Jack Cornell

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Jack Cornell, 87, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 7th at 1:00 pm at Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville.

Jack was born on October 22, 1933 in Canton to Lewis and Flossie (Richards) Cornell.

He moved to the Gouverneur area in 1943 and attended school in Canton and Gouverneur. Jack enlisted in the United States Army in 1951, serving in Korea from July 1952 through August 1953 with 223 Infantry Regiment 40th Division.

After discharge from service, he worked for Rushmore Paper Company in Natural Dam a short time before going to work for St. Joe Lead Company in June of 1954 where he was employed for 30 years until he became disabled.

Jack married Loretta Boprey at the Baptist Church of Richville on October 23, 1954.

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Loretta passed away on on September 8, 2020.

Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a member of S&B Hunting Club.

He is survived by two sons Steven and Randy, his daughter-in-law Christine, 3 granddaughters, 2 great grandchildren, a great, great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Jack is predeceased by his parents, his wife Loretta, his son Jerry, his brothers Lawrence, George “Duke”, Hollis, and Richard, his sisters Audrey and Amy.

Timothy Arlie Hall

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Timothy Arlie Hall, 61, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services and burial in Maple Grove Cemetery, Richville are private with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Timothy was born in Gouverneur on August 2, 1959, the son of Arlie and Marguerite (Felt) Hall. He worked for various lumber yards and building supply companies in Gouverneur, Heuvelton, and he last worked at Wellsley Island Building Supply.

Tim enjoyed playing golf, spending time at the Clare Hunting Club, searching for information and technology on his phone or tablet, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the SONS of the American Legion in Antwerp.

A marriage to Carolee Matthews ended in divorce.

Tim is survived by his sons Curtis Hall, Jacob Hall and his wife Felicia, his grandchildren Laynee and Leif, Liberty and Colten, and his mother Marguerite Hall. He is also survived by his siblings Steve and Tina Hall, Mike and Joani Hall, Bill and Linda Hall, Laurie and Joe Weekes, several nieces and nephews. Tim is predeceased by his father Arlie, his grandparents Robert and Doris Hall, Raymond and Edna Felt.

Memorial donations to honor Tim are encouraged to the Gouverneur Vol. Fire Department, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Gouverneur Vol. Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Bonnie J. Claflin

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Bonnie J. Claflin, 74, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30th. She was born in Gouverneur, NY to the late Helen and Stanley Smith. She worked as a seamstress for several years for Learbury Clothes and then went onto to work at MS Kennedy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Walter G. Claflin.

Bonnie is survived by her three daughters, Mary (Ted) LaFave, Shelley Ringler and Christine Claflin; grandchildren, Thomas and Steven LaFave and Matthew and Emily Ringler; brother, Gary Smith; step-sister, Carol Andre and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 6th 4-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 7th 11am at the funeral home with burial to follow in Pine Plains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY.

Service Notice: William “Willie” Cooper

A celebration of life for William "Willie" Cooper will be held on Saturday, August 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge. A lodge service will be held at 1 pm and a memorial service at 2 pm. Willie, 87, passed away on March 23, 2020 and services were delayed due to the health situation.

Marlene Hitchman

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Marlene M. Hitchman, age 67, of Gouverneur, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021 at home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Marlene was born on April 19, 1954 in Gouverneur, to the late Preston and Elaine (Backus) Morrissiey. She attended Gouverneur Central School. She married William J. Hitchman on May 5, 1995 at the Gouverneur Methodist Church. A marriage to David Jenkins ended in divorce.

Marlene had worked as a CNA at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg; was a bus monitor for the Gouverneur Central School District and then worked as a secretary for Global Industrial Services. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, playing games on the computer and in her younger years she enjoyed hunting.

Surviving is her husband, William; two sons, John and Christina Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins and his fiancé Kamie Trimm; a brother, Michael and Mary Morrissiey; a sister, Karen and Bobbie Garceau; five grandchildren, Dawson, Chloe, Tiffany, Katie and Emily Jenkins and several nieces and nephews.

