Carl L. Schlender


Carl L. Schlender

WEST DOVER - On February 25, Carl L. Schlender died peacefully at the age of 75. Born in Manchester, NH, on July 12, 1945, Carl was a lifelong New Englander, calling Vermont and the Deerfield Valley his home for over 50 years. The region suited Carl perfectly - he was a rare combination of strength and tenderness, the kind that can only grow in the unpredictable harshness and exquisite beauty of New England.
A graduate of Manchester High School West, Carl went on to attend New England College in Henniker, NH and Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. Throughout his high school and college careers, Carl was known as a phenomenal athlete as evidenced by accolades such as lettering in three sports, participating in the renowned Cape Cod Baseball League, and his induction into the Queen City Athletic Hall of Fame.
The long Vermont winters suited Carl perfectly, as he was an elegant and adventurous skier. When the winter weather really roared, Carl could be found shooting pool all around the valley. His style was powerful and precise; it was common for a group to gather when he was playing.
Carl’s love of sport was lifelong and he  believed everyone had a right to play. Recognizing the benefits of athletic activity, he devoted himself to making sport accessible to all through volunteering his talents as a coach and donating equipment to children in need. Hundreds of children in the Deerfield Valley were fortunate to call Carl their coach and mentor. Anyone lucky enough to be one of his students will recall his respect for the game; whether it was tennis or baseball, Carl established the importance of persistence, sportsmanship, and fun. While collecting a basket of freshly volleyed tennis balls, he would offer pointers on being a better player, infused with lessons that extended beyond the court.
Carl was a fixture of the Mount Snow hospitality scene; the hottest seat in town was always at the bar where he was working. Customers would flock to see him, knowing their time in his company would be filled with laughter, witty commentary, and a great pour. Carl was a student of life and listening to his stories offered the opportunity to be transported in time to experience the valley in all its glory.
Not one to be stuck in the past, Carl had a remarkable gift to connect with people of all ages, whether it was kids ordering a soda or adults having a cocktail, He had an innate ability to make everyone feel welcome, even if they ended up on the receiving end of one of his jokes.  
Carl was the son of Carl L. and Helen (Lynch) Schlender. He is survived by his brother Walter and his wife Ronnie Schlender, of Manchester; sister Anne and husband Austin Healey, also of Manchester; and his sister Jane Kennedy, of Manchester, and her late husband Michael Kennedy. He is also survived by his long-time friend Roberta Carey. He will be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews.
While the valley is now quieter without the roar of Carl’s laughter, his legacy will remain in the bounce of tennis balls and the many stories that will be told in his honor.

 

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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