W. Robert Ringrose, 84, of Tupper Lake, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 8, 2017. He was the son of William R. and Helen Ringrose Michael, and grew up in Rome, NY, attending schools there, and graduating from Rome Free Academy in 1952. Bob went on to earn an Associates degree in Forestry from Paul Smith's College in 1954, and continued contact with the college as an active alumnus that included the positions of elected Alumni Representative to the PSC Board of Directors and President of the PSC Alumni Association. Several years down the road, Bob also earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Empire State College.
Bob entered the U.S. Army after college, where he continued his education and attended Army Engineering School to become a Map Compiler, and served in Germany until his Honorable active discharge in 1956. He continued with the Army Reserves until 1961.
He married S. Jane Turk, of Westernville, NY in 1954, after which Jane followed him to Germany, and they had their first child, Barbara, while he was stationed there. Upon his discharge, they settled first in New Hampshire, and then moved to New York, where their second child, Cynthia, was born. Jane and Barbara passed away in 1969.
Upon moving to Tupper Lake, Bob was employed by the Rockwell-Draper Corporation for several years until shortly after the mill was sold to Elliot Hardwood. For a short time, he worked with Christmas & Associates, and then became a member of the Paul Smith's College faculty as an Adjunct Instructor, where he taught Forestry for years. Eventually, he left the school and began working for NYS in their office of Real Properties Services as a Forest Appraiser, from which he retired. He also worked part time with Creighton Fee as a land surveyor. Throughout much of this, he also owned and operated the Washboard Laundromat and Donut Shoppe, where so many gathered for coffee and conversation with Bob at 6am.
Bob was very active in community activities. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, where he earned the position of Master and was very involved in civic affairs; the Lion's Club, where he gained the local Presidency, and was active in community events; and the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce, including serving as Director for a year, and was very involved in the inception and direction of the local Flea Market event with Murial Ginsberg and the Tupper Lake Oktoberfest, and their continuation for several years. He also conceived of and directed the canoe races that were held on our local waterways during the '70's.
Bob was also a very talented carpenter, who completely remodeled his home over the years, and built beautiful furniture and a guide boat; he continued his love of working saw mills by touring many near and far; a wonderful friend to many who came to sit on his back or front porch and talk while he smoked his pipe; a kind neighbor who always greeted everyone with a good word; and an exceptional and loving husband and father.
In 2000, Bob married his love, Janet Holtz, of Rome, NY, and together they enjoyed traveling across the states a few times to see the sights, and spent much joyous time with family, and friends, for holidays and "just because" festivities.
Predeceased by too many, including a beloved step-son, Brian Holtz, Bob is survived by his wife of 17 years, Janet Holtz Ringrose; one daughter, Cynthia Ringrose of Tupper Lake; 3 step-daughters and a step-daughter-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Bob ( Debbie ) Rasbach of Rome, NY, Mr. and Mrs. James ( Donna ) Casper of Sauquoit, NY, Mr. and Mrs. David ( Denise ) Chasse' of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mrs. Brian ( Carrie ) Holtz of Cape Coral, FL; two grandchildren and 9 step-grandchildren: William R. Facteau of Tupper Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan ( Elizabeth J. ) Trombley of Tupper Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron ( Coral ) Rasbach and Ashely Rasbach, Nicole and Gabrielle Santino and Katrina Casper, Carly and Julie Chasse', and Hunter and Reegan Holtz; and one great-grandson, Aiden Trombley.
Calling hours are scheduled at the Stuart-Keough-Fortune Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 13, from 4pm to 7 pm. A Masonic Ancient Rites Funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11am at the funeral home. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the VFW Post 3120 on Park St. in Tupper Lake. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery in May.
Bob would wish for donations to be made to the Tri-Lake's Hospice or the Tupper Lake Food Pantry.