Obituary of Thomas B. Ramsay

Bolton: Thomas Burgess Ramsay, 69, of Stewart Ave., passed away Saturday, August 8, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born April 10, 1946 in Ticonderoga, Tom was the only child of the late Arnold Thomas and Hazel Jeanette (Burgess) Ramsay. During his childhood, Tom could be found doing many activities around his home and neighborhood. Always crafty, he cared for the Ramsay home, living in the same place of both his father and grandfather before him. He also served as an altar boy at the St. Sacrament Episcopal Church in Bolton Landing, in his earlier years. Tom was a three sport athlete and marching band member, graduating from Bolton Central School in 1965. He then attended Adirondack Community College from 1965 to 1966. On September 23, 1966 he married Judith Ann Coon in Bolton Landing. Tom served his country by enlisting in the Unites States Army Reserve unit out of Glens Falls from 1966 to 1972. His strong, honest work ethic allowed him to have a successful business, owned and operated by himself, Thomas Ramsay General Contractor. For nearly 50 years he ran his business in the community of Bolton Landing and the surrounding areas. He employed many craftsmen throughout the years, which allowed him to leaves a visible mark in his home town. He valued the customers he worked for over the years, taking great pride in his work, and always making sure that each was happy and satisfied. Performing quality work to all is what drove his passion for building, with the final part of each job, being a handshake after the work was completed. Besides his construction business, Tom partnered with Tom Reed, and the duo owned and operated T&T Amusements for over 20 years, running several Main Street businesses in Bolton Landing. He served on the Recreation Commission for the Town of Bolton and always supported the youth of the community, giving donations for many causes. Tom was an avid fan of New York sports teams, he loved watching the Knicks, Giants, Yankees, and Syracuse Orange Basketball; on many occasions, he would travel to the games in person, but most nights you could find him sitting at home with a bowl of ice cream, watching a game. Tom also loved the chance to get out of town for rest and relaxation. For many winters, he vacationed in Lake Wales, Clearwater Beach, and Fort Myers, FL with his family in the colder months. Among some of his most memorable trips he embarked on were to California for the New York Giants first Superbowl victory in 1987, and to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2008, for a family friend’s destination wedding. Tom was a devoted son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend; his family was everything to him. He had many friends and loved to go “see the boys” over town as much as he could. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him; missed and loved, but never forgotten. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his uncle, Tom Burgess, and aunt, Bessie Burgess Hale. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judith Ramsay of Bolton Landing; two sons, Thomas Ramsay, Jr. and his wife, Paula, of Queensbury, and James Ramsay of Atlanta, GA; a daughter, Kelly Ramsay and her companion, Larry Nichols, of Queensbury; two grandchildren, Daniel Ramsay Watkins of Bolton Landing, and Alexandra Elizabeth Watkins of Queensbury, along with their father, Richard Watkins. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Jeter. At Tom’s request there are no calling hours scheduled. Burial will be conducted privately, in Bolton Rural Cemetery, at the request of the family. A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at 1 pm, Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the Blue Water Manor, Lakeshore Dr., Bolton. Family and friends are encouraged to attend to share a memory. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Tom’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.