IN MEMORIAM:  Bruce ‘Gary’ Rathbone, 72, Retired Teacher

BURLINGTON FLATS – Bruce Garrison “Gary” Rathbone, 72, who taught at BOCES and served on the Burlington Town Board, passed away July 17, 2014, peacefully at his home in Burlington Flats.

He was born on April 5, 1942, in Staten Island to Bruce and Patricia Wheeler Rathbone.  He moved to Cooperstown with his mother at an early age while his father was overseas serving in World War II.

Gary grew up very happily in Cooperstown.  He was an all-American teen in the 1950s and was active in Christ Church, serving as an altar boy.  Gary graduated with the CCS class of 1960, where he was voted “Best Dressed.”  Upon graduation, he enrolled at Syracuse University.  Much to his parents’ surprise and disappointment, he left college and joined the Navy in 1961 with his lifelong friend John Pernat.  Gary always remained very proud of his military service.

Upon release from the service in 1965, Gary’s life journey took a more domestic turn.  He started a family and enrolled at SUNY Oswego under the GI Bill.  He began his teaching career as an industrial arts teacher in Harrisville in 1972.  Gary and his family came back to the area in 1980 to his life-long home in Burlington Flats.

Throughout the remainder of his teaching career, he taught at both Otsego and Herkimer County BOCES.  He touched many peoples’ lives with his teaching and union leadership.  Upon his retirement, Gary remained very active and busy, working part-time at Pathfinder Village, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Gary was a true Renaissance man.  He could talk to anyone about anything.  He was very witty and knowledgeable.  He loved football, college basketball and politics.  Throughout his life, Gary was very artistic and creative.  His folk art carvings were exhibited many places, and for a period of years, he would carve every Sunday at the Cooperstown Gallery with Laverne Kelly.  Gary collected Americana, folk art and Jeepsters.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and always supported veterans’ organizations.

Gary considered Burlington Flats his true home and he served as a town board member there for many years.  Many considered him the unofficial mayor of the Flats!  Many times, local people would stop by Gary’s house and chat with him or get his advice.

It was a particular source of pride for Gary that both of his sons followed his path; one joined the Marine Corps and the other became a technology/shop teacher.  He will be missed very much by his children and grandchildren.  They wish him, “Fair Winds and Following Seas on this next Voyage, Dad.”

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Pat Rathbone, and his sister Christine Rathbone Loeffler.

Gary is survived by his daughter Tabetha Rathbone and her husband George Crippen, his son Shad Rathbone and his partner Nancy Croft, his daughter Tassha Rathbone and her partner Matt Kepner, his son Tavish Rathbone, his grandchildren Kayla, Cullen, Fallyn, Kenzee, Hannah, Tanner, Katie and Taylor, his nephew Tres Loeffler and his family, his niece Johanna Loeffler and his former wife and mother of his children Sherlee Rathbone.

A service commemorating Gary’s life will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Fly Creek Methodist Church, with Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, pastor officiating.  A reception will follow at a location to be announced at the service.  Burial with full military honors accorded will be in the Burlington Flats Cemetery at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Richfield Springs American Legion Post #616, 13 Lake Street, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.