Published: 4/16/04

Valcour — David Barber McDowell, 78, of Valcour, died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the CVPH Medical Center. He was born on Feb. 1, 1926, in Plattsburgh, the son of Katherine Barber McDowell and Dr. Edward Studholme McDowell.

He was a graduate of Plattsburgh High School, class of 1942 and attended Dartmouth College until his enrollment into the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, in 1944. After his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1948, he served aboard destroyers and submarines and resigned his commission in 1950 to attend medical school. He was graduated from Dartmouth Medical School in 1952 and the University of Michigan Medical School in 1954. In 1955 he entered into internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at A.N. Brady Hospital and Albany Hospital. He completed his residency in 1958 and opened the first private practice specializing in OB/GYN in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

He married Mary (Mimi) Dickson Haskell of Stamford, Conn., on July 29, 1950. They had three sons, Rob (1951) David (1953) and William (1956) and a daughter, Mary Katherine (1960).

Dr. McDowell was a leader in bringing modern OB/GYN care to northern New York. He served in a variety of leadership roles in local hospitals, county and state medical societies and the Clinton County Board of Health. He was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Vermont Medical School and established CVPH as a training site for UVM residents in OB/GYN. He was a stalwart supporter of women's reproductive freedom and served on the Medical Advisory Board for Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood.

After retiring from medical practice, Dr. McDowell continued to serve his community through his work as Medical Director of the Conifer Park Outpatient clinic in Plattsburgh, his presence in and advocacy for Alcoholics Anonymous and his continued service on the Clinton County Board of Health.

Dave expressed his spirited enthusiasm for life in many ways. An avid sailboat racer and fierce competitor, he was a founder of the Valcour Sailing Club and a member of the Lake Champlain Racing Conference. His love of Lake Champlain and its history was evident in his support for the Lake Champlain Committee, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, the refurbishing of the Valcour Island lighthouse and involvement with several historical reenactments of the Battle of Valcour.

Dr. McDowell's devotion to helping others continued to be felt in his community long after retirement from medical practice. He will be remembered for his spirit and willful determination in the face of life's difficulties, his devotion to his family, his salty sense of humor and his compassion for those in need.

Dr. McDowell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mimi; and their two sons and daughters-in-law, Rob and Jan McDowell of Plattsburgh and Bill and Britt McDowell of Plattsburgh; and by their daughter and son-in-law, Kate McDowell and David Rider of Burlington, Vt.; and nine grandchildren, Damian, Brooke and Parker Stafford, David McDowell, Nina, Sam and Olivia McDowell and Will and Jack Rider.

Dr. McDowell was predeceased by his son David; his sister, Margaret (McDowell) Lewis; and his parents.

A memorial service for Dr. McDowell will be held on Friday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 34 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Donations in his memory may be made to Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood, 66 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901; the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Rd., Vergennes, VT; or the First Presbyterian Church, 34 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh, N.Y.

The McDowell family expresses their gratitude to the many people who cared for Dave during his decline in health, particularly Drs. Robert Collins and Bruce Bunn, the Rev. Paul Heller and the many talented physicians, nurses and staff at CVPH.

Schroon Lake — March 6, 1920 - April 15, 2004

The son of Charles and Mary Friedman. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife and best friend of 57 years, Janet Friedman; two sons, Joel Friedman and Roger Friedman and Roger's wife Myriam and their two children, Adam and David; his brother, Orel Friedman; and his sister, Martha Schiffman.

Moe grew up in Schroon Lake and graduated from Schroon Lake Central School in 1938 and Union College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946 in Europe including the Battle of the Bulge.

He graduated from Albany Law School and practiced law in Schroon Lake until 1978 and simultaneously established and ran a real estate business until 1982. He was Clerk of the Essex County Family Court for many years.

He was a Town of Schroon Board Member for 32 years and Town Justice for 24 years. Founded and was President of the Essex County Magistrate's Association. A Charter Member of the Town of Schroon Lions Club. Board Member of the Oscar Seagle Association. For over 45 years served as a Town Republican Committeeman. He was also President of the Schroon-North Hudson Hoffman Mt. Ski Club. Charter Member of the Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club. He was chosen Schroon Lake Citizen of the Year.

