Obituary
Canandaigua/Middlesex – David Scott “Bear” Lafler, 64, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sands Cancer Center, 360 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY 14424.
“Bear” was the son of Pauline Fleischman Lafler and the late Wilbur “Tad” Lafler. He was a 1978 graduate of Marcus Whitman High School.
“Bear” had been a custodian at Marcus Whitman for many years. He loved to mow lawns, which was part of his job at Whitman.
“Bear” had played baseball in high school; and slow-pitch softball as an adult. He liked to watch Westerns and the Andy Griffith Show on TV. “Bear” also followed NASCAR on TV. He enjoyed attending the stock car races in Canandaigua and Dundee.
“Bear” is survived by his mother, Pauline Lafler; two daughters, Caseley (Brian Hollenbeck) Lafler and Mallory (Zach Crooks) Lafler; four grandchildren, Wyatt, Arianna, Aleah and Olivia Hollenbeck; one brother, Kevin (Bridget) Lafler; and two nephews, Cody (Anna) Lafler and Patrick (Katie) Lafler.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a condolence to the Lafler family.
Condolences
Kathy Jones from Palm Bay Florida on Apr. 17, 2024
I know it's been a lot of years but Bear is always spoken of with laughs and smiles. Many good times were had. Our older children still talk about him!
Condolences to the entire family.
Chris & Sharon Grzeskowiak from Stanley NY on Apr. 17, 2024
Someone wake me, this has to be a bad dream! At work I would say come on Bear, let’s go, we got things to do. Now I say, come on Bear, it’s much too early for this….
Pauline, Mallory & Zach, Kevin & Bridget, Cody, Patrick and the rest of the family. Our hearts are breaking along with yours. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bear….
Rest in peace our friend and walk with God.
Donna Myers from Palymra, NY on Apr. 18, 2024
Sending prayers and my deepest condolences to the family and friends, He will be deeply missed by everyone, he was/is a great person loved by everyone,
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Daniel Clement from VICTOR, NY on Apr. 18, 2024
Bear was one of my best friends and a very nice person. Rest in peace my friend.
Linda Turner from Canandaigua, New York on Apr. 18, 2024
Bear was always there at Marcus Whitman to help all the teachers, staff and students. Bear was a very caring and loving guy and will be missed. So many memories for all. Condolence to his daughters and family.
Valerie DeLeo from Shortsville NY on Apr. 18, 2024
Shocked and saddened to read this .... he was absolutely the best. "Mr Bear" to the children... David to some (that means beloved) and Bear to most. Heaven cheers while we weep. Rest easy gentle soul. You will be missed. Val & Bob
Jim Santee from Rushville on Apr. 18, 2024
Sorry to hear this, thoughts & prayers to the family. He will be missed
Karen Lahue from Canandaigua, NY on Apr. 18, 2024
I will forever treasure the many years that Bear and I worked together at the Valley building. He was always there when I needed anything. I am grateful for his friendship and will miss him dearly. Love and prayers to his family.
Gene & Lorraine Mehlenbacher from Canandaigua, NY on Apr. 19, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with David's beloved family and friends during this difficult time.
Amber Purves from Mifflinburg PA ( Rushville NY) on Apr. 20, 2024
Bear... Such a great guy. Always smiling when you'd interact with him. Known Bear for probably 30 years now thanks to my dad.
My father (Ted Oberdorf) worked with bear for many years. I know they had a breakfast group of retired employees on the custodial crew and Bear will be very missed at breakfast.
Rest easy Bear.
Randy Eddinger from Geneva on Apr. 20, 2024
The "Big Cat" or Bear was one of a kind. Easy going, always a pleasure to talk with and just a great guy. He will be missed. My condolences to all his loved ones!
Linda Simmons from Rushville ny on Apr. 21, 2024
I hope the “Bears Den” at the MW high school will still be called that. My father loved working with him and had very memorable moments in the “Bears Den” he was a sweet soul
Don & Pam Osgood from Penn yan, NY on Apr. 22, 2024
Girls,
We are sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great person. We will always remember the great times we had camping and going to the bow shoot at Sugar Hill. Just hold on to your memories and know he will always be with you. God Bless
Patty Martin Carlson from Canandaigua, NY on Apr. 23, 2024
Bear!!! I can't believe you're gone & have moved to Heaven. Please enjoy it there - you deserve it. You had the largest, most golden heart. I have so many memories of you, Jay, Kathy Jordan & others from our high school days. You were such a wonderful friend. May you rest in peace & see the brilliance of God's light now & for eternity. God bless your daughters in your wake. Love you. Patty
Joe Addante from Fairport, NY on Apr. 24, 2024
To David's family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I was a Whitman classmate and knew Bear through our high school years. Always a warm-hearted soul, straight forward and honest personality. Blessing to you during this difficult time, may his memory live on in your hearts.
Scot Chrysler from Victor, NY on Apr. 24, 2024
“Bear” was a close friend during high school. He was a GREAT man with positive attitude. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace my friend!
Bunny Youngs from Penn Yan, NY on Apr. 28, 2024
So sorry for your loss. I just heard of Dave’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.