1961 – 2021. November 1, 2021. Beloved sister and aunt, our sweet Carmi left this life suddenly. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio to recent Cuban refugees Luis A. and Gloria B. Valls, Carmen grew up in Buffalo, New York, attending local public schools and graduating from Amherst High School in 1979. As an aspiring violinist and lifelong devotee of the instrument, Carmen attended Peabody Institute at The Johns Hopkins University. She graduated from D’Youville College School of Nursing in Buffalo, and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. She began her career in Buffalo and worked for many years in Philadelphia as a clinical therapist. Her passion for emotional and spiritual growth was her life force, expressed outwardly in her work specializing in healing grief and trauma. Carmen is survived by her six siblings: Teresa of Philadelphia; Isabel of Durham, North Carolina; Luis (Katherine), Maria (Bud), Andrew (Jessica), and John (Theresa) of Portland, Oregon; by seven nephews and nieces (James, Max, Spencer, Alex, Autumn, Alma, Nora); and by cherished friends Barb, Chris and Bonnie, among many others, including extended family. May she be held gently by the universe for eternity and truly rest in peace. She will be forever missed and remembered.
January 27, 2023, age 73, beloved wife of the late Thomas R. Luterek; loving mother of Kelley (Robert) Fahey; dearest sister of Carol (late Lawrence) Jackson; daughter of the late Ted M. and Mildred L. (nee Hyer) Rarog; sister-in-law of Dennis (Carol) Luterek; also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4th, from 3-5 PM at the (Lancaster-Depew Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6050 Transit Rd., Depew, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Hospice Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227 or an animal charity of one’s choice. Share condolences on Kathleen’s Tribute Page at www.AMIGONE.com
Of Amherst entered into rest March 20, 2023; Beloved husband of the late Ivorann (nee Gresens); devoted father of Steven K. (Dewey) Chase, John C. (Mika) Chase, Suzanne M. (Paul) Urbanski and Rebecca R. Morley; grandfather of 6 grandchildren and a great granddaughter; stepbrother of Sally (Douglas) Couch Miller; also survived by nephews. No prior visitation. A graveside service was held at the convenience of the family. A Remembrance Service is being planned by the family. Arrangements by DIETRICH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst. Online condolences may be shared at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com
80, of Gravenhurst, Ontario passed away on Saturday October 29, 2022, peacefully with family at his side. He was born to parents James and Ann, on July 7, 1942, in Buffalo, New York. James graduated from Amherst Central High School and received Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Buffalo State University. He worked for the Trillium Lakelands District School Board as a teacher, Student Services Coordinator and Principal. He married Nancy, the love of his life, in 1965, who survives him. Jim is also survived by his brother Skip and wife Jill, by his son Michael and wife Kirstie, his daughter Krista and husband Mike, and grandchildren Andrew, Brett, Jake, Kyla and Hannah. Jim was predeceased by parents James and Ann, and sister Nancy. Jim was known for his love of badminton, tennis, gardening, music, cooking, singing and spending time with his family. He is a member of the Canadian Badminton Hall of fame and was an International Umpire during several World Championships. His favourite accomplishment was umpiring at the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games and having the opportunity to umpire the Men’s Singles Gold Medal Match in 1996. The Family would like to thank the incredible Dr. Forrester, the staff of Granite Ridge Retirement Residence, the nurses and staff at Bracebridge Memorial Hospital and the truly amazing staff at Andy’s House for their compassion and making Jim comfortable in his final days. The funeral will take place on Saturday November 5th at 1:00pm at the Trinity United Church 290 Muskoka Rd. N, Gravenhurst ON with a reception following the service. In remembrance of Jim’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Andy’s House, Hospice Muskoka who operate primarily on donations. Personal condolences and memories may be shared at www.cavillfuneralhome.com
From brother Waldo “Skip” Lynch ’66:
I wanted to share some memories and accomplishments of my older brother Jim. My brother is in the high school athletic Hall of Fame and he is also in his college athletic Hall of Fame. Both of the these honors were achieved through playing tennis at a very high level.
Excerpt from the Buffalo State Athletics HOF
During his college career, Lynch won the singles and doubles competition in the State College Tennis Championships for 3 years.
Between 1957 and 1965, he won over 100 tennis titles in singles, doubles, and mixed competition.
Jim eventually gave up competitive tennis and concentrated on competitive badminton. This had everything to do with the fact that Nancy , the love of his life, was a competitive badminton player herself, and they could spend more time together.
For a number of years, my brother was ranked and considered one of the best badminton players in the world. He and his partner beat the number one team in the world, on their home court in China, twice. This was when he played on the Canadian national team.
Jim was a champion, tennis player, badminton player, husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Tiger Tracks 