KINGSBURY – Deborah Ann Baker, 69, went to be with her people, October 27, 2020, at the home she shared with her husband, surrounded her loving family and all her animals that never left her side.

Born January 30, 1951 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Shirley Campney.

On July 20, 1984, Deborah married Thomas Baker.  Together they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. 

Deborah was a graduate of Hudson Falls Central School and after attended BOCES, where she studied nursing.  In her career as an L.P.N., Deborah was employed by Fort Hudson Nursing Home and Irongate Family Practice, with Dr. Coppens and Dr. Bannon.

Survivors include her husband, Thomas Baker; her sons, John Hack and Timothy Hack and his significant other, Darleen McCane; her daughter, Rachel Foster; her brothers, Charles Campney and wife Karin and Dwight Campney and his wife, Kim; her grandsons, Tyler, John Patrick and his wife, Amy, Jarid, Seth and Alden, as well as nieces and nephews that she loved.

A special thanks to High Peaks Hospice for all their support in moms’ final days.  Also, her youngest grandson, Alden Gregory (9), for being so diligent in caring for his Nan in her final days.   Most children would not have done this, and he took great pride in doing so.   

Memorial donations in memory of Deborah may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 454 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Per Deborah’s request, services will be private.

FORT EDWARD – Ellen M. Usher, 93, a long-time resident of Queensbury, passed away November 5, 2020, at Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward.

Born on August 14, 1927 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Philip Mastrangelo and the late Ella (Kingsley) Mastrangelo Waldron.

Ellen was a 1946 graduate of Hudson Falls High School.

She and her husband, Kenneth A. Usher lived in Glens Falls for all their 53 years of marriage.  Kenneth passed away on June 25, 1998.

For 26 years, Ellen was a floral designer at Binley Florist, Inc. in Glens Falls.

She was an avid bowler and a past president of the Glens Falls Women’s Bowling Association, a former director of the Adirondack Bowling Council and of YABA. Ellen took great pride in being the only woman inducted into the Glens Falls Men’s Association Hall of Fame.  She also was inducted into the Glens Falls Women’s Association Hall of Fame.  Other pastimes included traveling, listening and dancing to Big Band music, as well as watching her New York Mets play baseball.

In addition to her parents and husband, her stepfather, Francis Waldron, all died before her.

Survivors include her two daughters, Dale Maturski and her husband, Howard of Pownal, VT and Jeanne Cirino and her husband, John of Queensbury; her two sons, Kenneth P. Usher and his wife, Susan of Glens Falls and Daniel Usher; eight grandchildren, Scott Maturski of VT, Ryan Maturski of FL, Christine Fowler of Hudson Falls, Stephanie Shea of VA, Adam Usher of MO, Ayme Duvernell of WS, Stephen Usher of NY and Megan Usher of NY; 14 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

Friends may call Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

Funeral service will follow the calling hours, 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward, following the funeral service.

Ellen’s family would like to specially thank the staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center for the loving care they provided to their mom.

Memorials in Ellen’s memory may be in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 4 Pine West Plaza #405, Albany, NY 12205.

HUDSON FALLS – Eddie J. Gadrick, 68, of Hudson Falls, passed away with his wife and cousin by his side, November 4, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born August 13, 1952, in Springfield, MA, he was the son of Ruth (Brown) Gadrick of Fort Edward and the late Edward J. Gadrick.

Eddie proudly served in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged.

On June 21, 2003, Eddie married Judy Keech at the American Legion, Post 574, in Hudson Falls.

While living in Ardsley, Eddie owned and operated his own landscaping business.  For many years, he was employed by Peckham Materials Corp., making many friends along the way.  He was a past member of the American Legion in Ardsley and upon moving to Hudson Falls, he became a member of the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574. 

Eddie liked watching NASCAR, he was a big fan of Dale Earnhart, Sr., and football, and playing a good card game of “Spite and Malice”. He enjoyed the company of his numerous friends, especially Chris Deyette.  Early on in his marriage, Eddie and Judy could be found dancing together at the Boar’s Nest and following their favorite band, Barhama Band, wherever they played.  Although Eddie never came home with a fish or a deer, he loved fishing and hunting with his friends, anywhere he could.