Marlene is predeceased by a daughter, Tanya Jenkins and a brother, John Morrissiey.

In keeping with Marlene’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Roberta Scales

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Roberta “Bobbie” Scales, 85, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the CVPH Medical Center, with her daughter at her side. She was born April 16, 1936 in Keene, daughter of Calvin and Isabelle (Jacquish) Marble.

Bobbie was well known in the Plattsburgh area for so many reasons. She was a nurse at both ends of life, working pediatrics for Dr. Peter Pulrang and Rainbow Pediatrics and geriatrics at the Clinton County Nursing Home. She was the “Avon lady of Champlain Park” for over 30 years. Bobbie was also a tireless volunteer in the community for many different organizations. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched.

Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading, walking and bowling. She was proud to be able to say she threw a bowling ball on her 85th birthday!

Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Lynnette Nicholl and her partner Bradley Conklin of Gouverneur, 2 grandsons, Tyler (Becky) of Gouverneur and Trevor of Denver, CO, a great grandson, Wyatt and a sister, Beverly O’Connor of Keene. A marriage to David Scales ended in divorce.

Donations in Bobbie’s name may be made to the Elmore SPCA, 556 Telegraph Road, Peru, NY 12972.

At Bobbie’s request there will be no calling hours and no service. Burial will be at the Norton Cemetery in Keene.

Richard L. Fuller

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Richard “Rich” L. Fuller, age 74, of Gouverneur, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Gouverneur Hospital.

There will be a graveside service for Rich in the Hailesboro Cemetery on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Zachary Bristol officiating. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on April 24, 1947 in Gouverneur to the late Harold H. and Audrey (Weaver) Fuller. He attended the Gouverneur High School and married Diane Susan Bigarel on November 22, 1972. Mr. Fuller worked for the Gouverneur Co-op, Ritchie Brothers, and in the mill at Gouverneur Talc, retiring as the Assistant to the Foreman in 2009.

Rich enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club and also raised dairy replacement cattle for 36 years with his wife, Diane. Rich enjoyed his camp on the Shantyville Road and his vegetable garden where he grew all kinds of vegetables including potatoes and corn.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Fuller; three sons, Forrest Fuller of Gouverneur, Ashley and his wife, Wendy Fuller of Central Square, Brandon Fuller of Colton; two granddaughters, Morgan and Abigail Fuller; and a step granddaughter, Ashley Miller. He is also survived by three brothers, Herb Fuller of Gouverneur, Philip Fuller of Plattsburgh, and Van Fuller of Gouverneur.

He is predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Roy Porter.

Donations in memory of Rich may be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Barry Gregory French

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Barry Gregory French, age 82 of Conway, SC passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Conway Medical Center.

Born February 24, 1939 in Shamokin, PA, he was the son of the late Leon and Olive French.  Mr. French was a 1956 graduate of Edwards Central High School and received his BS Degree from St. Lawrence University and a MS Degree from SUNY, Potsdam.  He taught math in Russell, NY then moved to Gouverneur, NY, where he taught until his retirement in 1997.  He coached girls’ JV soccer for eight years and JV girls’ basketball for eleven years. He, along with Rick Mace, were responsible for starting the successful girls program at Gouverneur.  Over the years, he was known as “Pa French”.   Barry and his wife Lynne lived at Sylvia Lake, NY before moving to Conway, SC.

Barry was an avid hunter and a member of the Doe Haven Hunting Club. He also restored several old cars, his favorite was a 1936 Ford.  In his spare time, you would find him building decks, garages, cradles, and sharing carpentry knowledge learned from his Dad.  He was an avid reader of westerns. 

Barry was a Life Member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, participating with Chapter J of Myrtle Beach.  He and Lynne, along with good friends, traveled the lower 48 states and three Canadian Provinces by motorcycle.  His last trip was at the age of 76 to Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.

