All Riders Up

We mourn the passing of Dr. Art Laver, loving father, caring physician, and loyal friend. He was ready. We were not.

For the full obituary, please see the link in the comments.

Dr. Arthur T. Laver, 81, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on 8/29/2024. Dr. Laver was the only child to Irvin and Ruth Laver and grew up in the Main Line area of Philadelphia. He was predeceased by his loving wife of over 40 years, Marcia "Marcy" (nee McMichael) Laver. Dr. Laver graduated from Lower Merion High School before attending Swarthmore College. Dr. Laver then graduated from Hahnemann Medical School prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his time with the Airforce, Dr. Laver was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan and grew to love the culture. Dr. Laver spent over 30 years as an OBGYN at Crozer Chester Medical Center. He loved helping people, horses, traveling, gardening and was an amazing cook. He loved all sports, but especially his hometown teams of Philadelphia. For over 20 years Dr. Laver bred and raised Arabian horses with his loving wife. After retiring from practicing medicine, they established All Riders Up Therapeutic Riding Center to encourage individuals of all ages with special needs an opportunity to reach their potential for physical, behavioral, and social development in an atmosphere of recreation and fun. Dr. Laver is survived by his daughters Rachel Sierk (Peter) and Rebecca Farrell (Jason), and his loving grandchildren Jacob and Jameson Farrell.

The family will have a celebration of life for both Arthur and Marcy Laver at their beloved farm in Garnet Valley at a date to be determined.

In remembrance of Arthur Laver's life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to either Planned Parenthood or Eagles Autism Foundation.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Zip you know just how special he was. This horse accomplished so much in his 25 years. He won many awards and accolades during his sighted years. In 2015, when he was nearly blind, he was donated to All Riders Up and stole the hearts of staff and students as a therapeutic mount. He was honored as Pennsylvania's therapy horse of the year in 2017. He won national acclaim in 2019 when he traveled to Kentucky where he was named one of BreyerFest's Horse Heroes. His blindness never impacted his ability to serve.

Zip was gentle, courageous and loved by all of us at ARU and at Manner's Ranch where he spent his first 17 years. We all feel privileged to have been part of his life. Rest well, beloved Zip. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

Sending warm wishes to all our friends and supporters.