Mr. Richard "R.J." Lake, 74, of State Highway 162, Sprakers, New York died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He was born on August 24, 1942 in Rochester, NY. He was a High School Graduate. Following High School he took several Journalism classes. For the past 15 years he had been residing in Sprakers, NY. Most recently Mr. Lake worked for Trailways as a Dispatcher. He had also worked for Brown's Bus and Greyhound Bus. Mr. Lake served in the US Marine Corps as a Corporal E-4 during the Vietnam War. He received the Good Conduct Award, and Presidential Life Saving Award. R.J. loved Horse Racing. He was a Horse Trainer in Saratoga. He also enjoyed playing in "let it ride" poker tournaments, and going to auctions. On April 14, 2008 in Niagara Falls, NY, Richard was married to Laraine Snyder. Mr. Lake is survived by his wife, Laraine Lake of Sprakers, NY; daughter, Sandra Whitehead and Daniel; sons, Richard J. and Susan Lake, Ronald and Cres Lake; step-daughter, Faith Wart and CJ; step-son, Burton and Janice Dillenbeck; furry friend, Little Bit Lake; grandchildren, Chris Whitehead and Kelly, Lisa Whitehead, Cresti Lake, Cody Lake, Jaclyn Lake, Elizabeth Wart, Daniel Wart, Ellie Wart, Juliana Wart, Aidan Dillenbeck, Jameson Wart, Nathan Dillenbeck; great-grandson, Ivan Cedillo. The family will be honoring Richard's wishes. His wishes were to have no viewing or service. Arrangements are entrusted to Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Please visit our website at www.houghtalingandsmith.com to share a memory or offer your condolences to his family.