Donn Garwood

Donn G. Garwood, age 83, of 78 Will Rogers Drive, Saranac Lake, died Sunday, December 01, 2013 surrounded by his family at his daughters home in Keene Valley, NY.

Born in Saranac Lake, New York on December 21, 1929, he was the son of Everett and Alberta (Grayce Kerr) Garwood. Donn married Lorraine Waterson on September 21, 1952. She predeceased him on February 26, 2006.

Donn graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1947. He attended SUNY College at Utica-Rome where he received his permanent NYS Teaching certificate in building trades carpentry. From 1947 to 1950 he worked at Wilson Clothing Co. and Chessman’s Sporting Goods. Donn was a police officer for Village of Saranac Lake from 1953 to 1965 and also worked as a carpenter for Saranac Lake Cement Works. From 1965 to 1972 he was a self-employed general contractor and from 1972 to 1986 was the building trade’s instructor at the Adirondack Educational Center retiring in 1986. Following retirement he was a part time employee for Adirondack Bank from 1987 to 1994.

Donn was an active member of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. for 40 years and had served as Chief of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1973-1976. He was also a Past President and member of the Northern NY Volunteer Firemen’s Association for over 50 years. Donn was a member of FASNY (Firemen’s Association State of New York) for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the town of Harrietstown from 1979 to 1990 and served as chairman from 1987-1990. Donn was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. He had also served in the Army reserve from 1952 to 1958. Along with his many community service activities he was an avid golfer during his retirement years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by, two daughters Bethany Pelkey and her husband Gregory of Keene Valley and Judith Schene and her husband David of Rushville, one daughter-in-law Mary Garwood of Latham, 9 Grandchildren Joshua Garwood, Megghan O’Leary Holtz and her husband Dan, Lindsay Tupia and her husband Joshua, Landon Pelkey and Fiancé Kristin Baldwin, Dana Pelkey, Erin Pelky, Lauren McCormick and husband Matt, Thomas Sochia, and Kevin Sochia and two great grandchildren Garret Kyle Pelky and Asher Grant Tupia and many cousins. He was predeceased by one son Dale Garwood.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. A Firemen’s prayer service will take place at 3:00 PM immediately followed by a time of remembrance by family and friends. Burial will take place in Pine Ridge Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Friends wishing to remember Donn G. Garwood may make memorial contributions to Saranac Lake Vol. Fire Dept. or Fireman's home in Hudson, NY in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.