To the Editor:

I am writing to the community of Altamont and with deepest sympathies to the family of Beryl Grant.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Beryl Grant. [She died on Jan. 29, 2025 at the age of 95.]

When I was elected mayor of Altamont in 1971, Beryl served as the village clerk and treasurer. She was an exceptional colleague and provided invaluable service to Altamont through her dedication and expertise.

Beryl was not only a remarkable professional but also an outstanding teacher. As someone new to village government, I learned so much from her guidance and wisdom. 

Her work gave Altamont a future. I will never forget her call when a landfill had been approved by the previous board on Heldeberg Avenue. Things had gone wrong.

I thought the idea was all wrong for the village and ordered a red tag that ended that project.  

Beryl was an outstanding village employee. The village was lucky to have such an able person at a critical time in its history.

Bill Aylward

Altamont

Editor’s note: Bill Aylward was Altamont’s mayor from 1971 to 1981.