William "Bill" Scheefer, Iii

William G. Scheefer, III, age 69, of Beaver Pond Way, Saranac Lake, died Friday, August 12, 2016 at Adirondack Medical Center.

Born in Saranac Lake, New York on December 14, 1946, he was the son of William G. and Barbara (Bishop) Scheefer, Jr.

He was a lifelong resident of Saranac Lake and owned and operated Scheefer's Plumbing and Heating until his illness.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War from July 14, 1966 to March 19, 1969. He trained at the USAF Policeman Dog Sentry School Feb – June 1967, assigned as a US Navy Corpsman with the US Marine Corps 3rd Division 5th Combat Battalion at Marble Mt. from 1967 to 1969. He was later assigned to Camp Lejeune at Hadnot Point US Navy Hospital. During that time he attended Class “A” Hospital Corps School and Class “C” Field Med Service School. He was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Bill was proud of his military service and the close bond he had with his military dog.

Bill was passionate about skiing; about racing and about teaching others to become better skiers. He had an infectious enthusiasm for skiing which he shared with young and old skiers throughout his life. He worked at Whiteface Mountain in many different capacities including running the Nastar Race Course from 2002 to 2009. He was a big supporter of the Jeff Abbott Memorial Cup Ski races at Whiteface. He sponsored two teams for many years, who again this year brought home the Cup for him! His strength and persistence was a source of inspiration to so many.

As a member of the Dialysis Unit at Adirondack Medical Center, Bill often spoke up with his ideas for improvements within the unit. He was an advocate for patients’ rights and encouraged socialization within the unit. He is credited with instigating the first of the Annual Patient BBQ as a way to put some fun into medical care. He was also a valued member of the Circles of Life Cancer support group where he always showed care and support for other cancer patients as well.

Bill especially loved all things Harley Davidson, and enjoyed riding with friends and participating in fund raising rides.

He is survived by his daughter, Brittani Colacchio and her husband Mike and three sons Christopher Scheefer and his wife Brittany, Korey Shumway and his wife Allison and Thor Scheefer, his father William G. Scheefer Jr. and his wife Brigitte, his Brothers Robert Scheefer and his wife Linda, David Scheefer and his wife Cindy, and Thomas Scheefer and his wife Sandra. He is also survived by his Grandchildren Thor, Alan, Salvatore, Bliss, Laci, Cade and Ridge and his dog and companion Doodlebug.

He was predeceased by his mother Barbara Bishop Scheefer and a son William G Scheefer IV.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 20, 2016 at St. Bernard's Church, with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating. Burial will follow at Harriestown Cemetery in Saranac Lake with full military honors. A reception will follow at Mt. Pisgah Ski Lodge.

Friends wishing to remember Bill may make memorial contributions to Friends of Mt. Pisgah in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.