Warner Deitz

Warner Carl Deitz, age 85, of 11 Riebel Way, Ray Brook, NY, died Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at his home.

Born in Saranac Lake, New York on May 03, 1924, he was the son of Milford and Dora (Marshall) Deitz.

Warner graduated from Saranac Lake High School. He later attended radio school at Paul Smiths College and volunteered for the Army in 1942. He served as a Sergeant in the 1st and 5th ARUF during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. During that time he served in the Pacific aboard a unit of the "Ivory Soap" fleet as a radar repairman and airborne equipment person. He also served as gunner when ship was attacked. Warner received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War II victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and American Service Medal. Following the war Warner received a B.A. from Syracuse University in Environmental Science and Forestry, and an M.S. from Michigan in Forestry Economics.

Warner married Rosalind S. Riebel on May 26, 1968 in First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, they had two children, Forrest and Justina.

Warner was a Forest Appraiser for the NY State Board of Equalization and Assessment including supervision of personnel. Had exceptional skill in interpreting aerial photos. He also served as an Associate Professor at Paul Smiths College teaching forestry, wildlife, an outdoor recreation. He was and instructor at Adirondack Educational Center (BOCES) teaching forestry, outdoor recreation, air and water quality, waste recycling and disposal. He was well loved by his students. He was a Charter Advisor to student chapter of Society of American Foresters. He also served as an Advisor to student youth groups and rebuilt Maple Sugar Bush Arch. Warner served as a consultant in forestry, land use, property appraisals, environmental education, government permit applications, aerial photo and map interpretation.

He volunteered for the Ski Patrol at Mt. Pisgah, winter Carnival Ice Palace construction, Boy Scouts of America: Scoutmaster, Den leader, Troop Committeeman, District Council (23 years) Member and Chairman for Town of North Elba Planning Board preparing new Town Plan and Zoning Ordinance for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid serving as Board's principal

Impact analyst. He was a North Elba Town's representative to the Essex County Planning Board. Member of 8 county Regional Forest Practice Board and was appointed by Chairman to be liaison for the State Board to the Adirondack Park Agency.

He also was a past member of Saranac Lake Central School Board and had used his expertise to notify the Board of specifics of the proposed locations of new building sites. He was a member of the Masons-Whiteface Mountain Masonic Lodge #789, American Legion Post #326 and the First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of SAP for many years. Warner was published in Agricultural Education Magazine and had won a Journalism Award for this article. As a result he was requested to go to Brazil by the Brazilian government. He was also asked by the Federal government to zone both sides of the St. Lawrence Seaway and was requested to be part of a group to go to China to help with their environmental situation. However, he turned down all three invitations to be with his family.

Warner also investigated the Adirondack Correctional Facility's Project Compost Facility - made comments concerning deficiencies and omissions of dept of Health's input in their application. He consulted on the Federal Correctional facility's plan to put in a sewage lagoon 12 ft. from the Ray Brook which empties into Oseetah and down to Lake Flower. He helped to resolve this health hazard by suggesting using the Saranac Lake sewage plant.

Warner was always willing and able to help out anyone he knew who needed a hand. Warner loved bicycling, swimming, fishing, skiing, skating, boating, and hiking. He was an avid nature photographer and environmental litigation expert.

He is survived by his wife Rosalind, his son Forrest Deitz of Syracuse, NY, his daughter Justina Deitz of New York City, NY, and his grandson Ethan of New York City, NY. He is also survived by one niece, Susan M. Hesse Ellsworth of Ithaca, NY. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, one brother, Milford Deitz, Jr, and one sister, Muriel Deitz Hesse.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Monday, November 30, 2009 from 2PM -4PM and 7PM - 9PM. A Masonic Service will take place at 8:30 PM immediately followed by a Veterans Memorial Association service. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday December 1st at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake with Rev. Maggie McCarey officiating. Following cremation burial will take place in Pine Ridge Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Warner C. Deitz may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice or Saranac Lake Vol. Fire Dept. Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

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