Left to cherish Barry’s memory is his wife of 62 years, Lynne; his children, Julie Mullaney and her partner, Bob Shufelt, Martha Alhouse, Gregory (Kelley) French; grandchildren, Jenna (William) Decker, Michelle (Dale) Meekins, Matthew (Lyndsi Jo) Mullaney, Danielle (Tyler) Bleau, Christopher Alhouse, Craig (Nia) Alhouse and Edisto French; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Karl (Rosemary), Ray (Lauren), Glenn, Junie (Shirley), Dick (Dawn), Bill (Debbie) and sister Margie (Fred) LaPoint; many nieces and nephews and exchange student, Evelyn Jansson from Brazil.

Barry is reunited in passing with his beloved granddaughter, Cassady Rose.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to: The Cassady Jones French Scholarship at Socastee High School, 4900 Socastee Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC  29588. Condolences may be shared to www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Evyeline M. Minckler

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Evyeline May Boyden Minckler, age 92, of Gouverneur, passed away on July 9, 2021at St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg surrounded by her daughter Jane and family friend Liz Steele.

Evyeline was born on August 1, 1928, Gouverneur, NY to Kenneth and Edith (Congdon) Boyden. She married Lyle Warren (Pet) Minckler from Lyon Mt., NY on February 15, 1947 in Chateaugay, NY. They lived for the first five years of their married life in the area of Malone, NY. In 1958 the family moved to Gouverneur where her husband found work in the talc mines. Evyeline became a bus driver in 1966. She enjoyed being a bus driver and drove bus for 42 years.

Evyeline had 6 children: Linda, Diane, Susan, Paul, James, and Jane. She had 15 grandchildren, Tina, Vernon, Jennifer, Brian, Kara, Holly, Donna, Jim, Aimee, Kristi, John, Sarah, Daniel, Tieliey, and Lyle; 43 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren-soon to be 18 arriving in September, along with numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Evyeline enjoyed many hobbies and embraced each one fully. She loved and used her talent in quilting, knitting, crocheting, and crafts, particularly tole painting and ceramics. Everyone in her family has one or more of the beautiful quilts she has made. Over the years, she exhibited many of her quilts and crocheted items at the Gouverneur Fair. Bowling was also something she enjoyed, especially keeping score for teams. There was a time she camped with family, cross country skied and 4-wheeled with friends. She particularly enjoyed dressing up in costumes during the holidays for the children. Evyeline was a lifetime member of the Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary. While at St. Joseph’s these past few years, she could be found working on a jigsaw puzzle, adult coloring book or word search and getting her hair and nails done. She always had to keep her hands busy.

Evyeline was predeceased by her husband Warren “Pet” Minckler, son Paul Minckler, a daughter Linda Fuller, a brother Marvel Boyden, a son-in-law, Vernon Fuller, Sr, daughter-in-law, Colleen (Burke) Minckler, a grandson, Vernon “Brother” Fuller, and a great-grandson, Christopher Fuller.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Minckler of Lake Havasu, AZ, Susan Hawker of Kenai, AK, Jane Minckler and a son, James Minckler, both of Gouverneur.

Evyeline will be cremated. Services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville where she will be buried alongside her husband and mother. Everyone is invited to gather at Tieliey Hood’s home after the service at 74 E. Barney Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Donations may be made in Evyeline’s memory to St. Joseph’s Home, 950 Linden Street, Ogdensburg NY 13669.

Jack Clark Edwards

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Jack Clark Edwards died July 16, 2018, in his home with hospice and family present. He was a long time summer visitor to Fowler and Sylvia Lake. He had promised his wife Beatrice that he would bring her and their children to her hometown every chance possible. They came for more than 60 years, staying for months to visit, sightsee, and attend local events and church.

