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Fishing the Hudson
John Greenwood
February 27, 2016

1957 Happy Days
February 27, 2016
Joanne Byron
March 15, 2013
Mar. 15, 2013
Dad, Hard to believe that we lost you 4 years ago on Feb. 27th. I miss you every day. There are so many "special" things of yours that you gave me before you passed that are constant reminders. Some reflect your uniqueness, like your "Old Fox" license plates (many of us in the family have one), the special pieces of furniture you made: the pine end table in my living room, the large bookcase in my office, the large glass top table that I used to keep my collection of ceramic "knick knacks" purchased at Woolworths when I was little (I was a collector then and now), your diverse collection of foxes from little fox magnets to large 1 ft. by 2 ft. statues (I have the silver one in my bedroom), the grandkids play with the stuffed ones when they are here, all sizes of ceramic ones on top my curio cabinet, along with the preserved duck and the little white "Willie weasel that you acquired while hunting, the 3 sets of deer antlers on my porch, the American flag folded in it's display case in my dining room from your service in the Navy, and various framed pictures of you and Mom here and there in the house and in the Greenwood albums" that John and I both have. Those are just a few of the treasures that keep your memory alive. Kevin asked me for the carved wooden " Old Foxe's Den" sign that hung over the door of your den for so many years. Now it hangs over Susie and Kevin's den door, and it will evoke memories of the special times that he, Brendan, John and Pat spent with you and Mom there by the fireplace. Sometimes when a bunch of us came to visit it wasn't big enough to hold us all! The Old Fox sign will be passed on for future Greenwood's to enjoy. Well, I just felt I wanted to share what was in my heart tonight. There are so many things I intend to share about you and our family, but enough for tonight. Sometimes I wish we would've been able to spend more time together when I was young, but I have to be thankful for the time we DID have. It's funny that we only seem to realize how much we loved someone until we lose them. Then we realize all time we took for granted that can't be replaced. It's OK though, because it only makes the time more special. Four years ago, I lost you, but will always hold deep in my heart. I love and miss you and Mom so much. Your daughter "Sis"
Joanne Byron
January 30, 2013
Dad, It will have been 4 yrs. ago on Feb. 27th that you left us, and I miss you more than ever. Every time I drive by our old house in Greenfield, I think of when we first moved there and we "carved" a road from our house to Grange Rd. through our back woods. It was a hard job, and I don't know how we all did it. We must've had help, but I don't remember who. I DO remember having fun walking through from our end to the other, and stopping to sit under a tree at the half way point to just be alone for awhile. I remember the grape vine in the back yard by the cellar door, and the willow tree near the old red garage. Your special home made bird feeder you named "Ralph's Diner", I think. It was just outside the kitchen window, and you and Mom loved to feed and watch the birds all the time. There were some special ones you looked for, but I can't remember their names right now. There's many other special places at the old house, but I'll try to continue this soon, as it is good to remember.....I miss and love you Dad and Mom. Jo
Joanne Byron
February 1, 2011
Dad, It will be 2 years on Feb. 27th that you passed away, and I miss you more than ever. Those last times we spent together in the hospital are forever etched in my memory. Since you passed away, John and I often reflect on all the good memories our family had. One of the most endearing traits passed down from your Dad ("Pop") to the whole Greenwood family, is our sense of humor, and desire to play practical jokes on everybody. One that all of us still laugh about to this day, is the quarter that you glued to the linoleum floor in the kitchen. Every time anyone (who didn't know the "secret") would bend over to try to pick it up, you would laugh that special laugh of yours. Each time any of us visited, we ALWAYS glanced down at that quarter and smiled. I often wonder if it's still there. I'll have to add a list of your "Practical Jokes" to the memories I'm writing of both sides of the family. I want to pass down a small part of my past for my kids, and John's. I've found that the older we get, the more we want to reconnect with our Family Heritage. I have a few special boxes of "Greenwood Memories" saved, and John and I keep finding more great photos to share. Like the ones from your 1966 trip to Pharoah Lake with John, "Pop", and "Red". A few years ago, John and Kevin went and revisted those same spots. We know at least 4 generations of Greenwood's have loved Pharaoh, and its' peaceful seclusion, and I can see why.
Well, it feels good to be able to share my feelings in this letter, and to know that each new day will bring another precious memory. I love you Dad and Mom, and miss you both so much, Jo
Joanne Byron
March 28, 2010
I just put your photos on My FaceBook page, as I wanted to share them with my friends, and yours. Your Daughter Jo

