Published: 09/17/02

IRONVILLE / CROWN POINT — Francis Douglas Brooks, 87, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, at his Home in Ironville, Crown Point, N. Y.

Known to his family and friends, as Doug, he was born on Dec. 27, 1914, at the Brooks Homestead on Vineyard Road in Crown Point. He was the son of Robert and Mae (Burzee) Brooks.

Doug graduated from Crown Point High School, Canton College and Cornell University’s florist curriculum.

He was an excellent baseball athlete and also played basketball at Crown Point High School. Doug was a accomplished public speaker at Canton College and president of the Alpha Theta Gamma Fraternity at the college

After graduation from College in 1935, Doug became head gardener at Chazy Orchards, the largest McIntosh Orchard in the world at that time. He later moved to Lake Placid, N.Y., and became head gardener at the exclusive Lake Placid Club, also doing landscaping for Kate Smith of (God Bless America fame) on her Buck Island Estate - fronting Lake Placid.

In 1942, Doug moved the family back to "Buck Hollow", Crown Point and until his retirement from the work force in 1976, was a very busy individual, both working to support family and the civic duties he enjoyed so much in community and county.

First, he owned and operated a floral business in Crown Point and Port Henry with his wife, Myrtie and mother, Mae Brooks. Then, Doug operated a small dairy farm for 20 years. He also drove school bus for Crown Point Central School for 31 years, including the kindergarten route in the morning and activities route after school, plus part-time custodian.

Doug was Justice of the Peace, member of the New York State Magistrates Association of Essex County and Crown Point town board member for 17 years.

After selling Homeplace and Cattle in 1973, he moved the family to Ironville and continued driving school bus plus selling real estate for United Farm Agency, a nationwide company. Doug was the branch manager for the real estate agency in Essex County, until his retirement in 1976.

Somehow, during his working years, Doug still found time to be a GOP committeeman at Crown Point for 20 years; served as town assessor for four years, also deputy supervisor. He was a 37 year member of the A. E. Phelps Engine Company #2. Doug over the years served as president chief, secretary and treasurer of the fire company; long-time member of the Masons, Odd-Fellows, secretary and treasurer of this organization. He helped organize the Crown Point Baldpate Ski Club and Run. Doug also helped organize the Crown Point American Legion baseball team and was the coach of multi - Essex County championship legion teams. He was interim coach of the Crown Point Little League Baseball Team. Doug was a member of the Crown Point United Methodist Church.

After his retirement in 1976, Doug stayed very busy as the consummate volunteer, both in the Crown Point community and county organizations. He was a director, treasurer and overseer of grounds for Penfield Historic Foundation, Inc. Doug was developer and overseer of Lockwood Meadows, a very rustic and private campsite, owned by Penfield Historic Foundation, Inc. He became a fire commissioner in Crown Point and a member of the Southern Adirondack Fire Police Organization. Doug was a member of the New York State Retirement of Federal and State Workers. He was a member of the American Association of Retired People. Doug was a member and helped organize the Knapp Senior Citizens Club in Crown Point, plus being the first president of the organization. He worked for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Essex County. Doug was a member of the Senior Action Council of Essex County, plus secretary and treasurer of this council. He helped organize a scholarship fund for High School Seniors within Odd-Fellows Ethan Allen Lodge No. 630 for Students in Towns of Crown Point, Moriah and Schroon Lake to receive money for college, if they were entering the medical field on alternate year basis, Doug was a director and president of the Ironville Cemetery Association for many years.