Although Jack’s ancestors were all southerners, he was born on September 26, 1920 in Los Angeles, CA. He followed his older sister Fifi, appearing as a child star in silent movies. His start was as an infant in Harold Lloyd’s film, “I Do”. He appeared in more than 40 films with Lloyd, and many popular stars. Jack’s film career ended within four years, and his family returned to Florida in time for him to begin school. He lived all over the Tampa Bay area. In early years, he played Tarzan with his friends on the Charles Roebling estate in Clearwater, receiving permission from the owner personally. Roebling was interested in creating amphibious tractors to rescue hurricane victims. By coincidence, Jack was given the opportunity for amphibious tractor training soon after he joined the Marine Corps in 1939.

The training was important for he used the amphibious tractors in many intense battles in the South Pacific during WWII, leading up to the April 1, 1945 arrival to Okinawa. Because others knew he had taught himself Japanese phrases, he was called to help remove an elderly woman from a cave on the island. (He would share this story many decades later in a speech written and given in Japanese at the Japanese Embassy, Washington D.C, and later published in the “St. Petersburg Times”.) Soon after the rescue, Jack earned his Purple Heart on April 6th in battle.

Jack remained in active duty for 20 years. During his service time, he helped Ambassador John Muccio evacuate Seoul, Korea, serving as his personal bodyguard. His experiences with his special Marine unit were shared in the “Leatherneck” many decades later and are also included in the “Truman Papers”. He protected major officers and dignitaries, and was present for the Emancipation of Seoul. Stateside, he was an expert marksman and sharpshooter, settling for second in competition with legendary Marine Walter R. Walsh.

After retirement from the Corps, Jack continued college study at Florida State University. In 1962 he began a teaching career that lasted 20 years with Manatee High and Boca Ciega High, both in the Tampa Bay area, and completed his master’s degree in Mathematics at the Central Michigan University’s summer institute.

After his second retirement, he chose to substitute teach, study college courses in Japanese, and continue his passion for woodworking. In his 90’s, Jack’s life came full circle, when he was contacted by Austin Mutti-Mewse of England who was researching for a second book on early Hollywood film stars. After a lifetime of keeping his early start secret, he suddenly had fan letters from around the world. Austin told of Jack’s beginning in a “U.K. Guardian” article.

Jack loved Bea and all of her family. They enjoyed his humor and willingness to lead in every endeavor at Sylvia Lake.

Beatrice Marie Kelley Edwards

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Beatrice Marie Kelley Edwards died in her Seminole, FL home on March 4, 2021, under hospice care, as she fell ill to an inoperable esophageal stricture, discovered in December. Bea was born December 8, 1921 in her family home in Fowler to Lucy Jane Thompson Kelley and Martin Lee Kelley. Growing up on a dairy farm and working at her family’s general store and gas pump at the intersection of Little York and Balmat-Fowler, Bea was a tomboy at heart, who enjoyed outdoor activities. She also enjoyed teaching classes to children at Fowler Baptist Church.

After graduation from Gouverneur High, she attended Potsdam State Teachers College. After earning her degree, her first assignment was to teach first and second grade at the Balmat School. When the United States entered WWII, she and another teacher decided to join the typing pool for the War Department in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, she met Jack Clark Edwards, a dashing Marine from Florida, who was serving duty at the White House. He accompanied her to Fowler for the 1948 Christmas holidays. He had a two year commitment to serve at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul Korea. Only bachelors were eligible for assignment, so Bea waited for his safe return. They were married on March 3, 1951 at Fowler Baptist Church and then headed out through an ice storm for a Florida honeymoon.

Bea was an active Marine Corps wife for 20 years, living on and near bases from Quantico, VA to Oceanside, CA. After Jack’s retirement, they moved to Tallahassee, FL, where they both took courses at FSU, to prepare for teaching careers. When Jack graduated, they moved to Bradenton and later to St. Petersburg, where Jack taught in the local high schools, and Bea volunteered in Girl Scouts and church activities. In their last decade, they moved one final time to Seminole, Florida.

Bea enjoyed gardening and canning, antiquing, refinishing and caning, sewing and quilting, beachcombing and camping. Her favorite times were annual summers spent in the family camp, built by her father, and enjoyed by many generations at Sylvia Lake. Sightseeing all over the North Country, Bea and Jack visited with their extended family, and enjoyed the fellowship of her family’s church of many generations.

