Clayton "Ted" K. Fountain

Clayton “Ted” Fountain, a beloved member of the Gabriels, NY community, passed away peacefully in his home on December 16, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on November 29, 1943, to Helen (Gonyea) and George Fountain, Ted spent his entire life in the place he loved most—the Adirondacks.

Ted’s early years were marked by his education in the one-room schoolhouse in Gabriels, where he studied through the eighth grade. He went on to graduate from Saranac Lake High School in 1962. Following graduation, Ted proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from February 5, 1964, to February 6, 1968, including a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Ted took business classes at Paul Smith’s College and held various jobs in Saranac Lake. In 1980, he embarked on a new chapter, opening his own business, Ted’s Grocery. From 1981 until its closure in 2010, Ted’s Grocery was a cornerstone of “downtown” Gabriels, serving corrections officers from Camp Gabriels, students from Paul Smith’s College, local residents, summer visitors, and countless passersby. Ted’s gregarious nature and warm spirit made his store a gathering place where stories were shared and friendships formed.

Ted married Anne-Marie Chase in 1970, and together they had two children, Jeffrey and Carissa “Carrie.” Later in life, Ted married Susan Buckert, and he adopted her son, Jay.

Ted’s love for the outdoors was evident in the meticulous care he gave to his yard, a place of pride and relaxation for him. He was also a skilled handyman who could fix any small machine, car or undertake carpentry projects with expertise and precision.

Ted was predeceased by his parents, Helen and George Fountain; his brother, Chauncey; his sisters, Helen Jean Kilmer and Joyce Hadynski.

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Fountain, Carissa “Carrie” Lewis, and Jay Fountain; his sisters, Brenda Fountain Darrah and Valerie Fountain; his son-in-law, Ian Lewis; his daughter-in-law, Jameki Fountain; and three grandchildren he adored: Jake and Zoe Lewis, and Nayima Fountain. Ted also leaves behind a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Ted’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and community. His kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A remembrance of Ted’s life will be held at Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Sunday, December 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where friends and family are invited to share memories and honor his legacy. A funeral mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption in Gabriels on Monday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Paul Smiths-Gabriels Fire Department.