Douglas Frank Theobald, 87, Potsdam

POTSDAM - Douglas Frank Theobald, 87, passed away surrounded by family at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL on Sunday, January 5th.

Doug was born on July 6, 1937 in Potsdam NY to Ruth Ella (Letson) and Walter Russell Theobald.

Doug attended a one room schoolhouse with his siblings before graduating from Potsdam Central High School in 1955.  He went on to study agriculture at Cornell University, graduating in 1959.  It was at the Wesley Foundation at Cornell that he met the love of his life, Jean K Bammesberger.  They were married on June 11, 1960, in North Syracuse, NY.  Doug and Jean moved to Potsdam, where they eventually moved to the family dairy farm and the house that Doug grew up in. Following his father and grandfather in the dairy business, Doug took over the family farm, which he and Jean named High Ivy Homestead. Doug's profound connection to farming and the land was reflected in personal pursuits, such as his cherished glass milk bottle collection, including Raquette Valley Farm and prolific vegetable and flower gardens.

In addition to full time farming, Doug went back to school, earning his teaching certificate, Masters in Education and a Masters in Special Education from SUNY Potsdam.  He taught agriculture in the Hermon-DeKalb school district before going back to his alma mater to teach shop, agriculture and eventually special education for BOCES.  He also served as a school bus driver for special education students. His compassion and patience for his students was a hallmark of his work.  He retired from teaching in 2003.

The care he showed his students was also evident in his work in the community.  Doug was a lifelong member of the Potsdam United Methodist church, where he served in many capacities, most recently on the Board of Trustees.  He was a volunteer with Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley and the Potsdam Jaycees.  He was a member of 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Potsdam Garden Club.  Doug was a key supporter of his children’s activities including 4-H leader, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth hockey, baseball and football

In recent years, Doug and Jean spent winters in the warmer climate of Florida, where they had a home in Burnt Store Colony in Punta Gorda.  Doug kept active during his time in Florida, engaging in activities such as pickleball, shuffleboard, cycling, and Mah-Jong.

Doug is survived by Jean, his wife of 64 years, his children and their spouses: Cindy (Brian) Petrie of Lees Summit, MO, Eric (Charlotte) Theobald of Victor, NY and Brian (Ann Taylor) Theobald of Riva, MD, grandchildren Melissa (Peter) Wienert, Megan (Jacob) England, Trey (Nina) Theobald, Lauren (Evan) Kaufman, Aidan Theobald, Liam Theobald, Sarah Theobald, Ava Theobald and Sean Theobald and great grandchildren Olivia and Gianna Theobald and Addie England.   Doug is survived by his sisters Barbara (Fred – deceased) Wilder of Sun City West, AZ, Joyce (Bill) Rozon of Sun City West, AZ, and Phyllis (Ted) Lawrence of Canton, NY, and sisters in law Sherry Theobald of Potsdam and Diane Theobald of Monkton, VT. In addition to his parents, Doug is predeceased by his brothers Walter L and Kenneth H. He will also be remembered by an extensive network of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Doug will formally be remembered with a private family service in FL, officiated by Rev. Sally Haynes.  A funeral will take place in Potsdam on April 26th under the services of Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Potsdam United Methodist Church (26 Main St, Potsdam NY 13676) or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley (6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam NY 13676).

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.