John K. Rand, (63) best known by his friends and family as “CURLY” died unexpectedly and peacefully during his sleep at his Lake Placid residence.

John was the son of Jay Rand Sr. and Eileen Rand of Lake Placid. John grew up in Lake Placid and attended the Lake Placid High School and Northwood School. During this time he was noted as a gifted athlete and participated in Ski Racing, Ski Jumping and played on the first ever Lake Placid Varsity Soccer Team. Upon graduation, as a standout athlete, he was awarded scholarships for both skiing and soccer at several Universities.

During his residency in Lake Placid, he worked summers during the 1970’s as a Lifeguard at the Lake Placid Public Beach. While later working full time, he was employed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) at both the Olympic Jumping Complex (OJC) and Mt Van Hoevenberg (MVH). Among other services performed he jumped the 90-meter ski jump for bus tours during summer and winter seasons. While at MVH he worked as a Bobsled Driver taking public down the 1932 Olympic Run. He later started his own Window Washing Business, and it was often said that he had the cleanest windows ever.”

John was perhaps best known for his great sense of humor and love of his family and friends, who he enjoyed playing Golf with at Craigwood.

He was together with his wife Terry for 30 years, and had a special love for his Granddaughter Karra, who spent most of her life with him and his dog Sophie. In addition to golf he had a special love for animals.

He is survived by family members, 3 step children, Walter McLean, Matt Hathaway, Shannon Preston, 9 step grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and two brothers, Jay and Steve Rand, and three sisters Judy Scammell, Barbara Ryan and Mary Farr and families.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Agnes Church in Lake Placid on Wednesday, September 27, at 1pm followed by a burial at Saint Agnes Cemetery. Rev. Paul Kelly will officiate. A reception will be held at Craigwood Golf Course Club House from 2:30pm-4:30pm for family and friends.The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a story or leave condolences for the Rand family.

Contributions may be sent to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Saranac Lake, NY in his memory.