Bea was predeceased by Jack , her sister Grace Metzgar, and brothers Howard and Ross. Their only son Clark Sumner Edwards, a Navy veteran, died October 18, 2016. She is survived by daughter Emily Derrough, her husband Richard, granddaughters Anna (Shawn) Duhame, and Jean (Greg) Wilker and four great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews live throughout the U.S. and many share ties through happy times at Sylvia Lake. Bea and Jack have online memorials through A Life Tribute Funeral Care of Gulfport, FL. Clark, Jack and Bea all have gravesites at the Bay Pines National Cemetery.

Service Notice: Todd J. Vrooman

There will be a graveside service with military honors for Todd J. Vrooman, age 57, on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hailesboro Cemetery in Gouverneur. Following the graveside service, the family will continue to have a celebration of his life at Todd and Melinda’s home at 822 River Road in Edwards.

Todd passed away on January 31, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. Local arrangements are being handled by French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Ralph Gayne

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Ralph W. Gayne, Jr., age 83, of Talcville, passed away on July 5, 2021 at Massena Rehabilitation.

His services will be private. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Edwards. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Ralph was born on July 18, 1937 in Gouverneur to the late Ralph W. Gayne, Sr. and Hazel G. (Clark) Gayne. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1955 and earned an Associate degree at Canton ATC.

He married Barbara (Brown) Jones on October 25 th 1996. Ralph retired as Operations Manager for Niagara Mohawk in 1992 after 36 years on the job. His son, Bruce now has more years in than his father. Ralph was an original member of Nine Mile One, Nine Mile Two, and James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plants’ start up teams. Ralph was a loving husband and father who enjoyed hunting, fishing, coaching baseball, golfing, and bowling.

In his younger years he hunted with his father, uncles, and sons at Chair Rock Flow at Cranberry Lake and with his best friend, Uncle Arnie, who was famous for saying “Daylight in the swamp!” Ralph’s favorite saying while feasting on fresh venison and potatoes was, “Wonder what the po’ folks is eatin’ tonight”. After every harvest, the hunter and crew would toast and swig Yukon Jack. Not being successful for a few years earned Ralph the nickname, Goat.

His survivors include his wife, Barbara Gayne, 6 children, Bruce and Brenda Gayne, Paul and Donna Gayne, Daniel Gayne, Wendy and Fred Dietrich, Becki and Doug Wood, and Naomi and Tom Firlik, his siblings, Lyle and Leland Gayne, Carol Denault, and Bonnie Raymo. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in memory of Ralph may be made to St. James Catholic Church or the Alzheimer Association.

Jan F. Smith

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Jan F. Smith, 80, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021 at her home under the care of her family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

There are no funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Jan was born on October 12, 1940 in Ogdensburg, the daughter of William and Catherine (LaMare) Fitzgerald.

She graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1958.

Jan married Robert Smith on December 28, 1963 at the St. James Church in Gouverneur with Fr. McCarthy officiating.

The couple has resided on Eckman Street since 1965 and Jan had been a member of the St. James Church and Gouverneur VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She had enjoyed fishing, golfing, caning chairs, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Jan had been employed at the Roma Restaurant and Community Antennae Cable Company in Gouverneur.

Jan is survived by her husband Robert, her daughter Debra and Jeffery Andrews, her grandchildren Thomas Andrews and Catherine Andrews, a sister Kathleen June, a brother John Fitzgerald, several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and three brothers William, James, and Robert Fitzgerald.

Memorial donations in memory of Jan are encouraged to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Albert “Tick” Henderson Gardner, Ph.D.