Dad and Jo at her Wedding (only one of 2-3 times I saw him 'dressed up").
Joanne Byron
March 6, 2010
Dad, It has been a year since you left us, and I miss you as much as ever. I have a lot of things around the house that you have given me, that remind me of you and Mom. I am going through photos, and just came across one with you in a suit and tie!! It is the only dark suit I had ever seen you in, ever!! The only other one was at my wedding, and that was a white tux with black trim, a blue shirt, and a black "wedding type bow tie". I have a good pic of you and I dancing at my wedding. I will put it up on this web site soon. Jim and I are getting ready to "open camp", it is the usual "craziness here". Suffice it to say, no matter how busy I get, you and Mom are never far from my thoughts.
Love & Miss You,
Jo
Jennifer Bellinger- Bleznyk
March 4, 2010
Dear Ralph, It has been one year since you have went to be with Helen in heaven. I miss you and Helen sooo much. My childhood memories are so full of happiness because of you and Helen. You treated us like your very own grandchildren.me and my brothers rarely saw our maternal set of grandparents and our paternal grandparents were very distant.You and Helen filled that void. I remember so much from being little.I remember you growing your tomato plants along side your house. Your "tomaters" :0). I also remember all the visits talking about all the wildlife sorrounding us. When we outside playing, I always saw you across the street catching bait in the stream for your fishing trips.
on hot summer days we me and Mikey would come sit on your porch steps with you and Helen and watch the traffic go by. Helen would give us those flinstone push up sherberts on a stick. we always looked forward to that treat.
I think of you everytime I go down the cookie aisle and see the Keebler fudge striped cookies. I know they were a favorite of yours.
Picking blackberries, the good ol tire swing and all the christmas eves we spent together are memories I will always cherise. I was so sad when I found out it was your time to go to heaven but I was also happy for Helen because I knew she had been patiently waiting for you. Angels reunited you with Helen on my Birthday.
I miss you and know that you will be able to read those. I also know that you and Helen are having a wonderful time in heaven and I know the fishing is fabulous for you too! I love you Ralph.

