Obituary of William B. Skiff

William B. Skiff, 94, a former Easton resident, died Friday, March 19, 2010 at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. Born January 29, 1916 in Easton, a son of Edward and Carrie (Beadle) Skiff, he was a graduate of the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn with a degree in engineering. Bill was a dairy farmer until his retirement at age 80. The Easton farm he bought with his wife Elsie is still in the family, currently run by his son and grandsons. He was one of the original founders of the Washington County Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He had a passion for tractor pulling and was a regular at the Washington County Fair. Active in Easton politics, Bill served as a Justice of the Peace, Town Councilman and Supervisor. In addition, he was a Director of the Washington County Insurance Co-op, on the Board of Directors of Trustco Bank and a member of the Greenwich School Board of Education. Bill was a lifelong member and elder of the United Church of Greenwich. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Elsie, 7 brothers and 1 sister. Surviving are his children; Edward and Grace Skiff of Easton, Jim and Lori Skiff of Granby CT, Suzanne and Ron Barber of Webster, Sara Idleman and Tom Havens of Greenwich, and Martha Skiff and John Fuller of Eugene OR. One sister, Lydia Ernst of Tampa FL. 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his companion of 10 years Betty Hazelton. A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM Saturday March 27, 2010 at the United Church of Greenwich, with the Rev. Lois Wolff officiating. A recption will follow. Contributions in his memory may be made to; the Greenwich Library, the Easton Library, the Greenwich Central School Scholarship Fund, the United Church of Greenwich or the Community Hospice of Saratoga County. Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St. Greenwich.