Robert Louis Arnold

He was born Dec. 20, 1931 to Isaac Norman Arnold and Belle Reed Arnold in Franklin Falls in his beloved family farmhouse. Bob was the youngest of 12 children and was named by his sister, Mary, after the author Robert Louis Stevenson, who briefly lived in a cottage near the farm.

Bob’s greatest passion was improving education. He often proudly spoke of how his first classroom experience began in a tiny one room school house in Franklin Falls before “they kicked him out down the road to Bloomingdale” and then to Saranac Lake, where he graduated from high school in 1949. From there, he left the family farm to attend Paul Smith’s College and then transferred to SUNY Potsdam, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Next, he went on to Teacher’s College at Columbia University, where he completed his Master’s Degree in 1955. Forever looking for new challenges and ways to help others, Bob then enlisted in the Army during the Korean War as troop information and education officer and worked with soldiers interested in furthering their education. His next position was assistant professor of education at SUNY Potsdam until 1960, at which point he enrolled once more at Columbia University in the Doctoral program studying Curriculum and Teaching, completing his formal education.

During his studies, Bob worked countless jobs and felt strongly that the lessons he learned while growing up on the family farm prepared him well for any challenges he encountered — in employment and otherwise. His many jobs included trapper, mechanic and food service worker, just to name a few. Bob’s grandchildren especially delighted in hearing stories of how he was a parking attendant at Santa’s Workshop while his future wife, and their Nana, worked alongside him as one of Santa’s elves! He later went on to own several businesses, develop assorted products and even tried his hand at designing educational toys, among multiple other ventures. He wasn’t happy unless he was involved in one project or another!

After eventually finding his way back to the North Country, Bob took a position as associate professor of education at SUNY Plattsburgh. He was the primary author of the Block Program and many other initiatives. Throughout his nearly 70 years in education, he worked tirelessly to improve our childrens’ learning by influencing numerous teachers, conducting workshops all over the country, writing grant after grant and authoring several books. After his retirement from SUNY Plattsburgh following a 26 year tenure, his efforts to improve education continued with the establishment of the Plattsburgh Research Institute for Defining Education, development of a charter school proposal and work as an adjunct professor. His dedication brought him award nominations and recognitions including the SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence Academy medal for outstanding contributions in the field of education.

Bob was a tireless advocate for family, neighbors and friends. If he felt you were wronged, he would fight with everything he had to help bring you justice. To reach that end, he was a member of many service and charitable organizations including the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) and a past president of the Willsboro Essex Kiwanis Club, as well as having a regular and very strong presence at town and school board meetings and on the letter to the editor pages of all the local newspapers. Bob was integral in bringing the Smith House Healthcare Center to Willsboro, obtaining grants, raising money and becoming its first administrator. He also played a central role in the formation of the Mineville Health Center. Additionally, Bob was appointed as a member of the Essex County Mental Health and Community Services Board and president of the Essex County Mental Health Association. He also was a member of the board of visitors of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital and the Plattsburgh Crisis Center among many other organizations. If you were his friend, or asked for his help, he was there for you.

Bob was very dedicated to his work and to his community, but he was also incredibly devoted to his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Sue, on Aug. 26, 1953 and he was beside her, tightly holding her hand, right up until his last day. He, along with Mary Sue, were incredibly caring parents and grandparents whose home was filled with abundant love and were steadfast supporters of their children, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memories of Grandpa’s Sunday morning pancakes, his chicken noodle soup, his expertly designed ice rinks, his and Nana’s constant presence in the stands at ball games and school events, and his limitless stories of his family’s roots and growing up on the farm will always be treasured.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of one day shy of 71 years, Mary Sue LaVallee. They had a beautiful, enduring love story that greatly influenced each of their children: Michael (Kelly), Linda (Peter), John (Maura), Paul (Karen), Eric (Pamela) and Darlene (Denny), as well as his 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His parents, siblings, and close friends Tom, Marie, Arthur, Alec and Sid are most certainly all welcoming him into heaven.

Bob’s family would like to offer a huge thank you to Christel, Janet, Shubbey, Jennifer and Stacey for their unwavering support. Tremendous gratitude is also offered to High Peaks Hospice, whose kindness and gentle care will never be forgotten.

Calling hours will be Thursday, Sept. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 6 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. Those who wish to attend are invited to a burial service on Friday, Sept. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Franklin Falls Cemetery located on Gladd Road in Franklin Falls. A reception will take place following at the Arnold Family Farmhouse just up the road on the left.

Donations in memory of Robert Louis Arnold may be made to High Peaks Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, NY, 518-643-9055. To offer online condolences, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Robert, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com.