Queensbury - Bernard Samter, 89, of Queensbury and formerly of Pilot Knob, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2015 at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 15, 1925 in Bern, Switzerland to the late Jakob Samter and Chaja Kümmelheim. Bernie grew up in Basel, Switzerland and graduated in 1945 from the Technicum Cantonal Bienne Ecole D'Horlogerie Watchmaking School in Bienne, Switzerland. He worked as a certified Swiss watch technician for the Wyler Watch Factory in Bienne and then left Switzerland in 1947 to work at their Agency in New York City. While working at the watch agency, he also taught watch repair to students at the Metropolitan Training Center. In the early 1950's, Bernie decided to start his own watch repair business which he ran for over 40 years, first in New York City, then in Glens Falls, NY. A highly regarded watchmaker, he was the US representative for over 100 high quality Swiss watch manufacturers including Girard Perregaux, Breitling, and Borel.

Bernie married Marie-Luise Herkens on October 21, 1961 and together they enjoyed a wonderful 47 years of marriage until her passing on April 27, 2008.

Bernie had a long, good and blessed life and enjoyed every day of it. He was young at heart and was known for his enthusiasm, warmth, spirit and integrity. His sense of humor, practical jokes, and stories were legendary, and he loved meeting and talking with people. Bernie's natural charisma and friendly personality resulted in many lifelong friends near and far.

Many treasured memories were made at their home on Lake George in Pilot Knob where Bernie and Marie-Lou enjoyed the company of family and many friends for 38 years before moving to Queensbury in 2004. Bernie and Marie-Lou shared lots of fun times and adventures, including their fondue parties, unique Pilot Knob Music Festivals, and travel to Europe and the Caribbean.

Bernie led an active life enjoying skiing, waterskiing and the outdoors. He was a member of the Swiss Ski Club in NYC where he enjoyed memorable ski trips to NY and Vermont with friends. Later, he skied regularly with his family and was a proud member of the 80+ Ski Club at Gore Mountain, skiing until his mid-80's. He was also a member of the Glens Falls Rotary and a volunteer with the Pilot Knob Fire Department.

He loved his family and was very proud of his daughters and grandchildren and admired their energy and drive in all their endeavors.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Bernie was predeceased by his brother, Henry Samter.

Bernie is survived by his daughters, Diane Swanson and her husband Jon of Queensbury, and Linda Samter and her husband Tom Hengelsberg of Charlotte, Vermont; grandchildren Karl Swanson, Erik Swanson and Griffin Samter Hengelsberg; nephew Raymond Samter and his wife Michele; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Family and friends are invited to greet the family from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

A celebration of Bernie's life will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Naftali Roettenstreich as the Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bernie's memory to the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 70, Kattskill Bay, NY 12844 or the Lake George Land Conservancy, PO Box 1250, Bolton Landing, NY 12814.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many close friends who have offered their help, support, and good company over the years.

Condolences may be emailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com or mailed to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.