Walter H. S. Michaud (1956 – 2016)
ALBANY—Walter Henri Schlosser Michaud of Valatie died Friday, January 15.
Born June 19, 1956 in Huntington, he graduated from Hartwick College and moved to Columbia County in 1976. He married Laurie Austin-Michaud in 1987, she survives him along with his grateful sons, Ian and Dalton.
To his sons he was a mentor and a best friend. He had two sisters, Marion Skinner of Hollis, NH, and Emilie-Anne Michaud of East Chatham; a brother, George of Hollis, NH; many nieces and nephews who adored him for the special attention he gave them.
He will always be remembered for his unyielding kindness and giving nature to everyone he met. His desire to help others was one of his greatest passions, and the loving impact he had on every individual he encountered will forever live on.
He was a devoted father with a gift for coaching and sharing his passion for sports and fitness with children. He inspired many young lives as director of the Chatham Morris Memorial/Crellin Park Programs and decades of coaching soccer and basketball. He coached the Columbia-Greene Community College soccer team to national recognition in their pinnacle years.
Friends are invited to call at the Raymond A. Bond Funeral Home, 1015 Kinderhook Street, Valatie, Tuesday, January 19, 5 to 7 p.m., and to remember him in a memorial service at the Hope Chapel, 3429 Route 9, Valatie, Wednesday, January 20 at 10 a.m.
Wilkes Bashford (1933 – 2016)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Wilkes Bashford, surrounded by friends, passed away at his home, Saturday, January 16 after a brief illness.
He was born in 1933, the son of Byaly Bashford and Dorothy (Wilkes) Bashford.
In 1945, his father and mother moved to Hillsdale so that Byaly could join his father, Wilson Bashford, in the International Harvestor dealership in Hollowville.
He graduated from Roeliff Jansen Central School in 1951 and from the University of Cincinnati five years later.
In 1965, Mr. Bashford opened a men’s clothing store, Wilkes Bashford, on Sutter Street in San Francisco that became known well beyond the city for the impeccable style of its wares. Eventually, the store moved across the street, occupying its own building, and included merchandise for women as well. After the economic downturn in 2008, the Mitchell family, large retailers, acquired the store, though retaining its name.
Mr. Bashford continued to go the store until shortly before his passing. He happily greeted the numerous friends who came to congratulate him on the store’s 50th anniversary earlier this year.
Mr. Bashford was active in the civic affairs of San Francisco. He helped raise money for causes as diverse as the prevention of animal abuse and the restoration of the War Memorial Complex in San Francisco. He served for many years as a trustee of The Performing Arts Center, which stages opera and ballet in the city.
He maintained a strong affection for Hillsdale and his friends here. He enjoyed seeing the latter at the 1999 reunion of all classes that had attended Roeliff Jansen.
Mr. Bashford is survived by a brother, Bruce Bashford and a sister-in-law, Joan Esposito of Hillsdale.
A service will be held at some future date in San Francisco.
William F. Flynn (1937 – 2016)
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—William F. Flynn, 78 of Copake passed away Saturday January, 16, 2016 at Timberlyn East after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born April 19, 1937 in the Bronx, a son of the late Thomas and Mary (Daley) Flynn.
Mr. Flynn served his country with the United States Air Force. Upon completing his military service he was employed by Tri Wall Containers and later the Wassaic Developmental Center.
Mr. Flynn was an avid golfer and a former member of the Amenia Fire Company.
Survivors include: his wife, Susan (Meenagh) Flynn of Copake; a son, Christopher Flynn of Stanfordville; a daughter, Jillian (Flynn) Myers of New Zealand. He also leaves eight grandchildren, Joseph and Laken Flynn, Ryan, Rachel, Jack and Maegen Flynn and Cody and Olivia Myers; two brothers, Thomas Flynn of Walden and Patrick Flynn of Amenia; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited and may call at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22, Copake, Thursday January 21, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 7:30 p.m. A Prayer Service will be offered at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany 12205.
To send an online condolence visit www.peckandpeck.net.
Gary J. Shook, Sr. (1963 – 2016)
CLAVERACK—Gary J. Shook, Sr., 52, of Claverack passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016 at home.
Born February 9, 1963 in Hudson, he was the son of the late Elwood and Nelly Shook.
He was employed as a laborer at Dinosaw, Inc. in Hudson. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and enjoyed gun-smithing. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them.
Mr. Shook is survived by many family members and close friends.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are with the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home, 110 Green Street, Hudson. Visit www.batesanderson.com to leave condolences.