Lyman Defayette

Lyman Victor Defayette, 84, passed into the arms of the Lord on September 15, 2023, with his family by his side.  Lyman was born in Plattsburgh, New York on December 12, 1938 to Victor and Abbie (Corron) Defayette from West Chazy.  He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute (MAI) in 1957. Upon graduation he worked on the family farm. Soon after Lyman met his forever life partner, the love of his life, Mary LeBlanc at a community dance.  After a whirl wind courtship, that included many trips to Buffalo to court her, they married on January 10, 1958 at St. Leo's Church in Buffalo, NY. Lyman and Mary marked 56 years together, until Mary's passing in November 2014. Lyman and Mary had seven children, resulting in 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren to date. To them he was known as Pepe. Lyman expects those numbers to continue to rise! Lyman was very proud of his large family and enjoyed making memories with them.  Especially when many traveled home each June for the Cadyville  Fireman's Day Parade.

Lyman had a career in agriculture, working for Agway a total of 45 years, retiring in 2000.  During his career he formed life long friendships with many local farmers, some that he continued to visit after retirement.  Lyman loved riding around the farm fields at Rulfs' Orchards with Bob Rulfs, then his son Jon, and spending time at Babbies Farm Museum to visit Lee Babbie.  Lyman was very proud of his long career in agriculture and his friendships with many farm families across Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties.  Lyman's relationship with the soil continued  after his retirement at his and Mary's home in Cadyville.  He could be seen atop his John Deere cultivating his grass into a carpet of lush green grass, the envy of many.

Lyman loved “The Gals” at the Pickleball Palace where he enjoyed watching them learn to play the game, bringing him and them, lots of laughs; the staff at Perkins, especially Betty, where every Wednesday morning he went for his breakfast of pancakes; Erin Pangborn at the Town of Plattsburgh Parks and Recreation Dept., for letting him volunteer to help maintain the Cadyville Park walking trails and Disc Golf Course.

Lyman leaves behind his seven children, Steve (Joan) Ticonderoga, Dan (Debbie) Peru, Dennis (Nancy) Queensbury, Tom (Sharee) Geneva, John, Saranac Lake, Melanie (Laurie) Cadyville and Kevin (Jeff) Boston.  His grand and great grand children and his brother Gerald Defayette of Plattsburgh.  Also, his dear friend and fellow outdoor adventurer, Gail Nazak of Harkness.

According to Lyman's wishes, there will be no public calling hours.  A funeral mass will be held at St. James Parish in Cadyville on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 1pm, after which he will be laid to rest at the St. James Cemetery along side his wife Mary. A reception will held at the St. James Parish Hall immediately following the funeral mass.  Donations can be made to the Cadyville Volunteer Fire Dept. or  Hospice of the North Country.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 3 Park Row, Cadyville, New York. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.