.

In 1983, just a few minutes after returning home from a fishing trip to Pulaski, the warm-hearted sportsman passed away.

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