He was a recipient of many awards for services rendered to the Crown Point community and Essex County. Salesmanship Award from United Farm Agency, Nationwide Real Estate Company, for selling real estate in Essex County during year of (1974); voted Retired Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year (1978), for Essex County, by County Office of Aged, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Department; 21 State Certificates Awards for no accidents during 31 years of school bus driving at Crown Point School; Certificate of Appreciation Award from Penfield Historic Foundation, Inc. for efforts to improve foundation beyond the duties of treasurer (1980); 50 year Grange membership - Golden Shield and Certificate Award; 37 year award for excellence in service to fire company and community; Distinguished Alumni Award from Canton College for outstanding service to community and society - over 10,000 hours of volunteer service to community and society, (1986); Town of Crown Point honored Doug as a grand marshall of recent Memorial Day Parade; Appreciation Award for 27 years of dedicated service to the Ironville Cemetery by the Ironville Cemetery Association on May 9th (2000); Certificate of Appreciation Award from Veterans of Foreign Wars; Commanders Club Award from Disabled American Veterans; Appreciation Day and Award to Doug Brooks for his dedicate service to the senior citizens of Crown Point, as a member, co-founder and first president of the Knapp Senior Citizens Organization, Sept. 6th, (2000). Doug received 50 year membership pin from Rescue Lodge No. 772 of Crown Point Masonic Organization in March (2001).

Doug enjoyed his garden and flowers and helping neighbors with theirs. He loved politics and the republican party (local - County-wide and Nationally). Doug was especially proud to be one of the GOP Committeemen to help launch the political career of our legendary state senator, Ron Stafford. He also enjoyed attending Justice School in Albany with Lake Placid Olympic Hero and two - time Gold Medal winner Jack Shea.

Long before Doug drove the activities bus at Crown Point Central School his old car or truck was the activities bus. He would take children home anywhere in town, so they didn't have to walk, even if they live many miles out of the way of his home. If he was going to a sports event out of town and children were hitch-hiking to this event, Doug would give as many as possible a ride.

Doug loved to give candy to the children on his school bus, especially at Christmas time, because he knew that some of the students didn't receive many gifts in the "old days". He was also very proud of the many accomplishments the children on his bus route were able to obtain in adult life, from (war heroes to presidents of New York State organizations, also excellence in medical field to pillars of Education and many financial success stories).

So in a long and busy community-minded life, if you needed a fishing permit, grave site, building site, street light, camp site and just about everything in between plus plain good honest advice, Doug would try his best to help make your dreams come true.

Doug was only able to do all these activities, because of his exceptional wife of nearly 60 years and helper, Myrtie Brooks and the never ending support of his neighbors, people in Crown Point, surrounding communities and the County of Essex.

His passion in life was to help others. The most important thing in life is to live your life for something more important than your life.

He was very devoted to his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In honor of Doug’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Interment will take place at the family plot of the North Elba Cemetery, near Lake Placid, with a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be given in Doug’s memory to Crown Point Senior Citizens Club - c/o Grace Armstrong -President - to help purchase a new van for the Club or to the Methodist Church in Crown Point.

Doug was predeceased by his precious wife, Myrtie; and twin sons, Jamie and Robbie Brooks.

He is survived by his two sons, James of Buck Hollow / Ironville, Crown Point and Terry of Brunswick, N. Y.

Harland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

PINE LEVEL, N.C. — Willie Clarence Raynor, age 77, died Saturday morning, Sept. 14, 2002, at his home.

He was born March 25, 1925, in Johnston County, N.C., to the late Clarence R. and Sallie (Hill) Raynor.

He was a retired auto body technician with Gardner Motor Company and later with Hyatt Motor Company in Smithfield, N.C.

A medic with the U.S. Army during World War II, he was taken prisoner of war at the Battle of the Bulge.

Willie was a member of Parrish Memorial Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Arlene (Game) Raynor; sons, C.L. Raynor and wife, Glenda of Keeseville, N.Y., and Bobby L. Raynor and wife, Teresa of Pine Level; daughter, Lisa R. Davis and husband, Craig of Pine Level; brother, James Raynor of Micro, N.C.; and five grandchildren, Rhonda Barefoot and husband, Lee, Robert Raynor, Amanda Raynor, Amber Raynor and Emma Ruth Davis.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, N.C. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the funeral home, with the Rev. Roger Banks officiating. Burial, with honors, will follow in the Princeton Cemetery.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Pine Level American Legion Post 405 Auxiliary, P. 0. Box 405, Pine Level, NC 27568.

