Larry Duckwall

Larry Duckwall passed away suddenly on August 27, 2014. Born in Johnstown, New York on September 15, 1937 he spent his youth in Downsville, New York where he lived with his grandparents George and Mabel Odwell. He graduated from Downsville High School in 1955 and then from Hartwick College in 1963. Larry was a science teacher in Mount Upton, Andes and South Dayton (New York). He was dearly loved by his students many of whom remained life-long friends. While an educator at Pine Valley Central he was a wrestling coach and official. After retiring from teaching he became Southern States Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited. Additionally over his life he was a petroleum land man in North Dakota and worked as a salesman for hunting and fishing outfitters. His sales jobs brought him east to Delaware and Pennsylvania. In 2005 Larry and his wife Joan retired to Oneonta where he resided until his death.

Larry was well known throughout Oneonta and the surrounding areas. He frequented many of Oneonta’s establishments just to visit and harass whoever was willing to engage in conversation. He was a staple to all the four legged friends who frequented Oak Street providing biscuits to any takers.

Larry was an outdoorsman in every regard. He was an avid hunter and talented fisherman. He was a National Bird Bander for the Audubon Society and regarded nationally as a gifted fly fisherman and fly tyer. Using his talents he was asked to spend a month in China to teach local students fly tying as a means for them to earn a living. In his private life Larry had a love for music. He was an accomplished musician through voice, trombone and piano.

Larry’s heart was overflowing with a love for his children. His was proud of the people they had become and the impact they have had on their communities. He also gloated frequently about his grandchildren and loved to teach them new words and sayings on the front porch. More than anything Larry adored his beautiful wife Joan. She is known as “Saint Joan” throughout town. He would sometimes share in his quiet moments his unwavering love and gratitude for her love and support over the years. Larry will be missed by his Yorkie, Lexi aka “Doodle”.

Larry is survived by his wife Joan Hughes Duckwall, 4 children Kathy Sullivan (Mike) Austin, Texas; Lewis Duckwall (Nicole) Lake Dallas, Texas; Linda Bailey (Gary) Wilmington, Delaware; Roger Duckwall (Bernadette) Boyer Town, Pennsylvania; 14 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren; his sister, Cammie Dorey (Al), Nova Scotia, Canada and brother, Hugh Duckwall (Kathy), randolph, NY. He was predeceased by his parents Lewis and Lois Duckwall, his mother and father-in-law Roger and Nella Hughes and his brother-in-law David Hughes.

In closing it was never about knowing Larry, it was about experiencing him. He was an amazing Character whose sense of humor had no bounds.

A memorial gathering will be scheduled for the late spring on Larry and Joan's porch at 1 Oak Street. Larry's family will return him to his favorite fishing hole.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Healing Waters North Texas (providing healing through fly fishing for wounded warriors) in care of Lewis Duckwall, 509 Briar Oaks Drive, Lake Dallas, Texas 75065

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com