John "Jack" Lasher

John “Jack” Lasher - 1930-2026 John “Jack” Harold Lasher passed away with family by his side on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was married to Betty for 74 years, and they lived a life rooted in community. Jack was born and raised a farm boy in Germantown, NY at the start of the Great Depression. The lived experience of “making do with what you have” during those hard times greatly influenced his life and perspective. Jack embodied the qualities of ingenuity and creativity, practical knowledge, leadership, and sheer physical ability. Jack excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Germantown High School. He spent summers in those years as a carpentry apprentice with his uncle Jigs, an experience that enabled him to later build and repair homes for himself and for his family. In addition, young Jack contributed to his family's produce business by assisting his father in the orchard and with the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He was stationed in Texas and in Spokane, WA during his 3-year assignment where he worked as a mechanic, qualified as a Sharpshooter, and learned to cook for large groups in the mess hall. His wife Betty joined him on base and this experience sparked their love of travel, inspiring them to visit all 50 states. Jack and Betty returned to Columbia County in 1953, settling in Elizaville and quickly becoming integral members of the community. It was here that Jack shined as a man built for his time and for his place. A literal “Jack of All Trades”, he could harvest and hang a deer in the morning, cut and haul trees from the woodlot in the afternoon, and shod horses or move the cows in the evening. Though he raised various farm animals, horses were his passion. He taught his family to ride and regularly participated in local horse shows and gymkhanas, often competing in barrel races himself. He supplied horses for three summer camps: Scatico, Eagle Hill, and Columbia. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Jack enjoyed camping, waterskiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, and skiing with his family. Jack served as Superintendent of the Taconic State Parkway and eventually retired in 1986. He valued morale and teamwork and made a point to work alongside the crew plowing or paving instead of sheltering back at the office. After retirement, he worked constructing and maintaining private roads as well as logging, hauling, and excavating. In other words, if a job had to be done chances are he could do it. Jack was a lifetime member of the Elizaville Volunteer Pumper Company #2 for 54 years. He served in leadership roles as both Captain and Chief, and even assisted in designing a pumper brush truck for Elizaville, which Mattel Toy Company later reproduced as a popular toy replica. Jack was famous for his chicken barbecues and could be found slinging eggs or reveling with patrons at pancake breakfasts. He played a vital role within the organization as a mentor to countless members, some of whom remain active in the department to this day If you knew Jack Lasher – and almost everyone in Elizaville did – you knew a man committed to his family and his neighbors, who would stop at a moment’s notice to lend a hand or lend an ear. You knew that he and Betty threw the best parties and pig roasts around, and that you were always welcome to stop by and catch up. Jack is preceded in death by his wife Betty, son David, and sister, Betsy (Stephen B.). He is survived by his sister Luane (Bob C.) daughters Sharon Odak (Tom), Leann Schroder (Marc), granddaughters Stephanie Harris (Dan), Jamie Colon (Eric), great-grandsons Brandon, Justin, Ricky, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great-grand nieces and nephews. In accordance with Jack’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Instead, we invite you to honor his legacy of community service by contributing to your local fire department, supporting local athletics, or by lending a hand to your neighbors in need. We are eternally grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at the FASNY Fireman’s Home in Hudson.

John "Jack" Lasher

September 3, 1930 - March 22, 2026

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

John "Jack" Lasher

September 3, 1930 - March 22, 2026

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support