CHAMPLAIN — Walter M. Scriver, 86, of Route 9B, Champlain, most currently of Pine Harbour, Plattsburgh, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born on the Scriver Road in Mooers Forks, May 21, 1926, the son of Merritt and Ellen (Morrison) Scriver. He was number 10 of 11 children.
In 1940, Walter belonged to the Mooers Troop 37 Boy Scouts as a Tenderfoot. He started his agricultural career when he was 12, working for an elderly woman down the road from where he lived. Then he worked for a construction company, and went onto work for Ralph Lewis in Champlain. Walter always felt and said that Mr. Lewis was a great mentor to him. Walter became partner and manager of the Atwood Orchard & Doane Farm in Chazy. The farm held the world's record for Ayrshire herd from 1949 to 1959. In 1950, Walter attended the Graham Scientific Breeding School in Montreal, Canada.
While farming in Clinton County, Walter was an ardent Farm Bureau supporter. He was County President for 2 years and helped with the organization of the Farm Family Mutual Insurance Company in the sale of Debentures and Charter Automobile policies. Walter served many agricultural leadership positions including, President of Clinton County D.H.I.C., Vice President New York D.H.I.C., Vice President of 4-H Executive Committee and Treasurer of Clinton Country Dairymans Association.
In January, 1957, Walter joined the Farm Bureau Insurance Service as an agent of Farm Family Life Insurance Company. During his first six months as an agent, he rose to be among the top 10 agents of the company. In July 1957, he was appointed Sales Manager of Western New York. By the end of 1957, his district was leading the company. Walter was later appointed New England Regional Sales Manager for the Farm Family Life Insurance Company.
Walter graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. He bought the Freeman Business School in Syracuse, teaching insurance to over 9,000 students before he retired in 2006.
Survivors include a sister, Eileen Saxton Peryea; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sylvia Scriver of Mooers Forks, two sisters-in-law, Glorice Phoebus of Fla. and Dorice Clark of Vt.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 64 years who passed away in 2010, Glenice Dodds Scriver; sisters, Mabel, Evelyn and Dorothy; and brothers, William, Julius, Gerald, Harold and Darwin.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 793 Gilbert Road, Mooers. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the spring in the Glenwood Cemetery in Champlain.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Glenwood Cemetery, PO Box 961, Champlain, NY, 12919.
Walter's family wishes to thank the staff and residence for comforting and befriending him during his stay at Pine Harbour.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 793 Gilbert Road, Mooers. To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of Walter Scriver please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com
