Caroline and I met Vaughn and George while we were still living in Vermont. This was even before they went to study in the museum program at Cooperstown and before Vaughn began teaching at Niskayuna. The Wards have been our cherished friends for well over thirty-five years. Vaughn's highly creative work to help preserve and encourage the folk traditions of upper New York State should serve as a model for other folklorists in the years to come.

We will miss her terribly, as will all of those who knew and loved her. Our thoughts and our prayers are with George tonight.

Sandy and Caroline