"JO AND DAD AT BRENDAN AND STACY GREENWOOD'S WEDDING"
January 30, 2010

"JOANNE, DAD, MOM, AND JOHN ON CHRISTMAS 1999"
January 30, 2010

"DAD IN HIS WORKSHOP ON KIRBY RD IN 2006"
January 30, 2010

"DAUGHTER JOANNE AND DAD AT JO'S WEDDING 1972"
January 30, 2010

"Dad Shows Grandson John How to Tie Fishing Flys about 1998"
January 29, 2010

"Dad at Fonda Speedway"
January 29, 2010

"Fred ("Skinner") Kmen, Dad's Best Friend, and his Family"
January 29, 2010

"Dad on his Steps at Old House on 9N in 1999"
January 29, 2010

"Dad and Friend at Hunting Camp 1973"
January 29, 2010

Dad in his "Old Foxes Den" about 1999
Joanne Byron
January 29, 2010
John Greenwood
June 16, 2009
Heart & Soul
Heart and soul
A feeling
A sense
There is more to life
Across the fence
To help and comfort
A heart in need
Through times of crisis
A calling freed
It tugs relentless
From day to night
Take what is wrong
Make it right
There is an ache
That does not hurt
Deep inside
Within my soul
What calls this man
Of strength and size
Pour out his soul
And watch it rise
Help me
Help them
JRG 10/26/08
June 16,2009
Dad was laid to rest today. Many kind words and fond memories were expressed.
Thank you, to all who visit and share their thoughts and memories in dad's guest book. It is important that we take some time in our hectic lives to appreciate the loved ones we have around us. Make that phone call, write that letter, visit an old friend or relative, hug that child, but don't wait. Find a quiet spot, (a contemplace) I call it, and reflect on what is truly important in your lives. It always comes back to family.
Thank you all for providing a life time of "Contemplaces".
Love, John
Joanne Byron
May 1, 2009
My Dad was a man of many experiences, talents, athletic ablities, and interests. I have to write them in increments, as at times, it is difficult for me to do, as the grief I feel is still so painful. Dad worked very hard for so many years, traveling a long distance each day to provide for us. Then after many years, his hands and back wore out. He worked as a glazier, who installed many plate glass store entrances in the area. He and his work buddies, "Skip" and "Howie", spent many a day on the job together, lifting, measuring, and cutting the glass to get it to fit just right. They were true craftsmen. I want to thank you Dad for all those years of "backbreaking" labor for us, as some families are not so fortunate. My Dad and Mom were married for 55 years (something VERY rare these days). Dad's stint in the Navy in W.W.II had many difficult and traumatic times, as all the other soldiers, and they all affected him deeply, and permanently. I thank all the brave men of "The Greatest Generation" who fought so hard for the freedoms we all now enjoy. He was a wartime skin diver, and he never told me much about his time in the Navy, as I know it was too difficult to talk about. I had his name engraved in the Veterans Walkway in Congress Park in Saratoga. My hope is that my children, their children, and future generations of our family will come here to honor his memory, and the rest of the servicemen whose names are alongside his. Their sacrifes are beyond words to me, and I want to thank them all. Thanks, Dad, for all you have done for your family and country. Love, Jo
April 15, 2009
John,
We are sorry for the loss of your Dad . Your parents were both great people. Brian and I used to take Jennifer to their house to visit when she was little she always enjoyed listening to your dad tell his stories. They always made us feel welcome. We were honored to have been able to know both of your parents.
Brian and Laura Gibbins

Dad on the right worked on Carl Lawrence's fishing boat
April 13, 2009
Joanne Byron
April 13, 2009
I wanted to write a message to tell you how much I miss you Dad. There has not been a day that has gone by, since you passed away with me by your side, that I haven't thought about you.
When I left the hospital the last time we saw each other, my heart was breaking. For days and days, the last few hours of your life kept flashing back in my mind, and they still do, but just a little less. The emotion, love, empathy, helplessness, and heartache I felt during our last nite together will always remain with me. All I have to do is think of you, and that scene comes flooding back, but it's not a bad thing. Those memories, no matter how painful and difficult they are for me to relive, will continue to keep you in my heart for always. I saw what you went through that night, and I wished I could've taken away some of your suffering, but it wasn't possible. It was your time. I had to let you go, and that was the hardest part. I just want you to know there is a void in my life without you here. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. I Love and Miss You, Your daughter "Sis"
Joel "Tiger" Byron
April 5, 2009
I had many fond memories of Grandpa Greenwood. I remember there being many "firsts". One of them being, when he gave me one of my first knives. There's nothing quite as empowering as having a knife as a boy. I was now free to explore the woods around his house and my own woods at home, without fear, now having the protection of the knife he had given me. I never had to fend of any lions, tigers, or bears, but I no longer felt like a boy, I felt like a man, having means to defend myself against any adversary.
Another fond memory of Grandpa was teaching me how to snow shoe for the first time. I remember the old wooden rawhide snowshoes well. Haha! But they worked. I was let loose at the edge of the woods and began trudging through the snow. It was an adventure of looking for various animal and deer tracks, of which many I had found! I trudged back to his house and gave him the briefing of my first adventure snowshoeing, over a hot meal and some hot cocoa that Sweetie (Grandma) had made for me. I had a blast!
I haven't had a whole lot of time recently to spend outdoors, hiking, fishing, hunting, and snowshoeing, but whenever I get a chance, I absolutely love every minute I get to spend outdoors. I can credit most, if not all, of my love for the outdoors to the "Old Fox", which many might have known him by. I appreciate all that he taught me and so many others. I know in all of that, that was his way of expressing his love and passing it on to us and to those around him.
I miss and love you Grandpa,

