UPDATED FUNERAL NOTICE - Calling hours for Richard and Dorothy Whinnery, who both passed away earlier this year, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, New York with a memorial service to follow at noon at the funeral home.  Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of life gathering at Talk of the Town, 74 Hudson Ave, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

LAKE GEORGE AND PALMETTO---Richard Joseph Whinnery, 89, of Lake George, New York and Palmetto, Florida, passed peacefully on February 27, 2017 surrounded by his adoring family.

Born on May 21, 1927 in Troy New York, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Naomi (Merwitz) Whinnery and cherished brother to the late Barbara Cope. Richie, as he was known to them, grew up on a dairy farm and worked beside his father every day. After graduating from Waterford high school, he operated his own dairy route for nine years while living in Ballston Spa, NY.

At the age of 21, Rich married the everlasting love of his life, Dorothy Jane Duncan. They were inseparable for over 68 years before she predeceased him by 40 days. Their life was full and happy, and through their inspiring relationship they set a bar that their devoted children Michael Richard Whinnery (Sheila), Jeffrey Duncan Whinnery (Pam) and Lori Jane Randall (Rick) will forever strive to reach.

Dick, as he was known by peers, drove a Grand Union tractor trailer for 32 years while raising his family in Burnt Hills, NY. His favorite nickname and CB handle was The Agitator, which he proudly earned through his incredibly quick, sarcastic wit. Though he was always at the ready with an immediate and hilarious observation, those who knew him knew he had the biggest heart on the road. He never complained about the odd hours or lack of sleep, and loved the independence his career afforded him. A believer in direct communication, he never left his thoughts a mystery.

For 30 years he volunteered with the Burnt Hills Fire Department, and loved to snowmobile with family and friends at every opportunity. He was a third degree Mason and an Elk, and enjoyed socializing with people from all walks of life. Pop retired in 1989 and continued camping, playing cards, listening to country music and reading when able to find time in his very busy social schedule. In 1994, Rich and Dot began wintering in Florida, and he loved nothing more than entertaining on the lanai. In 1996, they retired to Lake George, where they had camped for many summers. He enjoyed mowing neighbors' lawns and, as always, sharing a cold beer with friends. He volunteered at Glens Falls Hospital for many years, and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Queensbury.

Papa Bear was an affectionate grandfather to Jennifer Crawford (Scott), Eric Whinnery, Tessa Kratz (Alex),

Alec Randall, Hailey Randall, and Shannon Moyer; and dear great-grandfather to Naomi Crawford, Kaegan Crawford, Naya Kratz and Elliott Kratz. He is also survived by treasured in-laws Pat and Don DiBiase, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A joint memorial service for Rich and Dot will be held on May 20 at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, followed by a celebration of their lives at the Ledgeview Park in Lake George. The time of the services will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bay Ridge Rescue Squad, 1109 Ridge Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.

The lessons he taught us through living will remain with us always.

And he believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 15:6. KJV

Condolences may be sent directly to the funeral home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.