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Foxy's Unforgettable Characters - Part Three
In previous blogs I have listed some of the most memorable characters that I've known while growing up in Plattsburgh. These are not necessarily the most important people in my life. These are people who, for one reason or another, have made me shake my head and smile and think, "What a character!" In many cases, it would be someone who was fun or daring or outspoken or outlandish. So far I have listed the following characters: Joe Bornstein, Michael Finnegan, Gary Finney, Bobby Hall, Gordie Little and Dave Mayette. That leaves four more to complete my list of "Foxy's Ten Most Unforgettable Characters."
#7 - BILLY McNEIL - If you know Billy, then you know that Billy has hundreds of ways to make you laugh. I grew up with Billy from fifth grade at Our Lady of Victory Academy all the way through high school graduation. He played football with reckless abandon, he played basketball with reckless abandon, knees and elbows flying as he went for a rebound, and he had a strong right arm in baseball, the type of pitcher who was tough to hit when he wasn't hitting you with his fastball. Away from sports no one was better at taking a dare than Billy McNeil. His bus trip around the OLVA playground is a legendary story. No one tells that story better than Mike Flynn, who was on the bus with me. But that's a story for another blog. In our Class of 1966 yearbook, under "Class Clown" is the name "Billy McNeil." I haven't seen Billy in years. I don't know if he still lives in the North Country or not. I'd like to see him! I'm sure we'd have a good time and plenty to talk about. He was quite a character!
#8 - MAYOR REV. ROLAND ST. PIERRE - Whether he was speaking from the pulpit or speaking from his mayoral seat in the Common Council chambers, Fr. St. Pierre was colorful and interesting. Fr. St. Pierre was mayor of our city from 1972-1977. In public he was often accompanied by a big cigar and when he spoke he waved his arms in demonstrative fashion. One former city alderman recalls that "when he'd get mad that cigar would wiggle ... and it would wiggle a lot!" I didn't always agree with his political viewpoints, but I did enjoy his gift of gab and his eloquence. A favorite quote of his, referring to his lofty ambitions, and perhaps said tongue-in-cheek, was "Plattsburgh, Albany, Washington and Rome!" Fr. St. Pierre is now a retired priest and no longer lives in the North Country. But he will always be one of Plattsburgh's most colorful public officials.
Do you have a suggestion? It's not too late for fellow bloggers to throw in their opinions!
Comments
Foxy, not only do I second Marion Bourdeau with all of her local knowledge on PARC, real estate but also a great mom, always there for her family and all the local kids, advocating for our needs as children and adults. A GREAT WOMAN!
(Foxy's note: Hey, she married a Fox Hill boy ... what else can I say?)
Posted by: Angela Jennette | June 8, 2006 9:53 AM
Foxy,
Only 2 spots left and no mention of "the voice of the Cardinals"? Ducky Drake may not be a local "character" but without him many of Plattsburgh State faithful would be spending the winter nights wondering how the "boys" were faring. His knowledge of the teams and his description of play is genuine and makes me feel like I am actually at the game even though he might be in Oswego or Potsdam on a given night.
(Foxy's note: You picked a good one, Chris. You are right. Ducky could be doing his hockey play-by-play big time, but instead he prefers the good ol' North Country and Cardinal hockey. Ducky is one of a kind. Good choice!)
Posted by: Chris Heckard | June 8, 2006 7:58 AM
OK Foxy, I guess it is time that I write to your Blog directly (I hope you do not have to correct my English!).
Only two Characters left (The first 8 are all great!). If you intend to have one of the remaining two be a female, what about Marion Bourdeau (realtor, alderwoman, PARC rep and generally outspoken and into everything). She is a bundle of energy and a real "Character".
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>Beside her, I am sure that you can bring to mind some of the very firey sports mothers (like Mrs. Dubey for SJA and Seton --or Karen Burdo for PHS and Post 20) who the whole North Country knows. They drove the refs crazy at times but they were the "driving SPIRIT" in supporting their teams and everyone knew it by their loud voices of support at all games. They and several of the other "Sport MOMS" could probably be on your list of "good" Characters.
(Foxy's note: Tom R -- thanks for the great suggestions. I have been thinking what women would qualify as "characters" and you've come up with some good ones!)
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Posted by: Tom R | June 7, 2006 9:58 PM
Foxy, Someone that I didn't know well but I did get to meet a few times and he certainly was a character was "Hap"Lamere. His perch batter recipe is famous still. His famous fish tales are still told over a couple of cold ones!!!!
Posted by: GOOSE | June 7, 2006 6:54 PM
Hey Fox,
I was a friend of Bobby Hall in P"burgh
then I moved to N. Myrtle -
when Bobby came here it was like we were never apart. there's no better friend than Bobby Hall.
Posted by: beachdude | June 7, 2006 5:07 PM