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.