Besides his father, Eddie was predeceased by his grandparents; his first wife, Carol Mullins.; his brother, Ronnie; a niece; as well as several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 18 years, Judy Gadrick of Hudson Falls; his daughters, Mechelle Gadrick, Samantha Gadrick and Susan Gadrick; his stepson, William Kirby, Jr.; his five grandchildren, Alex, Chloe, Logan, Harper, and Killian; his honorary granddaughter, Lucy; his sister, Nancy Akres and his nephew, Gary Hibson.

Friends may call Wednesday, November 11, 2020, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Due to the current pandemic, a private graveside service will be held at Gerald B. H. Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery, in the town of Stillwater, with full military honors. 

Memorial donations in memory of Eddie may be made to the PGRNY, Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 637, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or the SPCA of Upstate New York, 588 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury, NY 12804.

FORT ANN – Amanda J. Cherney, 43, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2020, with her family by her side, at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born August 21, 1977, in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of Elan Y. Cherney and the late Jacqueline M. Springer-Cherney.

Amanda attended Hudson Falls High School and as a young teenager, she represented New York State at several National Beauty Pageants. Amanda spent many years on the family farm in Kingsbury, where she enjoyed time with her children and entertained family and friends.

She loved surrounding herself with the outdoors, enjoying all the beauty within nature.  Amanda made many memories camping with her family, friends and fiancé, Jesse.  She was a free spirit who found joy in dancing, listening to live music and attending various festivals.  Amanda found peace in her collection of crystals and used them for their healing and spiritual properties.

In addition to her mother she was predeceased by her grandparents, Fred and Jeanette Springer and Hans and Rosalind Cherney.

She is survived by her loving children, Skylar, Shiloh, Lyla and Ellee Cherney; her father, Elan Cherney (Janet); her loving and dedicated fiancée, Jesse Dougher; her sister, Daphne Springer-Pellish (Jon); her aunt, Bonnie Brunelle (Bill); her uncle, Frederick “Chip” Springer (Doris); her cousins, Kyle Brunelle (Alecia), Emily Denton (Wayne) and many other loving family members.

Friends may call on Saturday, November 7, 2020, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

Memorial services will follow the calling hours on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be sent to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

QUEENSBURY – Geraldine A. Dwyer, 90, of Queensbury, passed away October 31, 2020 at Albany Medical Center in Albany.

Born June 14, 1930 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Richard Lawrence and Eva A. (Jarvis) Benway.

Geraldine attended Glens Falls High School.  After school, she worked at the Rotary Shirt Co., as a shirt presser, where she met the love of her life, Thomas B. Dwyer.  On June 24, 1951, Geraldine married Thomas at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson Falls. 

Besides the Rotary Shirt Co., Geraldine had various jobs throughout her life.  She was a shirt presser at Lynn Shirt Co., a manager at Woolworths Luncheon Counter in Glens Falls, and a manager for Zayers Luncheon Counter in Queensbury, finally retiring in 1989.

She loved camping with her family and taking motorcycle rides with her husband throughout the North Country, Thousand Islands and Massachusetts. In her quiet time, Geraldine enjoyed sitting on her deck and watching the birds.  Flowers brightened her day, along with paint by number, knitting sweaters for her family, cross stich and reading.  Many of her creations were lovingly gifted to her family and friends.

 For many years, Geraldine was a member of a women’s bowling league in Lake George, where she made countless friends and great memories.  Also, she was a member of the West Glens Falls Ladies Auxiliary and participated in many minstrels.  Every Christmas, family looked forward to her infamous whiskey cakes, where the main ingredient was apparent.  Although Geraldine enjoyed the company of her friends and neighbors, her family was the center of her life. 

Besides her parents, Geraldine was predeceased by her brother, Robert Benway.

