Obituary of Lance Orton Spallholz

Round Lake, NY. Lance Orton Spallholz age 76 passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 16,2024 surrounded by his family. Lance was born in Boston, MA, but grew up predominantly in the Washington County town of Salem, NY. While a high school student at Salem Washington Academy ('65), Lance was a member of the SWA basketball team, which achieved championship status in his junior year. Lance also excelled as a pitcher on the baseball team of SWA. Lance continued his education at Union College ('69), earning his Bachelor of Science degree. After he and his wife Norma married in 1969, they attended the College of Saint Rose and they both earned their Master's degrees in Education. In 1985 Lance earned a second Master's degree in Computer Science from Union College. Lance was a lifelong educator, beginning his career as a teacher at Catholic Central High School in Troy, NY, and at Waterford High School in Waterford, NY, where he taught courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Photography. He then went on to achieve and enjoy a 27-year career as a faculty member in the Computer Science department at Union College. The significance of Union College in Lance's life is not limited, though, to his academic and professional achievements there, because the college campus is where he met his wife Norma. She was a student at then all-female Russell Sage College, and Lance was a student at then all-male Union. The colleges arranged a "mixer" on Union's campus, and – as legend has it – Lance saw Norma in the College Rathskellar and knew immediately that she was the girl he would someday marry. They went on to celebrate their 55th anniversary this past June. Lance's daughter Julianna and son Drue are also alumni of Union College. Lance and Norma were introduced to Round Lake, NY, in 1973. They moved into their first house in the village on Wesley Avenue and quickly became involved with the village community, serving on numerous committees and projects. Norma and Lance were members of the Historical Society and helped to organize many activities in and associated with the village Auditorium. During this time, they together created a Round Lake coloring book, which includes drawn images of Round Lake houses and people in an historical setting, honoring the village's rich past. For nearly four decades, Lance served on the Round Lake Village Planning Board, much of this time as the Board's Chair. He also served as a member of WRLIS (Women's Round Lake Improvement Society), and on the Library Board of Trustees, being named its Vice President in 2015. In 2014, Lance was selected as Round Lake's Honoree in recognition of his contributions to the village, and he was named Historian in 2023. During his too-short time in this role, he gave many lectures about village history, and in the summer of 2023 led a walking tour of the village, sponsored by the Saratoga County History Center. A recording of this tour can be viewed online. Lance also created a Google maps self-led walking tour (accessible by QR code) that provides walking directions and the opportunity to see historic pictures and read about the importance of sites in the village. Lance has co-authored with his brother Julian and Arthur Vaughan of Maine, a book called Auto Touring America's National Parks: The Photography of H.A. Spallholz. This book features the photography and story of Lance and Julian's paternal family who took a trip by car across the United States in 1919, documenting the American landscape of that time. The book – published by Texas Tech University Press – is set to launch in Fall of 2024. While Lance did not live to see the publication of this forthcoming book, he was proud of it, and enjoyed telling folks the story of its origin. Lance was curious, passionate, and deeply devoted to the many things that were important to him. He amassed a large collection of antique and vintage postcards depicting Round Lake, Union College, and Salem, NY. Each fall and winter he could be heard cheering from the bleachers at Union College hockey games. He adored kayaking with Norma and with friends and neighbors on Round Lake (and even crafted "fire island" – a floating campfire to be used on evening paddles). He and Norma frequently traveled to Cape Cod, and made many trips to take up residence in the lighthouses of the northeastern United States, and in Quebec. He was a talented photographer, specializing in vibrant beach sunsets. He was known for his quick wit and penchant for puns, eliciting both laughter and eye rolls from his family and friends. His enthusiasm for all sports – in combination for his love for his children and grandson – led him to coach his son Drue's youth baseball and basketball teams, and to coach his grandson Phineas's first baseball team. Most of all, though, Lance loved being with his wife and best friend Norma and was happiest sitting next to her in the evening on their beautiful porch, at home in Round Lake. A memorial gathering for Lance will take place on September 28 from 2:00-5:00 at the Round Lake Auditorium. We will gather promptly at 2:00 beneath the tent to share stories and memories, followed by casual food, drink, and time to visit inside the Auditorium from 3:00-5:00. Please allow time to find parking in the village. Family and friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at CatricalaFuneralHome.com