Jo, John, Mom, and Dad on 50th Anniversary in 1999
March 22, 2009

Mom and Dad on a trip to Manchester , Vt in 1993
March 22, 2009

Dad's Grandson Brendon Greenwood, wife Stacy with Mom
March 22, 2009

Grandsons John, Dave, Joel Byron, and Mom and Dad in 1994
March 22, 2009

Grandsons Dave, John, Joel Byron and Dad in 1993
March 22, 2009
James Byron III
March 17, 2009
"Hi Dad, Its Jimmy" was my usual greeting over the phone or vists to his homes over the years. But his demeanor was intimidating to this Long Island boy some 40 years ago. He and Mom were camping up here when they first told me about my soon to be wife, Joanne. I remember when I ask Dad about marrying Joanne and his response was short and to the point "Yeah sure".
Dad must have got a real chuckle out of me with our family visits to their house. The TV would be on in the back round and his eyes would glance in my direction when I would ask "who's playing"? (like I really couldn't have looked at the jerseys for myself). He was probably being gracious when he would tell me and then proceed to ask me "Did you see such and such game the other night"? Without a breath he would then tell me the names of every spectacular player and stats like knives in a drawer. Not having a clue what he just said I would move my head slightly and make sort of neutral noises about what he said so he couldn't tell if I agreed or disagreed with him. But life had given me a great wife, 3 children in less than 5 years and a very busy job that did not give me time to stay brushed up on sports. But Dad could bring me up to speed in no time especially with addition of the "second TV" to the Den.
Though we all longed for more words of endearment from him as years went by. We would hear from others who would visit him about how he would speak so proudly of family and accomplisments when they were not around. He never felt comfortable with that, but it was there deep inside.
It greived us so to see him struggle to hold on to life with great difficulty as long as he did. But Joanne and John have found a special place with pen and paper that has brought them closer and helped them remember the special times and ways that Dad was able to show them how he loved them.
May GOD give my wife Joanne and my brother in law John the comfort that HE is able to give you at this time.
We miss you Dad.......
Love Jimmy
John Greenwood
March 16, 2009
Dad
Two weeks have passed
Since you went away
To be with mom
I like to say
Friends sent cards
A few unknown
Fond recollections
We’ll miss him so
Old fishing stories
Many times told
Hot summer bluegills
Ice shanty cold
Life lived full
No holds barred
No broken bones
Some fingers scarred
Grief is brief
When memories smile
We shared each one
To that last long mile
Love,
John
J.R.G.3.16.2009

Dad and Mom and daughter Joanne
March 14, 2009

Dad and Mom and first child Joanne
March 14, 2009

Mom and Dad's Wedding Day in 1949
March 14, 2009

Dad when he came home from the war
March 14, 2009
David Byron
March 13, 2009
my Grandpa, Ralph Greenwood, was one-of-a-kind. He was truly a "man's man". He was a wealth of information about so many things, especially the Adirondacks and outdoor life. He was the only one I ever met who possessed the "magical ability" to make worms come out of the ground at will. He called it his "worm shocker"! He was always ready to pass on his knowledge to whoever would listen and each time i would visit him, i would learn something new. I was so grateful for the visits when he would show us old pictures and talk about his days in the service or things he did for fun as a young man. He was so proud of his family, all the way down to his great grandchildren. Although at times a man of few words, I know that he loved his family very much. Grandpa, you will be missed. Love, Dave and Leena Byron

Dad on the left with his Navy buddies
March 12, 2009

Dad and his mom Frances Greenwood
March 12, 2009
John & Angela Byron
March 11, 2009
My Grandpa, Ralph Greenwood is dearly missed. As the days pass more and more memories come to mind of my childhood and the many great memories we had with Grandpa and Sweetie. The times we went fishing are some of the most vivid memories together. He taught me many things about fishing and the outdoors and I always left with a plastic bag full of Outdoor Life or Sports Afield magazines. He was truly one of my inspirations for my love of the outdoors! I can't help but smile too every time I think think about how when we told Grandpa we were having a baby boy, he said he'd have wait a little longer to get that little dress for his first great-grand daughter and then just a couple years later he got his wish. I remember he was one of the first people I called after we had Adilynn Belle, and I remember saying to him on the phone...... "Grandpa, about that little dress?" and he said "ohhhhh boy" with such joy in his voice. Grandpa you will always be in our hearts! Love, John, Angela, Titus, & Adilynn

