Harold F. Vance Sr. Obituary (1937 - 2017)

Harold Franklin Vance Sr., hitched up his last wagon and drove across the mortal veil early in the morning on July 24, 2017. He died in the comfort of his home in Gansevoort, NY, where he had lived most of his life with his beloved wife, Betty by his side. Harold was known to those who loved him by a variety of affectionate nicknames: Curly, Poopah, Papa, Pa and Short-Thumb. Whatever you called him, it was evident that he lived a life of love, care, and service to others. Harold served in the US Air Force from 1955-1959 and was a lifetime member of the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department. After returning from the USAF, Harold worked in construction until he retired in 2001. Harold knew how to work hard and to love even harder. Even in the midst of the daily grind, he cultivated deep friendships and touched many lives. Harold was never one to keep idle hands for very long, and could always be found helping out friends and family with a variety of projects. And yet, as much as he knew how to work hard, he knew even more how to have fun. Harold enjoyed hitching up and pulling teams of ponies, especially his good old boys, Ted and Tom. He loved being outdoors and sharing time with his family, whether it was traveling, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, watching races, pulling tractors at the fair, or anything in between. When he received the news that the cancer was out of control, Harold was asked if there was anything in the world he wanted. He replied, simply, that he would like natural-casing hot dogs, apple pie, and a set of clean sheets on his bed. When Harold stared in Death's eyes, Death blinked. In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by 2 brothers, Albert Vance Jr. and Gary Vance; and his sister, Elizabeth Vance. Harold lived a full life, and leaves behind a great many beautiful memories, and a family legacy to be carried on for generations. Harold will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind; his wife of over sixty years, Betty (Martindale) Vance; his sons, Harold Vance Jr (Georgianna), Richard Vance (Judy), and Michael Vance (Laura); his daughter, Pamela Vance; his brother, Wayne Vance; his grandchildren, Richard, Jr, Harold III, Nicole, Caitlin, Terry, and Betsy; and his 9 great-grandchildren; amongst countless other friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched. A graveside service will be held at 11am Friday, July28, 2017 in the Gansevoort Cemetery with Rev. Keith Mann, officiating. A reception will follow at the Gansevoort Fire Dept. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7pm at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. The family would like to thank the entire staff at CR Wood Cancer Center and Community Hospice for the care of Harold. Memorials can be made in his name to the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 172, Gansevoort, NY 12831.