Obituary of Thomas W. Lourie

Thomas Willard Lourie passed away on December 23, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born on East Street in West Rupert, VT where he lived his entire life among family. His parents, Mary and Willard Lourie, had five children and ran the family farm. Tom worked on the farm from an early age and then as a young man, spent three years working for the Town of Rupert, and another year drawing milk. He began working at Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, NY in 1953 where he stayed for 36 years, retiring at age 62. He said he never really lived until he retired. Tom started racing harness horses in 1960 and continued until 2010. He, along with his brothers, Bill and Stan, raised and trained horses, with Tom driving them. He raced throughout the northeast and won the first race he drove, and the last race (at age 83), with many wins in between. Vermont Rose was the first of many horses that he owned and Song Guy was among the last. In 2005, Song Guy was inducted into the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame. Tom was an avid sportsman, hunting and fishing with his brothers and family all his life. He bagged over 60 bucks. He also enjoyed baseball as a young man, bowling, and golf. He passed his love of sports on to his son, Jim, and his four grandsons. Tom was married to the love of his life, Carol Sheldon Lourie, for 67 years before she passed awayin 2016. He is also predeceased by his three brothers: William, John Stanley and James Wilson Lourie. He is survived by his daughter Nancy, (Barry) LaPorte of Hoosick Falls, son James of Wells, VT, and grandsons Thomas (Elizabeth) LaPorte, Matthew (Jennifer) LaPorte, William Lourie, and Justin Lourie, and his sister, Marion (Harold) Sheldon. He has 9 great grandchildren: Ryan, Gavin, Carleigh, Kaydence, Madeline, Mason, Dabney, Henry and Lauren. A funeral service will be held in May at a date to be announced.