VESTAL, N.Y. — Thomas E. Wray, 77, of Vestal, went to be with the Lord, Sunday morning, Sept. 15. 2002, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

He was a retired employee of the I.B.M. Endicott Corp. and a member of its Quarter Century Club.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy, an avid golfer, fisherman, bowler and gardener.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Kyea) Wray of Vestal; daughter, Charlotte Ingraham of Endicott; three sons, Thomas Jr. and Mary Jane Slusser of Vestal, Jerry and Barbara Wray of N.H., and Richard Wray of Rochester; three grandchildren, Paul Ingraham, and Jessica and Lisa Wray; two great-grandchildren, Mandalyn and Hope Ingraham; two sisters, Eleanor Lynch and Shirley Simmonds; and a brother, William Wray; several nieces and nephews.

His wife Virginia is the daughter of the late Jerry and Marie Kyea of AuSable Forks.

The family will receive friends at the Zaumetzer - Sprague Funeral Home, AuSable Forks, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, from 9 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:15 a.m. at the funeral home and burial will be in the family plot at Holy Name Cemetery, AuSable Forks.

Ticonderoga — Edward Emmett Belden, 82, of Rt. 22, passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, at his home.

He was born in Putnam Station, Aug. 11, 1920, the son of the late Arthur A. and Winifred (O’Dell) Belden.

Mr. Belden was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during World War II.

He married Beulah E. Anderson on Nov. 15, 1941, at the Log Chapel in Putnam Station.

Mr. Belden was a resident of Ticonderoga for most of his life. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ticonderoga.

He was employed by the International Paper Company of Ticonderoga for 33 years until his retirement in 1979, and was a member of the Company’s Quarter Century Club.

Mr. Belden was a former member of the Mount Defiance Lodge 794 Free and Accepted Masons of Ticonderoga and the Oriental Shrine of both Albany and Troy.

His hobbies were gardening and stock car races.

Edward enjoyed his family and friends and will surely be missed until we all meet again in God’s care.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Beulah E. Belden; two sons, Edward A. Belden of Ticonderoga and William G. Belden of Putnam Station; and one daughter, Elizabeth A. Coley of Ticonderoga. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great - grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin St., Ticonderoga. A funeral service will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Wicker Street, Ticonderoga. The Rev. Paul L. Dufford Jr., pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Valley View Cemetery of Ticonderoga.

North Hudson — Robert E. Wetmore, 93, of North Hudson, and formerly of Crown Point passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, at the Pleasant Valley Infirmary of Argyle.

He was born in Whiting, Vt., Aug. 15, 1909, the son the late Charles and Grace (Ryder) Wetmore.

He married Geraldine Lee on Nov. 7, 1940 and resided in Crown Point before moving to North Hudson in 1969.

He was employed by the International Paper Company of Ticonderoga for many years until his retirement in 1971, and was a member of the company’s Quarter Century Club. He also was employed by the Town of North Hudson for many years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine M. Wetmore on July 22, 1996. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Richard Bessey; his son-in-law, Russell Bessey; and by 12 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara A. Luedtke and her husband, Robert of Albany and Brenda Bessey of North Hudson; one brother, Hayden Wetmore of Leicester, Vt.; four grandchildren, Randy and Diane Bessey, Ryan and April Bessey, Rhett Bessey and his fiancé Rebecca Tart, all of North Hudson, and Robbilee Luedtke of Albany. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin St., Ticonderoga. A funeral service will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Paul L.. Dufford Jr., pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Ticonderoga, will officiate. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Ironville Cemetery of Crown Point.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad, Schroon Lake, New York 12870.

Plattsburgh — Merilda M. "Mim" (Burnell) Forgette, 88, formerly of Wallace Hill Road, passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at the Meadowbrook Health Care Facility with her family at her side.

She was born in Plattsburgh on Dec. 9, 1913, the daughter of Mose and Charlotte (Antoine) Bushey.

Merilda was predeceased by her husband, Philbert Burnell who passed away Sept. 14, 1979; her brothers, Walter, Harvey and Roy Bushey; her sisters, Laura Golden, Bertha Roushia and Rena Nichols.

She enjoyed knitting, reading, writing poetry, traveling and spending time with her family at their camp on Chazy Lake.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Church.

Merilda is survived by her husband, Marcel J. Forgette of the Light House in Dannemora; her daughters, Joyce McLean and her husband, Clyde of Four Oaks, N.C., and Glory Morley and her husband, Gregory of Plattsburgh; her sons, Carl Burnell and his wife, Marge of Plattsburgh and Wendell Burnell and his wife, Nancy of Plattsburgh; 16 grandchildren; 28 great- grandchildren; 23 great-great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dannemora.

Friends wishing may make donations to Alzheimer’s Foundation or Activities Fund at Meadowbrook Health Care Facility.

KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA — Richard W. Fields, 70, of Thomas Street, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada died Monday, Sept. 16, 2002, at the Hepburn Memorial Hospital, Ogdensburg, N.Y., after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on April 19, 1932, at Mineville, N.Y., the son of Peter and Ellen (Whitty) Fields.

Dick retired in 1999 from the United States Customs Service, having served for 28 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Korean conflict.

He is survived by his wife, Rita (Kay) Thompson Fields.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Peter and Ellen Fields.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Port Henry, N.Y. Rev. Michael Toth officiating. Burial will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Ticonderoga, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local SPCA OR The American Cancer Society.

Harland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

MICHAEL DOWNS, 48, of Knoxville, Tenn., died Sept. 2, 2002, at his home.

He was born on Dec. 20, 1953, son of the late Mrs. Dr. James (Carolyn) Downs.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dannemora.

Arrangements are with the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh.

MARION E. PALMER, 77, of Miller Street, passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2002, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

She was born in Plattsburgh on Sept. 22, 1924, the daughter of Charles E. And Elizabeth (Demary) Lewis.

Calling hours and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh.

Vivian Vallec, 77, of Meadowbrook Health Care Facility and formerly of the Robert Long Apartments, died Monday Sept. 16, 2002, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

James H. Seymour, 64, of Foundry Street, Chateaugay, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, at Alice Hyde Medical Center, Malone.

He was born in Malone, N.Y., on Nov. 26, 1937, the son of Harold and Alice (Dwyer) Seymour.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, in St. Patrick’s Church, with Rev. Ray Moreau officiating.

Arrangements are with the Chateaugay Funeral Home.

Veronica G. Bassett, 85, of the Alice Hyde Nursing Home, Malone, formerly of Saranac, N.Y., died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, at the nursing home.

Mrs. Bassett was born Sept. 22, 1916, in Beekmantown, N.Y., the daughter of Joseph and Hannah Ryan Dwyer.

No calling hours. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dannemora, N.Y., on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002, at 1 p.m., with Rev. John Looby officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dannemora, N.Y.

Arrangements are with the Fox - McLellan Funeral Home, Ogdensburg, N.Y.

Shirley B. Manson of Daytona Beach, Fla., and a former resident of Ft. Covington, N.Y., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002, in Ormond Beach Memorial Hospital in Ormond Beach, Fla., where she had been a patient since Aug. 31, 2002.

She was born in North Bangor, N.Y., the daughter of the late Gibson and Blanche (Hutchins) Manson.

Friends may call at the Flint Funeral Home, Moira, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, at 2 p.m. at the Brushton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tom Davis officiating. Burial will be in Morningside Cemetery, Malone.

Arrangements are through the Flint Funeral Home, Moira.

MINIER S. TYRRELL, 93, of White Church Road, Crown Point, died Monday Sept. 16, 2002, at the Moses Ludington Hospital, Ticonderoga, N.Y.

He was born at Severance, N.Y., on Oct. 12, 1908, the son of Lemuel and Jennie (Braley) Tyrrell.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a time and place to be announced. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

Harland Funeral Home in Port Henry is in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Lavigne, age 90, of RR# I Box 79, Cold Brook Road, Vermontville, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2002, at Adirondack Medical Center.

She was born in Beekmantown, N.Y., on Dec. 16, 1911.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune - Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. Private services will take place at the convenience of the family.

Edna M. Gladd, age 92, formally of Church Street, Saranac Lake, died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home in Clifton Park, N.Y.

She was born in Saranac Lake, N.Y., on Aug. 4, 1910, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Betters) Charland.

A memorial Mass will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, at 11:15 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church, with Rev. Timothy Soucy officiating. Interment will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Saranac Lake.

Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake is in charge of arrangements. 

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