Dad in 1943 with his dad Elmer Greenwood
March 11, 2009

Dad in the Navy in 1942
March 11, 2009

Dad in the Navy in 1942
March 10, 2009
Joanne Byron
March 10, 2009
My Dad passed away on Feb. 27th, and since then, I have had difficulty writing this. Well, actually, I had started writing him a letter when he went into the hospital this last time. In it I thanked him for all the things he did for our family, and told him how many gifts and talents he had. I found the more I wrote, the more things came back to me, so the more I continued to write.
Even though he didn't actually get the chance read my letter himself, I was able to tell him some of the things in it on the last day we were together. I know he heard me, even though he was failing, and couldn't speak. I'm so glad I got the chance to share my love for him, and some of our best memories.
I'm so thankful to him for giving me life, and to be able to be with him at the very end of his (like he was with me at the very beginning of mine).
He suffered from a chronic lung condition for many years. It may have debilitated his body, but never his mind. He was smart, tough, and didn't miss a trick.
He knicknamed himself, "The Old Fox" and it stuck. He used to tell my brother John and I, "You can't fool the Old Fox!".
He was a smart, and unique man. He could do so many things well. (I will share more of those in my next letter). In his 85 years he had learned and experienced so many things, I have had a difficult time choosing which ones to share.
Probably the thing that defined Dad was his passion for the outdoors. I think you could call him a "Sportsmen's Sportsman", as there wasn't much he didn't know about the woods, animals, plants, birds, fishing, hunting, streams, lakes, rivers, mountains, etc.
Once I showed him a picture of a local stream I had taken, and he was able to tell me exactly where it was ! I couldn't believe it! He had fished all over the area through the years, since he was a child, so he knew them all.
He went away many weekends with his friends, and would come back with many stories and experiences that he would share with anyone who would listen.
Anything I know about fishing I learned from my Dad. His old high school friend "Skinner", real name Fred, would let us use his dock and boat at his small home on Saratoga Lake. How I loved going out on the lake! He showed me a few of the best fishing spots, like "The Rockpile", and "The Crick".
Yes, Dad taught me all the basics I needed to know about fishing; from "picking nightcrawlers" after the rain, baiting my own hook, learning how to cast in the backyard with a "practice plug", and using a "fisherman's knot" to attach my hook, bobbers, sinkers, etc.
Those were special times with my Dad which I'll never forget.
Thanks Dad. I already miss you.
I'll Love You Forever,
"Sis"
(Ralph's Daughter Joanne)
Dan Byron
March 7, 2009
My Grandfather was a wonderful man... So many fond memories we shared at his home in Greenfield. So many short hikes behind his house, so many snacks watching sports in his den, so many talks. Some of my favorite times were within the last few years when we would visit him at the various places he made his home. We would talk of his past, talk of family present and the future. Even during his last days when it was so very difficult for him to breathe he still managed to force out some words to have a short conversation with me. You'll be missed Grandpa...
Brindel Byron
March 7, 2009
Grandpa was a great conversationalist. He always had a story to tell and pictures to show. It was wonderful. His great-grandson, Evan, really enjoyed his visits with great-grandpa Greenwood. The rides grandpa would give on his motorized cart and lollipops he would hand out always put a smile on Evan's face. Grandpa lit up when he got to meet Tanner for the first time six months ago. Grandpa truly loved his family. I'll miss the lighthearted conversations and relaxed atmosphere when visiting with him. He will be remembered and thought of often in the years to come.
Joe Kubish
March 6, 2009
My heartfelt condolences go out to you, JoAnn and John, and to your families. Uncle Ralph has been a fighter right to the end. A lesser man would have succumbed years earlier.
My memories of uncle Ralph go back over 65 years. I remember the large family holiday gatherings at our grandparents farm in Greenfield. The adults would sit around with cups of coffee laced with “goats milk” from the “still” in the basement. We kids would run through the house having a grand time chasing one another. At Christmas time the whole family would gather in the dining room to exchange gifts among the children. At Easter we would search the house for Easter eggs that had been hidden the night before.
