In Memory of

Myron

J.

Watkins

Jr.

Obituary for Myron J. Watkins Jr.

Hudson Falls
Myron J. Watkins Jr., 88 years young, of Minor Street, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at his home.
Born on June 1, 1930 at the family home in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Myron and Helena (Smith) Watkins.
Myron was a 1948 graduate of Hudson Falls High School. He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After returning from the service, he married Joan (Easton) in Winter Park Florida on July 15, 1953. Myron was a 1956 graduate of Cornell University with a B.S.
Myron was a 4th generation owner of the family business, now known as Watkins Garden Center in Hudson Falls. He was a founding member of the N.E.N.Y.S. Nurserymen’s Association. He was an advocate of outdoor activities for all ages and was instrumental in starting a rope tow at Wall Street pond and Hogan’s Farm as well as an Ice skating rink at Derby Park. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed Lake George Island camping, hiking, and especially skiing. During the winter months, he taught skiing at Killington Ski resort for close to 30 years.
He was a president and board member of the Hudson Falls Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Feeder Canal Alliance, a member of the Board of Assessment review, and a longtime member Sandy Hill Days committee. He loved to share his knowledge of horticulture by teaching at B.O.C.E.S. and being a monthly guest at WWSC’s Speak-up. For many years, he set-up the Christmas decorations at Juckett Park and throughout the village. He was a recipient of the Flowers to The Living Award through the HF Chamber of Commerce and recently the Hudson Falls Central School, Wall of Distinction.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Joan as well as his two sisters, Muriel Baker and Barbara Davies and her husband Fred.
Left to cherish his memory include his 4 sons, Peter & Joanne Watkins of Queensbury, Andy Watkins & Nancy Urso of Fort Edward, Tim Watkins & Michael Kovarik of Greenwich and Dan “The Chileman” Watkins of Hudson Falls, his 5 grandchildren, Brett & Kim Watkins, Cara & Liam Irwin, Bryan & Amanda Watkins, Tom Watkins and Brad & Katie Watkins as well as 5 great-grandchildren, his brothers-in-law, Walter Rietz of Oregon and Robert Baker of Texas and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
As a final act of giving, Myron donated his body to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 to 4pm on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Co. 3715 Burgoyne Avenue, Hudson Falls, NY 12839. A brief service will be conducted at 1pm.
Donations may be made in his memory to Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia Association, www.pohdisease.org or American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
For online condolences and to view Myron’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.