Survivors include her loving husband of 70 years, Thomas B. Dwyer of Queensbury; her children, Paul D. Dwyer and his wife, Nancy of FL, Thomas R. Dwyer and his husband, Steven Satlow of FL, WandaLee Rozell and her husband, Peter of Queensbury and Timothy F. Dwyer and his girlfriend, Patty Ingersoll of Queensbury; her grandchildren, Christopher and Jeremy (Tori) Dwyer, Heather (Brice) Mason, Carissa (Scott) Maynard, Travis (Breanne) Dwyer; her great grandchildren, Madison Dwyer, Chase Mason, Haile and Cami Maynard, and Addison Dwyer; her sister, Marsha Moor of FL, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Geraldine may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 2 Pine West Plaza #202, Albany, NY 12205 or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (In Name of Madison Dwyer), 100 College Parkway, Suite 280, Williamsville, NY 14221

Geraldine’s family wishes to express their great gratitude for the care she received while at Fort Hudson Nursing Home.

Rite of Committal will be private and held at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.

HUDSON FALLS – Helen S. Yole, 91, formerly of Main Street, went into the arms of the Lord on Friday, October 30. 2020 at the Washington Center in Argyle.

Born on August 7, 1929 in Glens Falls, she was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Beatrice Mae (Johnson) Stark.

Helen was one of thirteen students when she graduated from Fort Ann High School.

For 38 years, she was employed in quality control at General Electric.  Through hard work and diligence, Helen worked her way to Supervisor.   Because she was always fair and supportive of her co-workers, Helen made many lifelong work friends. GE is where she met her best friend and partner in crime, Ruth Archambault. 

On February 1, 1964, Helen married her soulmate, Robert Yole.   He passed away on February 29, 2020. Through their 56 years of marriage, they shared many wonderful experiences.

Helen loved tending to her flowers and enjoyed her beautiful yard that Robert took such meticulous care.   Family was her core.  Helen lit up when her grandchildren were in the room.  Every Christmas, she made sure that her 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, received a gift.  Helen was a caring, selfless woman for all of her children and grandchildren, but she was especially close to “Lefty, Righty and Lefty”. Helen had a soft heart along with the softest skin that gave hugs to many friends and family members.  

She was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church and many would remember her as working the polls on election day.  Finally, Helen was a wonderful cook, especially her chicken, dumplings and gravy meal.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, John Lanfear, her brothers, Allen Stark and Paul “Bud” Stark and her sister, Lilas Bean.

Survivors include her children, Judith Graham, Michael Lanfear and his wife, Mary, Sylvia Ryan and her husband, Douglas, Robin Norton and her husband, Leonard, Robert A. Yole, Jr, Paul Yole and his wife, Amy and April Marine; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; her siblings, Marguerite Martell, Dorothy Kubricky and her husband, Richard and William Stark and his wife, Janet; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family sends a heartfelt thankyou to Dr. Hoffman and his staff and Home Health Aids, Robin and Judith, for the excellent care and compassion give to Helen and her family.

Services will be private due to COVID.

Helen will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert at Seeley Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Helen’s family suggests that memorial donations be made to the C. R. Wood Cancer Center, 100 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY  12801.

HUDSON FALLS – Dennis Stevens, 78, a longtime resident of Tripoli Road, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020.

Born on October 15, 1942, in Whitehall, he was the son of the late George and Ardela (Clark) Stevens.

On June 10, 1972, Dennis was united in marriage to Betty June Beebe, and shared over forty years of marriage together until her passing on May 16, 2016.

Dennis enjoyed fishing at his favorite spot in Danby, VT, and his ritual Monday morning breakfasts. Above all, he loved spending time with his family camping at Hadlock Pond, going on outings with them, and fishing with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Betty June Stevens, Dennis was predeceased by his sister, Juanita Stevens; his brother, Bob Stevens; and his sister, Betty Wilcox.

