Obituary of Donald I. Armstrong

Johnsburg: Donald I. Armstrong, 92, formerly of Washer Hill Rd., passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Born June 16, 1918 in Johnsburg, he was the son of the late Irving and Mary (Westcott) Armstrong. Donald was a lifelong resident of the area and married Velda Morehouse on October 5, 1940. He was a WW II US Army veteran. Upon returning from serving his country, the couple resided and raised their family on Washer Hill Road. Don worked in the construction trade with Local 186, Laborer’s Union and worked on many highway projects in the north-country including the Adirondack Northway, and State Route 9 from Albany to Plattsburgh. Don also was an independent logger and strived to provide for his family during the long winter months in the Adirondacks. He also was instrumental in the archaeological reconstruction of Fort William Henry in Lake George. He was a lifelong member of the Johnsburg United Methodist Church, where he and his wife served on many of the church committees over the years. He was a lifetime member of the North Creek American Legion Post 629. Don was considered one of the last true Adirondack folk storytellers. His tales were historical in nature and well as entertaining to family and friends. His cherished Adirondacks were his playground for hunting and fishing. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife, Velda, who passed away on July 7, 2006 after 65 years of marriage, his siblings, Doris Armstrong, Roy Armstrong, Philip Armstrong, and nephew, Richard Armstrong. Survivors include his children, Janet Zack and her husband, David of Queensbury; David Armstrong and his wife, Nancy of Queensbury; his grandchildren, Julie Curtis and her husband, Rick of Queensbury; Jennifer Hoover and her husband, Gary of Queensbury; Kate Rozell and her husband, Jeff of Queensbury, Luke Armstrong of Glens Falls and Adam Armstrong of New York City; three great granddaughter, Madison and Lauren Curtis, Allyson Hoover; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Don’s family from 4-7 pm Thursday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am Friday at the Johnsburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jackie Mueller, Pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg. Memorials may take the form of donations to the Johnsburg United Methodist Church, Johnsburg, NY 12843. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences and directions.