WILTON – Robert P. Harriman, 67, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2016, following a brief illness.
Born September 11, 1948 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Clifton W. and Marjorie M. (Spear) Harriman.
Robert graduated from Hudson Falls High School, Class of 1966. Shortly thereafter, Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Once stateside, Robert apprenticed as a carpenter and became a full time builder of homes in Bolton Landing. His work was known for its impeccable design and craftsmanship.
In 1998 Robert moved to what is now called Willow Run Stable where he was the farm manager for 18 years. A knowledgeable horseman, one of his greatest joys was raising his Andalusian colt, Madrigal, and showing him in hand. In 2012, Robert and Madrigal were the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association Dressage Suitability National Champions and Pure Spanish Horse Reserve National Champions.
Robert then placed Madrigal in training as a dressage horse and he has had an impressive career to date. In 2015, Madrigal was the High Point Training Level Champion at Dressage at Saratoga, the United States Equestrian Federation Region 3 Training Level Champion and the United States Dressage Federation All Breed Reserve National Champion. Madrigal will continue to live and train at Willow Run Stable.
“Bob” left an indelible impression on everyone he met. Those who knew Bob were drawn to his humor, quick wit and charisma. Those who loved Bob will remember him for his compassionate and generous spirit.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brother, Charles S. Harriman, and his brother-in-law, Otis B. Barber.
Survivors include his companion, Kathleen McGowan of Wilton; his two sons, Robert Henry Harriman of Glens Falls, Randall Charles Harriman of Lake George and their mother, JoAnn (Strainer) Harriman of Hudson Falls; his granddaughter, Jericha Macie; his siblings, Etta H. Barber, Cliftene H. Pettit, Clifton E. Harriman, Dianne H. Graham and her husband, Bernard, Rosalie H. McGowan and Anita H. Bennett and her husband, Terry; and his Sister-in-law, Mikki Revak; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, with his sister, Etta Barber, officiating.
Memorial donations in memory of Robert may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Robert P. Harriman
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Bob was a great man in the eyes of so many, and will be dearly missed. Thank you for the many ways you have touched our lives.
bob, I remember when you and I worked for Rolf Ronning in Bolton Landing…your work was beautiful but you never quite finished…you were so close….I finally figured out that was your way of coming back to visit us and provided us with your great sense of humor….you had your boys with you a lot of the time and we got to know them and see what a good father you were….one of my favorite things you used to say is “tear it down and build a whole new system” to everything…and when you told us how you visited NYC and Trump Towers…..you told how there was a beautiful fountain in the lobby and water coming out of the wall…you told the security guy standing there “I can fix that for you”…..and you could have i’m sure….i’m sure glad I got to know you back then…you were a delight and i’m sure Rolf’s legal secretary Karen Siderie would agree with me!! you gave us many hours of joy….and frustration….but that was you and I will miss you….i’m glad you had joy with your horses in later years and watching your kids grow up….I say so long and see you someday again, jean
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob for the last 20 years of his life. We worked on a lot of horses together over that period of time. I will really miss seeing him and listening to his humor and straight forward view of life. He liked to talk sports and usually got around to where a team could use his help if he suited up. I once saw his athletic prowess when he was out trying to catch a horse that needed trimming. She was not exactly in agreement with him that she needed to be caught. Bob turned into a human cutting horse and after literally 45 minutes of cutting this mare off at her escape route and out maneuvering her she gave up and he had her in hand. I stood and watched in amazement and entertainment as he accomplished his task. Bob I will truly miss your steadfast attitude and determination of getting the job done whatever it was. I quite frequently would pick his brain when doing construction projects at home and he was a wealth of information even offering many times to give me a hand. Bob was most trustworthy you always knew who you had with him. I can still hear him saying “another day in paradise” Rest in peace my friend!
Love to Randy and Rob, Kathy and all the family.
A TRIBUTE TO BOB HARRIMAN *
A LEGACY OF CARING
A special Light has passed from our physical world to an even greater world of Spirit, however, Bob is as close to our hearts as our thoughts of him. His presence is very powerful to all who desire to keep him near.
Bob enriched everyone’s life who was privileged to know him. For those who loved him, he was a gift beyond measure, and a treasure beyond description. His generosity was boundless. His encouragement poured forth like a never-ending spring, and his wisdom and advice was astonishing; somehow hearkening back to a knowledge that was almost other worldly. I believe he was truly an ancient soul of understanding who came into this world with that special knowing to enlighten so many of us.
He was always there when someone was in need even in the most difficult of times. He was incredibly talented, bright and intelligent and he sparkled with a winning personality that made everyone smile and feel warm inside.
All the animals loved his natural way of communicating with them. They could sense his honesty and feel his respect and genuine caring for them. I am sure he is surrounded by his loving horses and dogs who have gone before him, because he truly loved them and they him.
He touched and changed the journey of my life and because of the gift he gave me, he helped me to reach out and help countless others. There are no words that can describe the fullness of the legacy that Bob Harriman bestowed on me. I am just one of the recipients of his infinite Legacy of Caring. Much love is sent to you, Bob, your family, and those who love you deeply. Tina