Survivors include, his brother, Tom Stevens and his wife, Sally of Fort Ann; his son, Jeffery Stevens and his wife, Renee of West Fort Ann; his grandchildren, Damion Stevens, Kayla Stevens, Dylan Stevens, and several step-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many brothers and sisters in law.

Dennis’ family would like to thank the nurses from Eddy Visiting Nurse and Rehab Association, and friends Tammy, Amy and Nan, for all their care and support given to him at his home. 

A graveside service will take place on 1 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Morningside Cemetery, where Dennis will be laid to rest next to his late wife.

Memorial donations in memory of Dennis may be made to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205.

GANSEVOORT – Betty “Mer” Vance was ushered to her seat in the Grander Than Grand Ole Opry on Saturday morning, October 31st, 2020. Patsy Cline herself probably escorted her back to Harold, her husband of over sixty years’ arms. No music that ever graced the stage of the earthly Opry can hold a candle to the light, love, and laughter she must be experiencing at such a heavenly reunion. 

Betty met life’s most trying circumstances with joy in her soul, laughter on her face, and victorious humor in her words. Even as she spent much of her latter life battling a slew of ailments, she never let the weight of it get her down. Mer was the matriarch of her family, and the keeper of their memories. If you wanted to know who was in that old, black and white photo you found, Betty was the one who’d be able to take a quick glance and tell you. 

Nothing could light up Betty’s world like the presence of her family. A country gal, through and through, Betty’s eyes rested not on things of this world, but on the people she loved. Whether she was traveling the country with her husband Harold in their RV, hosting family in her home, visiting her children and grandchildren, or taking a buffet for all it was worth, Betty found great joy in small moments. If you were family, and you were with her, you’d better believe she wasn’t letting you get out of her sight again without getting her hugs and kisses and making sure you knew she loved you.

When her grandkids were younger, they could always find goodies in Mer’s kitchen: Mountain Dew, Life Savers, Oreos, Graham Crackers and milk, all the comfort foods you never knew you needed until you got there. As her grandkids grew up and her great-grandchildren came along, Betty’s love grew right along with the size of her family; her little loveable ones brought Betty great joy.

Betty lived a life full of goodness and love, and leaves behind many beautiful memories and a family legacy to be carried on for generations. Betty will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind: her brother, Harold Martindale (and Ruth); her sons, Harold Vance, Jr. (and Georgianna), Richard Vance (and Judy), and Michael Vance (and Laura); her daughter, Pamela Vance; her grandchildren, Richard, Jr., Harold III, Nicole, Caitlin, Terry, and Betsy; and her ten great-grandchildren; amongst innumerable other friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched and changed forever.

Services will be held in remembrance of Betty’s life as follows: Calling Hours will be held on Friday, November 6th from 2 to 4 pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in  Hudson Falls.

 Betty’s funeral and burial services will be held on Saturday, November 7th, at 11am at the Gansevoort Cemetery on State Route 50, Gansevoort, with a gathering to celebrate her life and memory at the Gansevoort Firehouse, 32 Schuylerville Rd, Gansevoort, immediately afterward. 

As much as they all could use the hugs right now, Betty’s family asks that if you would like to share your condolences and attend any of these events, you do so with a face-covering on while observing social distancing guidelines.

HUDSON FALLS – Marsha K. Collier, 78, went into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, October 28, 2020, at her home with her husband by her side.

Born on July 11, 1942, in East Lansing, MI, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Yvonne (Carmony) Cox.

On March 17. 1963, she married Vernon Collier.

Marsha spend her life being a dutiful housewife and helpmeet to her husband, Pastor Vernon Collier.  She enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting and plastic canvas.  Marsha was also an avid sports fan, especially the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

The Ministry has taken her and Vern many places over the years, including, Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Charlotte, Michigan and various places in Maine and New York

Marsha was a member of the Cornerstone Outreach Center

In addition to her parents, Marsha was predeceased by her two children, Kaydawn Collier and Brian Collier.