Served on the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust's Development Board.

President of the Essex County Bar Association. He was also involved with many other organizations.

Moe was instrumental in raising the private funds to save and restore the Boathouse Theater on the Shores of Schroon Lake which is a landmark in Schroon Lake.

Moe loved the outdoors, particularly fishing (especially in Alaska), skiing and hunting. He also had a passion for the arts, music and travel. He loved Schroon Lake and often would cruise with his family on the pontoon boat.

Services will be held at Temple Beth-El located on Marion Avenue in Glens Falls on Sunday at 1 p.m. with internment immediately following the service. Friends and family are invited to the Friedman residence at 25 Leland Avenue in Schroon Lake Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. to remember Moe.

Donations can be made to the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad, the Seagle Colony or the charity of your choice.

Port Kent — Paul Saratowski, 68, of Sable Street, Port Kent, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, following a yearlong battle with cancer and a courageous battle with a muscle disease which he lived with for many years.

He was born in New York City, June 20, 1935, the son of Edmond S. Saratowski and Lena Fearns.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958. When stationed in Plattsburgh he met his wife of 48 years, the former Phyllis Chesbrough, whom he married March 16, 1956.

Paul worked for many years with Grumman Aerospace on Long Island prior to relocating to Port Kent. He was a well-known auto and insurance salesman and won many awards for his abilities.

Paul was a member of a hunting club and also a member of P.R.A.M. (Plattsburgh Radio Aeromodelers, Inc.).

He loved to build and fly radio controlled airplanes and made many great friends with his flying buddies. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, canoe and cross-country ski. He will be remembered for his love of nature and wildlife and his sense of humor, which always brought laughter to his family and friends.

Along with his wife, survivors include his two children, son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Michelle of Williamsport, Pa., and daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Paul Wenzel of Keeseville; three grandchildren, which were the joy of his life, Matthew Saratowski, age 15 and Alyssa Saratowski, age 12, of Williamsport, Pa., and Leigh-Ann Wenzel, age 7, of Keeseville; his mother, Lena Fearns of Plattsburgh; two brothers, Dr. Seba and Paula Krumholtz and Justin and Linda Krumholtz, all of Florida; a very special sister-in-law, Mary Ann Chesbrough who resided with Paul and Phyllis for many years prior to moving to Jay, N.Y., with Essex County ARC; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Leona and Bryan Marsha of Keeseville, Robert and Roberta Chesbrough and Dale and Marielle Chesbrough, all of Port Kent; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Edmund S. Saratowski of North Carolina; and his beloved dogs, Indy and Paco.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Keeseville United Methodist Church.

Donations in his memory may be made to P.R.A.M. Inc., c/o Chris Brown (Treasurer), 14 Edgewater Drive, Rouses Point, NY 12979.

Arrangements are by the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Syracuse — Mr. Darby J. Whalen, 52, of Syracuse, died Sunday, April 4, 2004, at his home.

He married Patti Streeter on Sept. 8, 1973, which ended in divorce.

Born in Gouverneur, N.Y., on Sunday, Nov. 11, 1951, he was the son of the late E. John (Jack) Whalen and Honey C. (Caswell) Whalen, who survives him, of Gouverneur, N.Y.

He worked as a purchasing agent at Ben Bo Chemical, Syracuse, N.Y. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1969 and then went on to Potsdam State University, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor of arts in education. He enjoyed cooking and spending summers at the family cottage on Sylivia Lake. He lived in Gouverneur, moving to Syracuse in 1988.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a daughter, Tricia M. Whalen of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; two brothers, Casey Whalen, The Woodlands, Texas, and Shannon Whalen, Kansas City, Kan.; and grandchildren Keegan Whalen and Mackenzie Brown.

Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at French Funeral Home Inc., Gouverneur, N.Y. A memorial service will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. from the funeral home, with Rev. Daniel Moore, Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating.

The family request donations to Gouverneur Trinity Episcopal Church, Park Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Littleton, N.H. — Sister Irene Potvin (Sister Alice Therese), 86, of Mt. Sacred Heart Convent, Grove Street, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Littleton Regional Hospital.

She was born in Methuen, Mass., daughter of Arthur and Alice (Lavoie) Potvin.

She made her religious profession to the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Aug. 12, 1941. She was a school teacher for 53 years and for 41 years she taught first grade reading at the Sacred Heart School in Newport, Vt. Sister also taught in Morrisonville, N.Y., and Colebrook, N.H.

Following her retirement from teaching, she spent her time visiting the sick and doing errands for those in need. She has a fondness for animals and was the caretaker of the fish and birds at the convent.

She is survived by a sister, Jeannette Earl of Dundee, Fla.; several nieces and nephews; and her religious family.

Funeral services will be held at the Mt. Sacred Heart Chapel on Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the St. Mary Cemetery, Newport, Vt., with Rev. Rene Gelinas officiating.

The Ross Funeral Home, Littleton Chapel and the Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Newport, Vt., are in charge of services.

Lake Zurich, Ill. — Christopher L. Watson, 26, of Lake Zurich, Ill., at peace in Christ Saturday, April 10, 2004.

Loving son of Donald and Virginia Watson; brother of Jennifer and Gregg Watson; and fond grandson of Gladys Lunneborg.

Arrangements entrusted to the Symonds Funeral Home & Crematory of Grayslake, Ill. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Friday at St. Matthew’s Church in Black Brook, N.Y. Internment to follow immediately at the former Crowley Farm, Haselton Road in Wilmington, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Chris’ memory to the Clinton, Essex and Franklin Crisis Center, 36 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901. Telephone: 518-561-2699.

LEWIS — Edward F. Drummond, 45, of Canton, N.Y., formerly of Lewis, died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, in Potsdam, N.Y.

He was born June 12, 1958, in Elizabethtown, N.Y., the son of Edward and Emma Jean (Brewster) Drummond.

Edward was very active in St. Mary’s Church and school in Potsdam and also in Boy Scout Troop 73 in Massena, N.Y.

He is survived by his mother and father of Lewis, N.Y.; three brothers, Wayne Drummond and Brenda Anson of Westport, N.Y., Jeffrey and Jill Drummond of Lewis, N.Y., and Stephen and Tammy Drummond of Rutherfordton, N.C.; three sisters, Jeanine Drummond and Roy Parker of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Patti and Michael Doyle of Elizabethtown and Christine Landon and Kevin Cassavaugh of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Ed had a large extended family, all very special to him, who include housemates Jim Foote and Robert Brunet, the staff at Public Health, the staff at Pollack I.R.A., St. Lawrence, N.Y., SARC, Potsdam Habilitation Dayhab, St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Church, Boy Scout Troop 73, Cerebral Palsy Office Staff, clinical staff, management and Medlinks Aides.

A very special heartfelt thanks to his friend and caregiver, Douglas Parks, who loved and cared for Ed up until his last breath. Douglas gave of himself unselfishly to help Ed experience all that life had to offer. Ed brought sunshine and smiles to the faces of all who knew him and will be greatly missed by all.

Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Marvin’s Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Lewis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s School, 45 Lawrence Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676 or Boy Scout Troop 73, c/o Linda Avery, 9 Green Meadow Rd., Winthrop, N.Y.

Austin J. Bashaw, 88, of 202 Lower Park St., Malone, died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at the Alice Hyde Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Malone, N.Y., the son of Ambrose and Melvina LaRocque Putraw Bashaw.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in St. Mary-Murphy Funeral Home Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. John Bosco Church. Burial will take place in St. John Bosco Cemetery.

Harry H. Reed, 67, of West Chazy, died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

He was born in Plattsburgh on Feb. 1, 1937, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Reed.

Arrangements were incomplete Thursday evening at the O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

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