Obituary of Vernon O. Winch

Minerva: Vernon O. Winch Jr., 73, of Northwood Club Road, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Glens Falls Hospital following a courageous battle with COPD surrounded by his loving family. Born January 14, 1939 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Vernon O. and Mary (Cunningham) Winch. He was a lifelong resident of the area. Vernon enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957 and served his country overseas including Germany until his honorable discharge in 1960. Following his discharge from the Air Force, he began his working career at Ciba-Geigy for 24 years; then became employed by International Paper in Ticonderoga for 10 years. Recently, Vernon worked for the town of Minerva at the transfer station. He met Marilyn Beavers in Minerva and the couple wed on December 26, 1987. Besides his parents, Vern was predeceased by his first wife of 29 years, Ruth (Belrose) Winch, brothers, Ira Winch and James Cunningham, an infant sister, and his good friend, Don Campbell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Marilyn Winch of Minerva; daughter, Marie Plude and her husband, Clayton; a son, Matthew Winch and his wife, Amy; grandchildren, Bonnie, Christine, and Matthew Jr.; step-children, Karen Griffen and her husband, Fred, Kathleen Russell and her companion, Gary Bolton, Kristine Vedd, Karol Millington, William Burch, and Keith Burch and his wife, Stephanie; several additional grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, William Winch; a sister-in-law, Joyce Cunningham; longtime friends, Joe Benoit, Joe Bickford, numerous hunting buddies, and his beloved sheltie, Harry Truman. Friends may call on Vernon’s family from 1 to 3 pm, Sunday, July 8, 2012, at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 3 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in his name to the Minerva Rescue Squad, c/o Cameron Dubay, 318 Morse Memorial Hwy, Olmstedville, NY 12857. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.