Neil T. Willmart

Neil T. Willmart, Sr., 73, of Colton passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Canton-Potsdam Hospital on Monday, February 18, 2019. Calling hours will be at Garner Funeral Home, Friday, February 22nd from 1pm – 3pm with a Memorial service officiated by Rev. Stephen Rocker, immediately following. Burial will be in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Colton NY.

Neil, known by many as Tom (or as he and his late son called each other: “Jimmy”) was born on July 31, 1945 to Frances Lawson and Elmer (Joe) Willmart.

He leaves behind his loving wife of almost 54 years, Linda S., and his three children, a son, Randy (Christine), of Queensbury; and his two daughters, Amy (Joe) of Canton, and Mary (Tyler), of Crary Mills. He was the best Papa/Grandpa to his six grandsons (Cody (Elizabeth), Zachariah, Nicholas, Isaiah, Sawyer, and Jesse), and his two granddaughters (Samantha (Trey), and Kyra), as well as the best Great Grandfather to his two great grandchildren, Axton (Samantha) and Kelsey (Cody). Also surviving is a brother, Gary (Barb) of New Mexico, and his sister, Brenda (David), of Tennessee. His mother-in-law, Betty Stevens, of Gouverneur, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends (of whom many he considered family), will also miss him dearly.

Tom was predeceased by his infant daughter, Lori Anne, and by his beloved son, Neil Jr., as well as by both of his parents.

Tom was raised in Colton, NY, graduating from Colton-Pierrepont Central School. He met his wife at a small diner in Colton, and they married on February 27, 1965 and began a family. He worked as the head butcher at the A&P Store in Potsdam for many years and then as part of the custodial staff at Clarkson University, where he retired. Tom also worked alongside his late son for many years, cutting deer during hunting season – no one could skin and cut a deer faster than Tom and Neil.

Tom was a simple (and often stubborn) man and enjoyed the simple things in life. A good drink and time with his family or friends was all he needed. He fiercely loved his family and would do anything for them. He was an avid fisherman and seemed to be able to catch a fish from anywhere he cast his line; his favorite catch was walleye. Tom, his wife, children and grandchildren went on many fishing trips throughout the years. He enjoyed playing poker with family and friends, doing scratch-off tickets, spending time at camp, keeping the wood fire going, and going on rides to look for deer. He liked watching Let’s Make A Deal and would often ask his wife to watch so they could guess at what door to pick and see who would win. He loved taking naps in the afternoon with his grandson, Sawyer, and sharing ice cream with him. Tom was also an avid woodworker – making furniture and other things over the years that we will treasure forever. Tom was not a fan of seeing his daughter, Mary, with a camera in her hand – however, those pictures that he grumbled about, will be cherished by his family and all who knew him.

Tom will be greatly missed by many and his memory will be with us always.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared online at garnerfh.com. Memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, The American Heart Association, or to the charity of your choice.