William Patrick Hovey

Bill was born on Aug. 18, 1961, in Lake Placid, the son of Helyn “Rusty” (Schnaufer) and William “Bill” Hovey.

Bill’s mentors at Northwood School fostered his wonder of the world and the people who inhabit it. He attended the University of Vermont, graduated from George Washington University and returned to Vermont for a Master of Education. Bill spent his entire professional life as a passionate educator determined to challenge his students to step outside of traditional, educational silos in order to think creatively, critically and independently. His unique multi-disciplinary approach to history and its legacy, coupled with his quirky style, set him apart beyond and above his peers. A past student simply and aptly describes Bill as a “legend.” Hundreds of enduring relationships with friends, colleagues and former students from Lake Placid, Vermont, Maine, Norway, Switzerland and China substantiated Bill’s belief that one learns from every moment, person and place. He was captivated by the pursuit of discovery.

“… Life is like a ball game — my soul versus all the things which impair enlightenment and growth. The opposing team pitches the stuff of fear, self-doubt, anger, jealousy, selfishness. There is a regular rotation of heat throwers, junk ballers and masters of deception, and every day I face this opponent and get hits, make outs and score runs. And in the long run, I hope I have more runs than they do. It’s not like one time crossing the plate finishes off the quest. Crossing home plate is a continual quest; with each run, you realize how boundless the soul is. Its truth is ever unfolding; the game is never finished. You are always seeking.”

Bill Hovey, cherished husband, father, friend, lifelong student and teacher, crossed home plate for the last time in Switzerland, surrounded by close family and friends. Duz Luz, Bill.

He is survived by his great friend and beloved wife of 27 years, Carmen Crenshaw-Hovey; Sam and Aleksander, his loving sons of whom he was extraordinarily proud; and Tracey, his devoted sister with whom he shared a special lifelong bond. He is also survived by brothers John, James and Patrick McKenna, who entered young Bill’s life when Rusty married John McKenna after the untimely death of Bill’s father. Bill delighted in the unrequested adulation and love of his 11 nieces and nephews who acknowledge “Uncle Bill’s” habitual curiosity and optimism as intangible influences in their lives.

Bill was predeceased by his parents; his infant brother William P. Hovey, for whom he was named; and the great joy of his life, brother and friend Christian “Chris” Gartner Hovey. His grandparents, William “Pop” and Alice Hovey, and Adam and Helen Schnaufer, and second father John McKenna also predeceased him.

A time to celebrate Bill’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a gift to https://sites.google.com/view/friendsofbillhovey/home will help to ensure that Aleksander has the educational opportunities that Bill so hoped to offer to his son.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein