Published: 12/19/02

PORT HENRY — Captain John Owen, United States Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully in the home that his father built in 1895, at 68 Spring St., Port Henry, N.Y., on the afternoon of Dec. 7, 2002. He died in the same room where he was born in 1906. He was five days into his 97th year, having turned 96 on December 2nd. He had been ill with end stage cardiac disease for some time, but he clung tenaciously to life in recent years, defying the odds with his will to live a meaningful life right until the end.

He was born the last of four children to Judge Harry and Emily Owen in 1906 and spent his early years in Port Henry.

He graduated from Port Henry High School in 1925 and was a member of the high school football and basketball teams. One of John's lifelong friends, was the late Henry Gilbo, a member of both of those teams.

He attended Middlebury College, the college that his brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather attended and graduated in 1930 with a degree in history. He received his law degree from Albany Law School in 1937.

John spent his early years enjoying all the beauty and experiences that the Adirondack area had to offer. He hunted and fished in many places in the region with his father and other close friends.

He was an avid sportsman, having a single digit golf handicap in his prime. He also enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing, reaching the summit of Mt. Marcy, the highest peak in New York State, in 1935. As well, John took a keen interest in bobsledding and for a short time became a bobsled driver at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg run near Lake Placid.

He successfully practiced law with his father in Port Henry during the middle 1930's and then was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy in 1939. He enjoyed the military experience so much that he continued his naval career after World War II until his retirement in 1966. Highlights of his naval career were many. He was stationed in exotic places like Puerto Rico and Hawaii, where he was the District Legal Officer at Pearl Harbor from 1955 through 1958. As well, he was the sports representative of the Navy during his years in Hawaii, helping among other things, to organize the Hula Bowl, an all-star Football Game. In addition, he was the Assistant Judge Advocate General from 1958 until his retirement in 1966.

Perhaps the highlight, in retrospect, of his military career was meeting with Albert Einstein at the latter's summer home near Saranac Lake, N.Y., in 1944. The purpose of this visit was to obtain information from Einstein about which German rocket scientists should be taken out of Nazi Germany to America near the end of the war. This information was vital in order that these important German scientists did not fall into invading communist forces' hands as the Russians were about to invade Germany from the east. The military information that Lt. Owen obtained allowed U.S. Military Intelligence to target the men, like Werner von Braun, who would become the backbone of the United States Space Program in the late 1950's and the 1960's.

He also visited mobster "Lucky" Luciano in Dannemora Prison near Plattsburgh, N.Y., in World War II. He was able to win Luciano's trust ("Lucky" gave him a handwritten note that said, "Cooperate with Lt. Owen in every way you can." Signed, "Lucky"). His association with the gangster, who controlled much of the maritime activity in New York, Harbor at this time, enabled The Navy to place disguised agents on Luciano's maritime fleet. These clandestine Navy Personnel were able to obtain information about how and where Nazi sympathizers were supplying petroleum to German U-boats off the northeast coast of the U.S.A. From then on American shipping in the area became much safer.

After retirement, he returned to his boyhood home in Port Henry and after a short time as a social services caseworker, became social services commissioner of Essex County, a position he held successfully for approximately seven years. He retired permanently from all formal work in 1972.

He married Helen Phelan, a Canadian citizen, in 1940. They had four children: John G. ("Jay"), born in 1944; Johanne, born in 1947, Jeffrey, born in Hawaii in 1957, and Jason, born in 1960. Johanne predeceased her father in August of this year. His other sons survived their father. He also has three grandchildren, Jay’s children, Josh (22 years old) and Kara (19), as well as his daughter's child, Crown Point resident Heather Huchro (32). Lastly, John is survived by his affectionate, compassionate and loyal beagle "Scrappy", his constant companion during his last ten years.

Jay is a secondary school teacher in Sydney, Australia, where he has resided with his wife, Marilyn Byrnes, and their children for 30 years.

Johanne and her family resided with Captain Owen after the death of his wife Helen in 1967. She spent the last years of her life caring for her father, despite increasing health problems.

Jeffrey served in the United States Navy as a pilot and is now a Captain for Delta Airlines. He resides in Utah and he and his partner Sang Nguyen helped care for their father after Johanne's untimely death in August of 2002.

Jason is an aviation project manager with the Vermont Agency of Transportation. He lives in Barre, Vt.. He, with great support from his employer, was able to care for his father at his home in Port Henry from early August until his father's passing on December 7. Jay, and Jay's son Josh, also spent almost three months together assisting Jason with the care of their father/grandfather. Additional needed support was given by Jeffrey and his caring partner Sang.

This coalition of caring and supportive relatives were able to continue Johanne's commitment to keep Captain Owen at home so that he could finish his life in the home where he was born.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and recreational golf. He passed on his love of the values of competitive sport to his children and grandchildren. Special mention should be made of his link with the outstanding girls' ice hockey teams from Middlebury College in recent years. Their coach, Bill Mandigo, and the girls who visited his home many times over the past few years, were a constant source of joy to Captain Owen.

An intensely private person, Captain Owen nonetheless greatly enjoyed the company of others. His many North Country friends and neighbors were a great source of strength and support in his twilight years.

He was a committed and devoted family man and his most special moments were shared with his family - first with his children and later on with his grandchildren. His devotion to family has been carried on by his children.

Captain Owen's family would like to gratefully acknowledge the support from the health services in the local area, specifically the Westport Health Center, North Country Home Services, Meals on Wheels Program, Elizabethtown-Lewis Community Hospital and High Peaks Hospice. His family will be forever in their debt.

A private service was held at Captain Owen's home on Friday, December 13, 2002. His immediate family and closest friends were in attendance to celebrate a remarkable life. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Anyone wishing to know more can contact his son Jason at 802-828-5752.

Paisley, Fla. — Rita M. Provost, 84, of Paisley, Fla., passed away peacefully Dec. 5, 2002, at the Ocean View Center in New Symrna Beach, Fla., after a short illness, with family by her side.

Rita and her late husband Herbert Provost operated the Esso station on the corner of Montcalm and Cornelia for 30 years. Rita was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, friend and Roman Catholic. Rita loved sewing and making crafts. She was an excellent cook and made the best pies from scratch.

After retirement they enjoyed traveling and settled in Paisley, Fla., in 1984, to be with old friends. She loved children and enjoyed the many visits from family to her Florida home.

Rita was born in Plattsburgh on April 29, 1918, the daughter of Orville and Margurite Mable (Trudeau) Ducatte.

Rita is survived by two sons and a daughter.

Gary Provost, and companion Jan Cornish of New Symrna Beach, Fla. Gary's first wife, Jean Wood and their three children, Joseph Provost, Tammy ShinOhara and Jill Provost.

James and Diane Provost, daughter-in-law, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and their three children, James Provost Jr., Lynley Meyers and Jennifer Provost.

Angela and Rich Lucas, son-in-law, of Freeville, N.Y., and there child Nathan Lucas.

Great-grandchildren are David and Alexandra Provost, Daniel, Jordie and Ty Meyers, Benjamin, Adam and Jake ShinOhara.

Also sister and brothers-in-law, Gertrude Germain, Joan Provost, Robert and Mary Provost, Rita Caouette, Clare Walker, Raymond and Barbara Caouette; and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was predeceased by a daughter, Carol, her husband, Herbert, and her parents. Sister and brothers-in-law, Lawrence and Geraldine Provost, John and Irene Molinsky and Carl Provost.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be held in the spring. Burial will be in the St. Peter's family plot in Plattsburgh in the spring.

PLATTSBURGH — Ethel M. Guynup, 97, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, at the Meadowbrook Healthcare Facility.

She was born in Redford on Sept. 6, 1905, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Bouvia) St. Clair.

Ethel married Charles W. Guynup on Jan. 21, 1925. He predeceased her in 1967.

Mrs. Guynup was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Treadwells Mills, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 1619 in Plattsburgh and the VFW Auxiliary 30 in Peru.

Ethel worked for several years for the Copeland and other city families and then for Plattsburgh State College, as a cook.

She enjoyed painting, reading, reading poems, flower gardening, cooking and most of all her family and friends. She will be remembered mostly for her kindness and her generosity towards others.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary (Betty) Kendrick of Plattsburgh; six sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Geraldine Guynup of Plattsburgh, William and Doris Guynup of Plattsburgh, Gerald and Nancy Guynup of Plattsburgh, James and Wanda Guynup of Plattsburgh, Gene and Sharon Guynup of Plattsburgh and John and Theresa Guynup of Peru; one sister, Rita Beaudoin of Plattsburgh; one sister-in-law, Gertrude St. Clair of Plattsburgh; 28 grandchildren; 33 great-grand-children and six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three sons, Charles Jr., Bernard and Lawrence; one grandson, Gene Jr.; three brothers, Arthur, Charles and Howard St. Clair; four sisters, Margaret St. Clair, Florence Drolette, Dorothy Darrah and Kathryn Chisholm.

Calling hours will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Treadwells Mills. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Auxillary Post 1619 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary Post 309.

R.W. Walker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Fairfield, Calif. — Beatrice Henrietta Lewis Olyer, 79, of Fairfield, Calif., formerly of Rouses Point, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 in Fairfield, Calif.

She was employed at Wyeth-Ayerst in Rouses Point N.Y., and A.G. Spaulding and Brothers, Inc. in Chicopee, Mass. She was also employed as agency cashier for New England Mutual Life Insurance Company in Oklahoma City. She earned the Designation of Certified Professional Secretary at the University of Houston in 1954, and later she attended the University of Hawaii and Sloano Community College. She also graduated from the Air Force's Logistics Management School at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado.

After moving out to Fairfield in 1962, she was employed at Travis Air Force Base as an executive secretary and later as a logistics management specialist until her retirement in 1995.

She is survived by several cousins, and her recent companion, Christopher Quigley.

She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 47 years Lionel A. Olyer in 1992.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home in Rouses Point. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Rouses Point. Burial will be at a later date in the family plot at Maple Hill Cemetery, Rouses Point.

Donations may be made to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Building Fund 2700 Dover Ave., Fairfield, CA. 94533.

PLATTSBURGH — Warren V. Holt, 84, of 15 Dennis Ave., Plattsburgh died Tuesday evening, Dec. 17, 2002, at his home.

He was born in Troy, N.Y., on April 12, 1918, the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Neary) Holt.

Mr. Holt was a member of St. John's Church. He was also a member of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Liaison Committee, Treasurer and Board Member of the Clinton County Area Development Corporation, a member of the Board of Directors of the Plattsburgh Housing Authority, a life member of the Elks Lodge 621, Corporate Member of the CVPH Medical Center, member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Midland Bank and Charter Member and Director of the Whiteface Mountain Antique Auto Club. Mr. Holt was owner and president of Warren Holt Corp. for 31 years, retiring in 1983.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Amy Holt; two sons, Brian Holt and his wife Beth of San Francisco, Calif. and Garrett "Garry" Holt and his wife Susanne of Point Au Roche; one daughter, Lynn Miller and her husband David of Naples, Fla.; two step daughters, Amy Robinson and her husband Kirk of Lisbon, N.Y., and Michelle Bryant and her husband Brian of Lake Wales, Fla.; one son-in-law, Keith Anderson; four grandchildren, Janice Holt, Sharon Walsh and her husband Michael, Kelly Botsford and her husband Paul and Kevin Anderson; three step grandchildren, Evan, Noel, and Keegan Robinson; one great- grandson, Kyle Botsford; one niece and one nephew.

His first wife, Ann Garrett Holt; one son, Warren Holt; one daughter, Carol Holt Anderson; and two brothers, Lyman and Roy Holt; and his sister, Frances Holt died earlier.

At the request of Mr. Holt, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. John's Church. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in the spring. Donations in his memory, may be made to the CVPH Foundation, Hospice of the North Country or the Interfaith Food Shelf.

The R. W. Walker Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Rouses Point — James W. Uhorchak, 61, of Rouses Point, N.Y., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at Fletcher Allen Medical Center in Burlington, Vt.

He was born Aug. 4, 1941, son of the late Walter J. and Barbara (Finch) Uhorchak in Sidney, N.Y.

He served in the National Guard from 1966 to 1972. James was employed as a U.S. Customs Inspector when he retired.

He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

James is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jeanne Uhorchak, Cary, N.C.; a nephew; two nieces; two grandnieces; two aunts; and many friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Church in Rouses Point, N.Y., at 11 a.m. Rev. Nan Clancy will officiate. Committal services will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Mt. Upton, N.Y., in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Rouses Point, N.Y.

C H Landers, Inc., Sidney, N.Y., is in charge of the arrangements.

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