As I grew older, I joined the adults to listen in on their conversations. Uncle Ralph was my favorite storyteller. He would share experiences he had on hunting and fishing expeditions, and his encounters with poachers while patrolling in his capacity as a game warden. On one occasion, when I was 14, he chided me for not shooting a deer while we were hunting on the family farm. It was the day before deer season opened, and after all I was with the game warden.
Later in life Sandy and I bought the family farm. Uncle Ralph asked if I minded him target shooting on the old rifle range he and my dad had set up. I assured him he was welcome any time a whether I was at home are not. One day he stopped by with a new handgun … a Ruger 357 Magnum. He told me the story of a game warden who had been dragged by one arm which poachers had rolled up in the car window. The warden had tried in vain to disable the cars engine by shooting it with his 38 special.
So, uncle Ralph went out and bought a 357 Magnum, a caliber which could penetrate an engine block. His theory was that if he couldn't shoot out the engine, then he could at least shoot through the door to stop the assault.
After firing a few rounds of the 357 himself, he offered me the opportunity. What an experience that was. Powder blowback from between the cylinder and barrel burned every hair off the back of my hand, and the recoil almost caused me to drop the gun. Then he told me he had hot-loaded this batch of cartridges and had come up to try them out. Shortly thereafter I bought a 357 for myself.
Time nor space allows me to continue, but suffice it to say it's with fond memories that I will remember uncle Ralph. My love and prayers go out to you all. God bless you!
John Greenwood
March 4, 2009
Sons
Fathers dream of sons
To carry on their legacy
Not just in name
But character of being
An individual
To set a path
Their own anew
With hints and traces
Of the fathers self
As the years flow quickly by
Those tracks they do
Resemble
The footsteps look
Quite similar
The mirror seems familiar
Oh son, you make me proud
First born or next
It matters not
My blood
Your body
Carries too
Someday you will see
As I do.
Love
Dad
December 25, 2008
I wrote this for my two sons Brendan and Kevin for Christmas 2008.I felt it would be appropriate to add it to my father’s memorial page.
Katie Dunn
March 2, 2009
Uncle Ralph, I'll be missing you. I really enjoyed our talks about fishing and mortorcycle riding. Everytime I went to visit you and Aunt Helen you both always made me fell welcome. I will always remember how much you enjoyed your fishing especially with Johnnie and the stories you loved telling. Be at peace and say "hi" to Aunt Helen for me. I'll always have the both of you in my heart. Love and miss you already.
Dan Pendergast
March 2, 2009
I didn't know Ralph personally, but his values and integrity are evident in the way his son John carries himself. Rest in peace Ralph. Your legacy is intact.
John Greenwood
March 2, 2009
The following is a piece I gave to dad on his birthday 10/2/08.
Pharaoh Lake
Was it the lake that created such wonderful memories? Was it the dozens of magnificent brown trout that we caught there? Was it the clear mountain air? Was it the unforgettable smell of an evening campfire or the taste of the pork and beans we cooked on it? No, the one thing that created those great memories was the fact that they were spent with my father. He introduced me to one of the most beautiful places on earth;a trout filled fresh water lake in the middle of the Adirondacks. A twelve foot aluminum rowboat with a 3.5 horse Elgin motor, trolling plates, and a tackle box full of dad's handmade trout spoons were the ingredients for a lifetime of memories. I am convinced that heaven has Pharaoh Lake and a weekend of trout fishing in its repertoire.Thank you dad for providing me with that wonderful experience called Pharaoh. You really never know how much those things will affect you until they are gone. Like a drive-in movie, the memory is so simple it seems boring. Take it away, and 30 years later you say,"I already experienced heaven on earth and didn't even know it". Thanks dad, you taught me many things, showed me hundreds more but the greatest gift you ever gave anyone was the gift of Pharaoh Lake to me. I love you for that. Love, John
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