POTSDAM -- With the death of Potsdam Town Supervisor Rollin Beattie Monday, Deputy Town Supervisor Ann Carvill says she is doing the tasks of the town supervisor for the time being.

“He was diligent to the end, even when he wasn't feeling well at all,” Carvill said. “When he couldn't come into Town Hall, he would call to see what needed attention.”

Beattie had been in declining health, and succumbed Monday morning, May 14 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Carvill said there will be a special election this fall to elect a new supervisor.

The Potsdam Town Offices will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 and reopen Friday, May 18 at 9 a.m. so staff may honor Supervisor Beattie.

Beattie, 78, retired from SUNY Potsdam as a construction projects manager. Before that he had been a truck driver for Barrett Paving Materials Inc. of Norwood.

He is survived by Janet Beattie of Norwood, his wife of 53 years, and by three children and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are with the Buck Funeral Home of Norwood.

Beattie was active in the Norwood and Potsdam communities as a member of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee, as Potsdam Town Supervisor and as a town councilman before that, and as member of the Baldwin Acres Board of Directors. He was active with St. Andrew’s Church in Norwood and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

“He was a consummate gentleman and dedicated politician and supervisor. He was humble and much admired,” Carvill said.

When she first ran for a seat on the Town Council, Carvill said she looked to him for advice about how to be a good board member.

“He came into Town Hall every day and greeted everybody, asked how they were,” she said. Things like that, Carvill explained, were one reason “he was so beloved. He will be missed.”