MEMBER SIGN IN
Not a member? Become one today!
         iBerkshires     Berkshire Chamber     MCLA     City Statistics    
Search
Search all obituaries on iBerkshires.com:
Printer Friendly Version
   Send to a friend
Lawrence H. Vadnais, 91

February 09, 2017


NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Lawrence H. Vadnais, 91, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017.



Lawrence, born in North Adams on May 21, 1925, was the son of Laurence Vadnais and Gertrude Bernard. He graduated from Assumption High School and enlisted in the Naval Air Corp’s V-12 Program in 1943. He saw action in the South Pacific in World War II as a tail gunner in the Avenger Torpedo Dive Bomber Squadrons.  



After the war, Vadnais received his BA from Middlebury College and his MA from North Adams State College. He went on to a remarkable career as an educational visionary, pioneering project-based learning initiatives in secondary schools and at the college level. He began his teaching career first in Richmond, Mass., and later at the Johnson School in North Adams.  



In 1961, Vadnais joined the first faculty at the new Mt. Greylock Regional High School. During the 1963-1964 academic year, Vadnais attended the University of California, Berkeley, as a member of The John Hay Fellows Program.  In 1968, Vadnais joined the faculty at North Adams State College, where he would go on to create The Center for Resourceful Living as a branch of the Sociology Department. Vadnais retired from teaching in 1987.  



He is survived by Elizabeth Ross Vadnais, his wife of 66 years, and his four children: Martha, Andrew, Christopher and Katie. Nathalie Vadnais, his sister, predeceased him. He leaves grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  



Vadnais had a life-long engagement with ideas about theology, the philosophy of education, the environment and climate change, and the proper place of humans in the world. 



Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Lawrence Vadnais will be celebrated Thursday, February 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church in Stamford, Vt.  Burial will be in the spring in Southview Cemetery. 



There are no calling hours. Donations may be made in his honor to 2020 (children’s vision) and SmileTrain in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
Post Comment
My sincere condolences to Betty and the children. Happy that you had so many years together but the empty spot is always difficult. Think of you all when driving to the corner of Green River Rd. Stamford always seemed so far away even if not really. Mr. Vadnais has left a wonderful family!
from: Jean Vankinon: 03-20-2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Larry's passing, he was a kind, gentle man and I was lucky to have him as a teacher for CCD in Stamford when I was in 7th grade. Larry and I had some good talk about the lessons and sometimes it would just be the two of us. He always inspired me with his faith and all of his knowledge of the Catholic Church. He also would bring my grandmother Holy Communion when she wasn't able to attens Mass. I'll never forget how caring he was. What a wonderful man. He truly will be missed.
from: Hillary (Tatro) Olesonon: 02-15-2017

It is not often that you have your favorite teacher at two different institutions. I was exposed to history at Mt. Greylock Reg. High School the first year Larry taught there. Later, I enjoyed Larry once again at North Adams State College. What a wonderful man, and friend. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know Larry.
from: Robert Y. Burnson: 02-14-2017

Dear Betty and family,

Few people have affective impact on the quality of day to day life. Betty you and Larry are both among those few. I am saddened now in hearing about your loss which is profound. I am however grateful for all you and Larry have done for education, the environment and the Stamford community.
Sincerely and in sympathy, Charlotte
from: Charlotte F Degenon: 02-12-2017

To the Vadnais family,

Sorry to hear about Larry's passing. As a sophomore at NASC I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All it took was one class with Larry to know that teaching was going to be my passion. I am so thankful to him for providing that wonderful opportunity. What a patient, compassionate human being he was.
from: Peter Havilandon: 02-12-2017

Dear Betty and Family,
We were very sad to hear of Larry's passing. WE are keeping you in prayer. We are glad for the chance to spend some time with you.
from: Olaf and Beverly Aaseon: 02-11-2017

A reception to celebrate my father's life will be held in Murdock Hall at MCLA following the service.
from: CJ Vadnaison: 02-11-2017

My deep condolences to Betty and their children. Larry was a wise man and a gentle man. He was a teacher, not just to his official students, but to his colleagues. He was an innovator, with the Center for Resourceful Living, and he continued in that vein with his environmental work, honored, along with Betty, in the lecture series at MCLA. I am glad I had a chance to visit him a few years ago where he still exhibited the listening skills, curiosity and gentle questioning that helped define him. A good man, an honest man. May he rest in peace
from: Maynard Seideron: 02-11-2017

Dear Betty and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your grief will be shared by many, as Larry contributed so much to so many.
My prayers are with you, though I believe your family strength and happy memories will sustain you through this difficult time. 375B
from: Diane Parsonson: 02-11-2017

For the last 15 years, Larry was a dear friend and a fountain of wisdom.HIs ability to take a subject one step deeper was uncanny, and his kind and uncanny ability to force me to think deeper about many things, historic and personal, made our bi weekly meetings a highlight of my schedule.He brought an inner peace to all conclusions, as his being was one of a sense of having found a profound understanding of himself and the world he influenced. I will miss him. Bob Armata
from: Bob Armataon: 02-10-2017

I am so sorry to hear about Larry's passing May your memories of happier times bring you solace in the days to come.
from: Maureen Mooreon: 02-10-2017

Larry was an inspiration for me as a beginning teacher, and a source of wise counsel throughout my career. I am grateful to have known him.
from: Jack Stovelon: 02-10-2017

An inspirational teacher. A wam and wise human being.
from: Donna Wiedon: 02-10-2017

One of the greatest human beings and educator of all times. He positively touched the life's of thousands and helped mold young people into becoming productive and caring citizens. Thank you Mr. V. and God bless you for all that you have done .6
from: Vin Melitoon: 02-10-2017

A wonderful man, and a fabulous professor! He will
be sadly missed. My deep condolences.
from: Gail Granton: 02-10-2017

What a wonderful man and great role model to the youth of today. His smiling face will surely be missed by all. Love Dave, Mary Lou and Luke
from: on: 02-10-2017

Dear Betty and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
from: Barb Malinowskion: 02-10-2017

Larry Vadnais was an inspiring teacher for us at Drury High School. His lectures in history really piqued our interest and helped form the basis of our lifelong interest in national and world events. Rest in peace.
from: Bob and Sallie Benedettion: 02-09-2017

What a wonderful man!
from: John spofford on: 02-09-2017

NorthAdams.com is owned and operated by: Boxcar Media 102 Main Sreet, North Adams, MA 01247 -- T. 413-663-3384
© 2011 Boxcar Media LLC - All rights reserved