Harold G. Elderkin Jr., 72

Harold G. Elderkin Jr., 72, of Franklin, passed away peacefully Friday, March 22, 2013 at home with his family by his side after a brief illness with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

He was born February 22, 1941 in the town of Butternuts, the son of the late Harold and Rethea (Walley) Elderkin. On July 28, 1962 he married the love of his life, Lynda Goodrich, and celebrated 50 wonderful years together.

He grew up in the Town of Franklin, graduating from Franklin Central School, class of 1960. After graduation he worked for Scintilla Corporation in Sidney as a machinist for 41 years, retiring in 2005.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, sharing many conversations with people he just met. An avid hunter, golfer and sports enthusiast, he enjoyed his annual hunting trips and summer vacations to the Allagash Wilderness region of the North Maine woods. Harold was an avid gardener who always looked forward to harvest time because he loved having the freshest vegetables. As part of his passion for the outdoors, every year Harold would purchase pine tree saplings to plant on his property for wildlife to hide in.

He played many holes of golf with family and friends and competed in leagues at the Ouleout Golf Course. He was extremely proud of winning the league two years in a row with his partner, Chris Kemp. He also coached Franklin Little League for six years, with Jim Carey being instrumental in getting uniforms and making sure every child played in every game.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Lynda Elderkin; his son, Jamie Elderkin and his wife, Robin of Franklin; his granddaughter, Casey Elderkin and her fiancé, Kenneth White of Sidney; his grandson, Alec Elderkin of Franklin; his brothers-in-law, Tom (Annette) Goodrich, Paul (Ok Son) Goodrich, and Don (Margo) Goodrich; his sister-in-law, Sonja Johns and Joe Reigles and many special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter; Nannette Elderkin; his brothers, Melvin and Maynard Elderkin, and his sister, Grace Fletcher.

A committal service will be held at 1pm on Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, where Harold will be laid to rest.

Friends and family may call from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 465 Main Street, Frankin, at which time the family will be in attendance. A funeral service will be held immediately following the calling hours at 2pm at the church, with the Rev. Dr. John Hill, officiating.

Harold’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the angels at the Catskill Area Hospice; Shirley, Maggie and Karen and all the rest of our Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, Harold’s family asks that donations be made in Harold’s memory to the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit our website: www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.