She is survived by her husband, of 57 years, Vernon Collier of Hudson Falls; her two children, Patrick Collier and Bret Collier; and her siblings, Denny Cox, Lex Cox and Doyle Cox; her aunt, Joyce Carmony; her seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Local funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the Cornerstone Outreach Center, 1767, State Route 196 in Adamsville, with Pastor Derek Bartholomew, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cornerstone Outreach Center, 1767 State Route 196, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

HUDSON FALLS – Philip T. Moore, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully into the arms of our heavenly father on October 23, 2020, with his loving family by his side.

Born May 2, 1932, in New York City to parents Thomas and Mildred Moore, he grew up in Bridgeport, CT and moved to Hudson Falls in 1954 with his bride, Marie-Paule (Oligny), whom he met on a spontaneous blind date in 1951 and loved faithfully for 69 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his eternally loving wife, and children Kevin (Lynne), Jonelle McCoy (Robert), Keith (Holly), Julie, and Aimée Smith (Paul); grandchildren Darcy, Justin, Ashley (Kiera), Lynsey (Thomas), Marcus, Elizabeth (Aaron), Tyler, Travis, and Baiya; great grandchildren Braxon, Adleigh, and Levi; and brother, Nicholas. Phil is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Rita Shea and Grace Swank; and granddaughter, Jessica.

He will be remembered for his dedication to family, work ethic, love of music, patriotism, and faith. He and his wife were longtime communicates of St Mary’s/St Paul’s Church. There, they served as counselors for marriage preparation. Phil served as lector, Eucharistic minister, funeral choir member and founder of the contemporary music group in 1972, to which he dedicated his talents for over 45 years. He was a Fourth Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.

Phil taught himself to play piano as a child and as a lover of big band music was conductor of the Fairfield College Preparatory School (his alma mater) 15-man orchestra from 1948 to 1952. He brought music to many as a member of the Hudson Falls American Legion “Pickin’ n Grinnin’” group and the Moreau Seniors Funband. Phil practiced piano nearly every day until soon before his death.

He proudly built the home that since 1957 has served as a bedrock for his family; with Marie by his side it was always a place of beauty, fellowship and music.

Phil joined the Naval Reserves in 1950 and entered active duty during the Korean War, volunteering for the Atlantic submarine fleet and serving on the USS Batfish. Honorably discharged, he remained in the Reserves until 1965. He worked at Sears Roebuck & Co for 37 years as a home improvement specialist and was elected as Trustee and Deputy Mayor of Hudson Falls, serving from 1988 to 1992.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Drs. Umbreen Rozell and Patrick Rowley and their staff for their extraordinary compassion and care.

Friends may call Tuesday, October 27, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s/ St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.

The Rite of Committal will follow the mass, at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Hudson Falls.

Memorial gifts in Phil’s memory may be made to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 100 Park St., Glens Falls New York 12801 or St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, 11 Wall St, Hudson Falls, New York 12839.

FORT EDWARD — Janet L. Cooper died Thursday, October 22, 2020, at home with her children at her side. She was 76.

Janet was born July 9, 1944, in Watertown and grew up in Brownville, the daughter of Dorothy Mayhew Pierce.

She graduated from General Brown High School and worked for the Brownville Paper Mill for several years. She met Anda Cooper Jr. after he returned home from the service and they were married on August 26, 1967. The following year, Janet left the mill to become a stay-at-home mom and raise her children.

In 1975, after Janet’s husband received a promotion, they moved their family from Watertown to Fort Edward. Shortly after the move, Janet went to work for Central Service at Glens Falls Hospital where she spent the next 29 years, retiring as a senior technician.

Janet had a passion for music. She looked forward to reading her daily newspaper and completing her crossword, word jumble and Sudoku puzzles. She became an avid bird feeder and watcher later in life.

Throughout her life, Janet loved telling stories about her trips to Maine, Colorado, Arizona, England or family reunions in Watertown, Rochester and Verona.

She had many good friends over the years. In her retirement, some of Janet’s fondest memories were the many laughs she shared with her close friend Florence Vaughn over breakfast at the Pepper Mill and Ginny Rae’s.

