Garry, Harry

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Birth

Born in Newark, New Jersey to the late Charles and Maria Garry, he moved to the Helderbergs as a young man when his family bought the farm in East Berne in the 1930's.

Death

Harry Garry, 95, died peacefully at his home, Thursday, July 22, 2004.

Obituary

GARRY, HARRY: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Times Union, The (Albany, NY) - Friday, July 23, 2004

Deceased Name: GARRY, HARRY

EAST BERNE - Harry Garry, 95, died peacefully at his home, Thursday, July 22, 2004. Born in Newark, New Jersey to the late Charles and Maria Garry, he moved to the Helderbergs as a young man when his family bought the farm in East Berne in the 1930's. Harry had many varied talents and interests and was always eager to learn more. Mr. Garry was active in Soil Conservation Programs. He was an original member of the Albany County Farm Bureau, serving as their president for 13 years, and also vice president of the NYS Farm Bureau from 1976 to 1978. In these capacities, Mr. Garry worked with governors and legislators for the good of state farming communities, including changes in the Federal Estate Taxes. He was one of the first farmers to grow certified Empire Birdsfoot Trefoil and he convinced Governor Dewey to push to have this legume planted on the sides of all state roads. Harry was well known as the ' Singing Farmer' and in his earlier days took part in local regular radio and television programs, sharing his homespun philosophy and musical gifts. He was a prolific author and was widely recognized around the state for his articles and commentary. In later years he ran a farm seed and twine business. Harry deeply loved his community and strove to preserve and nurture it's unique and beautiful qualities. He was chairman of numerous committees with the East Berne Businessmen's Association, was instrumental in the continuation of the East Berne Post Office including the establishment of a rural postal route and helped to charter the East Berne Vol. Fire Co. He was responsible for helping to straighten Route # 443 in East Berne and assisted in getting East Berne included in the Capital District telephone system. He was the beloved husband of Dr. Margery Smith. Survivors also include his children; Charles Garry and his wife, Anina LaCour of East Berne, Franklyn Garry and his wife, Ragan Adams and their son, Samuel Garry of Fort Collins, Colorado, Johanna Halsey and her husband, Mark, and their sons, Justin and Trevor, of Red Hook, N.Y., Elizabeth Garry and her partner, Betsy von Mechow, their children, Bonnie and Jacob von Mechow, and Nathaniel Garry, all of South New Berlin, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, David Michael Garry and two brothers, George and Francis Garry. Relatives and friends may call on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main St., Altamont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Bernadette's Church in Berne. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Berne. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helderberg Vol. Ambulance, PO Box 54, E. Berne, NY 12059 or the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 319 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Edition: THREE STAR Page: B6 Copyright, 2004, (c) Times Union. All Rights Reserved.

Harry Garry Mourned

By Melissa Hale-Spencer

EAST BERNE — Harry Garry tended his family as a husband and father; he tended his farm as a planter and dairyman; and he tended to his rural community, helping preserve the East Berne Post Office and helping to ensure such services as toll-free calls and a volunteer fire department. While he was firmly rooted in the Helderberg Hilltowns, his reach went far beyond. His thoughts on life — sometimes philosophical, sometimes practical — were printed in his "Down on the farm" column in The Enterprise, which were often reprinted in other publications. His voice traveled over the airwaves when he performed as The Singing Farmer. And his work with the Farm Bureau on the county, state, and national level affected many farmers' lives. Mr. Garry died last Thursday morning, July 22, 2004, in his home at Hillcrest Farms. He was 95. The week before his death, many family members and friends visited him there. (See editorial.) Sunday, during the calling hours at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont, the line of mourners snaked through three rooms and out onto the porch. "It would be hard to find someone in the Hilltowns better known than Harry," said one mourner. Another said of the outdoor line, "I think Harry planned this so we could look up and talk to God." Kevin Crosier, a life-long East Berne resdient, said he had known Harry Garry and his wife, Dr. Margery Smith, since he was a baby. "Dr. Smith took care of me since I was born," he said, "right up until the time she retired." Mr. Crosier is now 45 and the town's supervisor. Mr. Crosier said, when he finished his visits at the doctor's office, located in the Garrys' home, he'd sit and have a cup of coffee with Mr. Garry. "Harry had a deep love of his family; that was utmost for him. The relationship I saw between Harry and Dr. Marge had a profound effect on my own marriage," said Mr. Crosier. "In today's society, where men are supposed to be so macho, Harry was always proud to show his love for her." Mr. Crosier went on, "The second really important thing about Harry was his love of the land and the community, and^his deep commitment to preserve it for generations after him." (Continued on Page 12)

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