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Realtors pay tribute to lost colleagues

To the editor:

Our local Realtor family has suffered several losses recently that have saddened our hearts.

The impacts that these individuals had on this profession, as well as the relationships they created and fostered, inspire us to honor them and their legacy.

We miss them dearly.

Bruce Ware: March 7, 1957 – Oct. 24, 2020

Bruce opened Venture North Associates in 1997 and was a resident of Westport with his wife and partner of 38 years, also a Realtor, Carolyn Ware.

Bruce was a past president of NABOR in 2005 and 2006. We truly miss Bruce’s positive outlook and optimism on life, but his smile lives on in all of our memories.

Tina Leonard: March 18, 1958 – Sept. 26, 2021

Tina was a lifelong resident and community activist in the village of Lake Placid, with her husband of 42 years, Joe.

Tina believed in giving back and was active in Lake Placid Rotary club, Shipman Youth Center and the Tri-Lake business networking group. Tina was a professional Realtor and specialized in long-term rentals. She started her own company, Tina Leonard Real Estate, LLC in 2018.

We all looked up to Tina in the perseverance she had to a very debilitating disability. We miss her dearly.

Phil Thayer: April 4, 1944 – Nov. 29, 2021

After his achievements and service to the U.S. Air Force, Phil came to Lake Placid with his wife, Claire, of 46 years, and they raised a family. Phil was an active member of his faith, and started his business, Lake Placid Real Estate, in 1979. Phil mentored other agents in a sales style that was kind and respectable. His contribution to the industry in Lake Placid is forever appreciated.

Bonnie Morris: Sept. 8, 1953 – Dec. 14, 2021

Bonnie lived in Penn Yan, New York in 1978 and started the real estate company Lake Valley Realty. In 1997, Bonnie moved with her three children to Lake Placid and worked in sales at a local resort. In 2004, Bonnie started her own real estate office in Lake Placid, Bonnie Morris Realty. Anyone who knew Bonnie loved her kind spirit, especially when it came to her passion for animals. Bonnie’s smile and kind way of handling clients and colleagues will be forever missed.

We will miss you all but will carry on the honor, professionalism, kindness, and mentorship you so kindly brought to the industry of Real Estate. Thank you all and your smiles live on.

Many of our membership and colleagues have lost family members throughout this past year. We support and sympathize with the loss and grief of all our members who are experiencing such sadness and grief. Your extended family of Realtors send their condolences and support to you all that are grieving.

Sincerely,

Jodi Gunther,

NABOR president

Saranac Lake

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