Lyle Lakins Day Joyfully Declared In Village Of Waddington

Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny has announced that on the occasion of his 82nd birthday and in recognition of his boundless love and dedication to Waddington and its residents, November 24, 2020 and for all the years thereafter is declared Lyle Lakins day within the Village of Waddington, NY.

Lakins has also been a super fan for Madrid-Waddington Boys and Girls athletic teams for his entire life.

"With all the sadness, fear, and division currently in our lives, it is important to recognize those among us who are pure of heart and wish only the best for others. Lyle Lakins is one of those people. Lyle is a special person and Waddington is a better place because of him. As we begin the Holiday season, there is no better example for all of us than Lyle," said Mayor Zabrobelny on his facebook post.

Cards and good wishes can be sent to: Lyle Lakins Room A228 Massena Rehabilitation Nursing Center 89 Grove Street Massena, NY 13662.

Lifelong Friend Kathy Putney provides a tribute to the impact of Lyle. A few years ago a youth baseball-softball field was named in his honor.

"Lyle Lakins spent his whole life in Waddington cheering on athletes young and old. From T-Ball, baseball, softball, Biddy basketball, soccer or crewing, Lyle has been there supporting all of them. Lyle was the coach's best friend, always helping to pass out or pick up equipment, teaching a young child how to hold a bat or showing them how to dribble a basketball. Lyle would show up early and stay till the end and always be there, rain or shine.

One of his closest life-long friends, Mrs. Kathy (Badlam) Putney, who is also a Waddington native, has heard from people all over the country who shared their memories of Lyle helping them or their teammates. One thing she has heard over and over was how helpful he was and how happy he always was.

Lyle, up until this past year, was a fixture at all Madrid-Waddington High School sporting events. In fact he was inducted into the MW Sports Hall of Fame for being their Number 1 Fan!

No matter what was going on in Waddington, you could always ask Lyle and he would know because he was also Waddington's "Ambassador". He helped to promote the summer Concerts in the Park and could be found counting the crowd and taking up donations. He was also there to help with set-up for Homecoming Weekends and the fishing tournaments every year.

Lyle Lakins is an amazing person and diehard sports fan with his favorite teams being Syracuse basketball, NY Yankees, and University of Tennessee basketball.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Lyle!", said Kathy Putney in a facebook post

Friends visiting Lyle Lakins. Angie Green Photo