03/19/2019
Passing the Torch
These past sixteen years have been among the best in my life. When I was a youngster, I had always dreamed of being a funeral director in a small town. I had visions of serving the community where I grew up, Little Falls, and doing my best, always to help the people where I lived and worked.
Life sometimes throws us a curve. My grandfather died young and the funeral home I had planned on someday owning, got sold and eventually closed. My dream was dashed. I became educated as a funeral director, learned my trade and continued as a funeral director working for someone else. My dream never died. Many years later, I still wanted to own my own funeral home.
I found Clark-Winter almost by accident and on my very first visit to Walton, I somehow knew that here was where I belonged. I bought the business at 50, and it grew beyond my wildest dreams. I was happy that I was in a small town, being the best funeral director I could be.
Central Delaware County, along the West Branch of the Delaware, is an amazing place. It is a gem that shines brightly. It has physical beauty, the river, the mountains, a picturesque setting that just is so beautiful to look at. But all these things pale by comparison to the one thing that it has in abundance; It’s warm and friendly people. I feel blessed that I found Walton and was able to make a contribution to the families who lost members while I was here. I never felt I actually owned the business but was someone who was only a caretaker until it was time to pass it on.
Over the years I have always done my best. I have made some mistakes along the way and am truly sorry to the families I let down. I will live with them knowing that I always gave 100%, but sometimes that was not enough. Sometimes fatigue, both physical and emotional took their toll.
It is now time for me to pass the torch; the legacy of Ivan Clark, Fred and George Lyons’, Barney Radecker and others, to step aside and pass it to someone younger, eager to make the changes necessary to support the people of this community in their time of need. It is now time for Kurt Lester to step up and lead the way, to guide the families that need a helping hand. I know the business is in capable hands. I am pleased that they are taking over.
I now look forward to retirement. I look forward to travel, to slow down and to stop and smell the roses, (the non-funeral variety). I look forward to visiting with and seeing all my friends in Walton, in places other than the funeral home. That is my plan.
I thank everyone in this community for their acceptance and friendship. It means so much more than words can describe. Thank you so very much.
Sincerely
Cal Courtney
Retired funeral director