Janet was predeceased by her husband Anda Cooper Jr.; her mother Dorothy Pierce; her sister Donna Bordell; her brother Jeffrey Pierce; and her best buddy and beloved cat, Eve.

She is survived by her daughter Amy Cooper and her husband John Beadleston of Moreau; her son Robin Cooper and his girlfriend Kristy Hyatt of Fort Edward; her daughter Jenny Cooper and her fiancé Steve Stimpson of Fort Edward; as well as in-laws, cousins and her many nieces and nephews.

The Cooper family would like to extend a special thank you to Janet’s caregivers, and especially the Hyatt family, who is always there for us.

At Janet’s request, there will be no calling hours.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers the family asks the you please consider making a donation to Make-A-Wish of Northeastern New York, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205, an organization dear to the family.

ARGYLE – Donald R. “Don” Keech, 87, of Argyle, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at the Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on June 17, 1933 in Northumberland, he was the son of the late James and Florence (West) Keech.

Don attended Argyle Central School and soon after enlisted in the United States Army.  He served his country proudly from 1956 to 1958.

After returning home, he met the love of his life while doing his favorite pastime, square dancing. Mary “Marilyn” Martin became his permanent dancing partner on May 28, 1960.   They enjoyed 60 wonderful years together, having fun and raising a family. To Don, his family was perfect and so important.  He lit up like a Christmas tree when he was around them and loved attending all the family gatherings. Don was like a shining star with his infectious laugh and wonderful smile.  People flocked to him, mostly because they enjoyed his humor, not knowing what was coming next.

To support his family, Don worked hard at Chase Bag Company for 36 years and then when they closed, he started his career at the Washington County Maintenance Department. He retired from the department in 1998.  While working at Chase Bag, Don was honored as “Man of The Year” because of his lifelong volunteer service to his community.  He served on the Washington County Traffic Safety Board, the Washington County Fair Committee and the Fort Hudson Nursing Home Board.   Many will remember him as a lifelong member of the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., where he went out on many calls during his tenure.  Don also served as Washington County Ambulance Coordinator and was a Farm Medic Instructor. He also was a member of the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 and at one time was commander of the Hudson Falls Sons of the American Legion Post 574.  He was so honored to have helped create the military museum at the Hudson Falls American Legion.  Many have taken the tour and enjoyed this room filled with military memorabilia.  During one Memorial Day parade, Don rode as the Grand Marshall for the Hudson Falls Legion, loving every minute of it, so he could wave and smile to all his friends in the community.  He was proud to have brought the State-wide Walk- A- Thon to the Hudson Falls American Legion. Motto for the walk was “They marched for us, now we walk for them”.  Don was so pleased that all the donations, which total more than any other legion in the state,  went back to help veterans.   As one can see, Don’s life was filled with helping others.

Don loved to collect tractors and was so proud to own a 1938 shinny John Deere tractor.  Using his talents, along with his brother, Don built a mini car out of a lawn mower engine and bicycle tires.  A creation that was enjoyed by many.  He was a joy to be around, a loving man with a wonderful sense of humor. 

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Donald “Toby” Keech, Jr. and his siblings, Arthur Keech, Raymond Keech, Leo Keech, Rodrick Keech, Mildred LaBombard, Gertrude McGowan, Agnes Coon and Elizabeth Keech.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary “Marilyn” Keech of Argyle; his daughter, Joanne (Byron) Wood of Fort Edward; his honorary children, Lee Porter and Bonnie Updike LaMotte; his grandchildren, Victoria Keech, Jaime Wood, Cassandra Wilkins; his great grandson, Owen Clark; his special God-children,  Kim “Moo-Moo” Keech and David “Cricket” Regner; his sister, Dorothy Jones of NC; his sister in law, Emily Keech; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Friends may call on Sunday, October 25, 2020, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.  Due to the pandemic, everyone is required to wear a mask and social distance.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 4 p.m., following the calling hours, on Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Flossie Bates, officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in Gerald BH Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.