William N. Crary Sr., 70, Potsdam

POTSDAM -- William N. Crary, Sr., 70, passed away at the home he was so proud of, on July 16, 2024, after more than seven years of debilitating illnesses that he battled with courage and determination.

Bill was born on October 17, 1953, to Norris and Joan Crary and grew up in Tupper Lake, NY. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1971 and was always proud of his participation in track, skiing, football and scouting.

Bill’s ill health did not define his life, he had a career in the wood industry that spanned more than 40 years.

His career in the sawmill business started in Tupper Lake at Oval Wood Dish prior to moving to Potsdam in 1981 to work at Elliot Hardwoods which later became Potsdam Hardwoods, and he proudly became a co-owner and Vice President.

When Potsdam Hardwoods closed in 2006 Bill undertook other projects and helped with the construction and maintenance at the Curran Renewable Pellet Plant in Massena before retiring in 2017 due to illness.

He was a talented builder, engineer, carpenter, mechanic and more, all rolled into one – if there was a way to do something Bill could figure it out.

If you said he couldn’t do it, he would make sure he could. He also never said "no" to a request for help with a project and family and friends benefited from his expertise.

Throughout his life he loved the outdoors and especially loved clearing and maintaining the woods surrounding his home on the Raquette River – he spent time outside every day until his health declined.

Bill is survived by his wife, Miki; children and grandchildren: Bill Jr., Hunter, and Holden Crary; Sean, Brandy, and Mason Crary; Kate Sheldon, Allen, Evan, and Zane Wagstaff; Eric, Jessica, Colten (Regan), Violet, Maddilynn, and Cordon Sheldon. He is also survived by his mother, Joan Crary of Tupper Lake; his brothers, Bart, and Jane Crary of Tupper Lake; Andy and Cindy Crary of Gabriels and his brother-in-law, Dan and Leanne Perry of Sumner, WA. Bill is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends who he considered family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Seaway Parkinson’s Coalition (c/o R. Geiser, 11 Hillcrest Ave., Massena, NY 13662) or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley (PO Box 510, Potsdam, NY 13676) in his memory.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Bill’s life on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Donaldson- Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar St., Potsdam, NY from 1pm-4pm with a memorial service beginning at 4pm.

Flowers are respectfully declined due to allergies.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam, where memories and condolences may be shared online with the family at www.donaldsonseymour.com.