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Ticky was born January 8, 1932 in Gouverneur, NY. and passed on January 12, 2021 in Miami, FL. with his wife Ginny and daughter Emily by his side. He was a kindhearted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose memory will continue to be honored thru the life of his family and friends. Tick was the son of Alice McDougall Gardner (Chilton) and Joseph Gardner. Joseph Gardner was killed in the line of duty in 1937 while serving with the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department. Tick graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1949, where he excelled in academics and sports. He was selected as the Co-MVP for basketball in 1949 with his lifetime friend Jimmy Marshall. Basketball remained a lifetime passion for him, from playing to following. He also enjoyed following baseball and football. After graduating high school he worked in the paper mill and then served two years in the US Army, working as a company clerk. He returned to Gouverneur and married Olive A. Liscum in 1955. He later worked as a mucker at St. Joe’s zinc mine in Balmat, NY. A recount of his experiences during this time was featured on NCPR’s North Country at Work project back in 2019, which included a short audio feature and written account of his 9 months working in the mines.* His time spent in the mines was the “single most formative experience of his life”, convincing him to pursue higher education.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cortland State University for education/teaching and was awarded a Ph.D. in psychology from Syracuse University. He moved to Essex Junction, VT. in 1962 and taught at the University of Vermont for four years. He had an immense passion for teaching; in 1966, he moved to University Park, MD. where he was an associate professor in the Department of Human Development, College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park until his retirement at age 75. During that time, he was also the director of Advocates for Children, a division of the College Park Scholars program which he was very passionate about and actively involved in. He continued a life dedicated to his own education and intellect (with particular interest in reading and learning about current events, US and world history) and to his family and close friends.

He married Ginny Fu in 1987 whom he met while teaching English in China. They enjoyed traveling within and outside of the US, spending time on the Eastern Shore of Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, and spending summers in the North Country fishing at their camp on Lake of the Woods in Redwood, NY.

Survivors include his wife Ginny Fu Gardner, University Park, MD., their daughter Emily Fu Gardner, Miami, FL., two sons from his first marriage; Scott Andrew Gardner, University Park, MD. and John Albert Gardner, Alexandria, VA., grandson Casey Patrick Gardner, University Park, MD., granddaughter Madilyn Fu Romer, Miami, FL. Brothers Harry “Thumper” Chilton, San Diego, CA., Tom “Quits” Chilton, Charleston, SC., many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Gardner Tharrett, and his first daughter, Alison Elaine Gardner.

A celebration of his life will be held in late July with close family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.

*Keyword search for ‘Albert Gardner’ on the NCPR website to read and listen to Tick’s mucking story! https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/

Vivian Putman

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Vivian L. Putman, age 87, of Macomb, passed away on July 3, 2021 at Highland Nursing Home in Massena where she has been for a short time.

As per her wishes, there was a graveside service held in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Heuvelton on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. There were no calling hours. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Vivian was born on October 11, 1933 to the late Murray E. and Beulah Vay (Merkley) Lumley. She graduated from Morristown Central School in 1951 and went to the C.C.B.I. Business School in Syracuse.

Vivian married Chelson “Stub” G. Putman on August 6, 1955 at the Brier Hill Congregational Church. Mr. Putman passed away on August 17, 2015.

Mrs. Putman helped with the family business, operating Fair Meadow Farm, as well as working as a secretary/receptionist for Senator Robert McEwen’s office, Seymour Livestock Sales in Gouverneur, Tisdall Associates in Canton, and Corning in Canton. While working for Corning she also wrote up reports, acted as shipping clerk, and worked in quality control.

Vivian enjoyed reading, especially Westerns and mysteries, worked on crossword puzzles, taught herself to play the piano, and liked to talk and visit. She was a member of the Macomb Grange since she was a teenager and was a member at the County level with the Pomona Grange.

Her survivors include her three children, Aimee and Kevin Bresett of Macomb, Irene and Leslie Hargrave of Depeyster, and David Putman of Macomb. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Darin and Travis Bresett, Sara Hargrave-Roberts, Chelsea and Jesse Hargrave, David and Loren Putman, raised a niece, Salina Bacon, as a grandchild, and has 5 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband, Chelson “Stub” Putman, and her brother, Murray E. Lumley.

Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to the Morristown Rescue Squad, PO Box 4, Morristown NY 13664.