Obituary of Ronald G. Veillette

CHESTERTOWN: Ronald “Red” Gene Veillette, 66, of Panther Mountain Drive, went into the arms of The Lord on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at his home, following a courageous battle with throat cancer. God called him home, and heaven will be a much livelier place with Red around. Born August 15, 1944 in Chestertown, he was the son of the late Sarah (Wakely) and Leopold Veillette. He was affectionately known as Red by so many of his friends and family. Ronnie attended the school in Chestertown, but quickly realized it wasn’t for him. He went on to work for James Sr. and young Jimmy Reynolds Logging, loading pulp trucks by hand with the old chute loaders. He worked there for 15 years at best, while also caretaking at the Tom McPhillips Estate. There he would maintain the property, while taking on multiple other tasks. The McPhillips family would want Red to be remembered for his dedication and devotion to Tom and Mary in their last days, they always said he went above and beyond the call of duty. He proudly retired in June 2006 after 40 years of hard work and determination. Red had always wanted in move into town, so in true retirement fashion he made changes in his life that he had pondered for years. He said goodbye to his homestead on Friends Lake Road and headed into Chestertown, where he spent the last 5 years of his life. He made many friends along the way, and will forever be remembered as a happy-go-lucky fellow. Red had an unmatched sense of humor; he took great enjoyment out of answering the phone with, “I’m here with a girl and we haven’t got anything on but a smile and the radio”, another personal favorite being “all I need is fast cars, cold beer, and hot women”. Though, Ronnie did have a serious more gentle side, he was a religious man who attended church regularly and on several occasions helped with upcoming church events. He preserved his dignity, pride and most of all humor, all while fighting this horrible disease, which unfortunately claimed his life. Other than his parents, Ronnie is predeceased by his half sisters, Althora Steele and Daisy Monroe. He leaves behind his only true brother, Robert Veillette of Thurman, and a half brother, Jordan Steele of Chestertown; along with two half sisters, Charlotte (Steele) Sherman of Lake George, and Grace (Steele) Clark, of KY. Friends may call on Red’s family from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be conducted immediately following visitation, Thursday, 7:00 pm at the funeral home, with Rev. Stephen Andrews, pastor of the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church, officiating. Ronnie’s family would like to thank his many friends and caregivers, including Father Paul E. Sanford of Chestertown, Jill and Terry Duell of Potterbrook Road, and Marvin Tennyson for their compassion throughout the past two years. His family has also asked that you stop by the “P-house” in Chestertown during Happy Hour and have a drink in Red’s memory, or make a donation to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.