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E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Bennington

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Bennington, Vermont

Ralph Quackenbush Obituary

Ralph G. Quackenbush III

1950-2013 BENNINGTON Ralph G. Quackenbush III, 63, a resident of Park Street, died Friday, May 17, 2013 at Bennington Health & Rehabilitation following a brief illness.

Ralph was born in Bennington April 13, 1950, son of the late Ralph G. Quackenbush II and Leota (Carmichael) Quackenbush Amundsen. Ralph received his education in the Hoosick Falls, N.Y. schools and was a 1968 graduate of Hoosick Falls High School.

In earlier years Ralph was employed at the Globe Union Corporation and Johnson Controls. He later moved to Florida where he owned and operated White Line Trucking until he retired in 2000.

Ralph was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1861 in Bennington. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR and ATV rides on the mountain. He especially enjoyed spending time at his camp, "Camp Needabuck" with his sons Ralph and Jim and his hunting buddy Pete. His family meant the world to him.

Survivors include his children, Ralph Quackenbush IV and his wife Lisa of Hoosick Falls, Kristy (Quackenbush) and her husband Brock Walker of Waupun, Wisc., and James Quackenbush and his wife Kristie of Bennington; six grandchildren, Rachel, Erika, Jordan, Brandon, Makenzie and Landen; two sisters, Patricia Vitenberg and her husband Ivars of Saratoga, N.Y. and Marie DeCoff and her husband Andrew of Bennington and Marie's children, Mindy and Milo Surdam; a brother, Michael Quackenbush and his wife Jeannine of Jacksonville, Fla.; two half-sisters, Joan LeBlanc and her husband Treffle of Wildwood, Fla. and Susan Quackenbush of North Adams, Mass.; a step-sister, Linda Pierce, of Bennington; two step-brothers, Joe Wirasnik and his wife Shelly of Hartland, Vt. and Danny Wirasnik and his wife Sandra of Bennington and Ben Vasquez of Florida; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was predeceased by a sister, Hilda Quackenbush.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Memorial services the life of Ralph G. Quackenbush III will be held from the MAHAR & Son Funeral Home Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 12 noon.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuedsay from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

All members of Bennington Eagles Club 1861 are asked to meet at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. to conduct services in memory of Ralph Quackenbush.

Burial will take place in the family lot in the Village Cemetery, Bennington.

Memorial contributions in Ralph G. Quackenbush's memory may be made to BAYADA Hospice through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.



Published by Bennington Banner on May 20, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Quackenbush

Not sure what to say?





Dad,

I just wanted to write down a few things for you that I remember. Do you remember when I was walking over a pile of glass and a piece of glass went thru my shoe and blood was pouring out of my laces.

I remember, you picking me up and taking me to the hospital to get stitches. mom had no clue that it even happened.

I remember.

I remember all the little things you would do. .

I remember, going to the races with you and having so much fun. You letting Ralphy and me sit in the cars and pretend to drive them.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD.

I just wanted to tell you that I really do remember all the little things you do... and how much I REALLY DO LOVE YOU!!!!!!

You are my dad and always will be. I needed to tell you this because I need you to know.

We have had our good times and bad but, through it all I am your daughter and always will be.

I am trying to get all of this out of my head and on paper and if it doesn't sound right I am sorry.



Sometimes I would get mad,

sometimes I would feel sad,

to think that you may love me less,

because I was a girl,

now I know that isn't true,

I won't be so blue,

so when I see you,

All my sadness,

Begins to melt away.

When you say,

Those magic words,

"How's Daddy's, Little Girl Today?

I would dream of you saying those words to me all the time.



Dad I just wanted you to know this is how I feel.

I have loved you forever and always will.

I am your little girl daddy.

and you are my HERO

Kristy Walker

June 7, 2013

Dad,

I just wanted to write down a few things for you that I remember. Do you remember when I was walking over a pile of glass and a piece of glass went thru my shoe and blood was pouring out of my laces.

I remember, you picking me up and taking me to the hospital to get stitches. mom had no clue that it even happened.

I remember.

I remember all the little things you would do. .

I remember, going to the races with you and having so much fun. You letting Ralphy and me sit in the cars and pretend to drive them.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD.

I just wanted to tell you that I really do remember all the little things you do... and how much I REALLY DO LOVE YOU!!!!!!

You are my dad and always will be. I needed to tell you this because I need you to know.

We have had our good times and bad but, through it all I am your daughter and always will be.

I am trying to get all of this out of my head and on paper and if it doesn't sound right I am sorry.



Sometimes I would get mad,

sometimes I would feel sad,

to think that you may love me less,

because I was a girl,

now I know that isn't true,

I won't be so blue,

so when I see you,

All my sadness,

Begins to melt away.

When you say,

Those magic words,

"How's Daddy's, Little Girl Today?

I would dream of you saying those words to me all the time.



Dad I just wanted you to know this is how I feel.

I have loved you forever and always will.

I am your little girl daddy.

and you are my HERO

Kristy Walker

June 7, 2013

To the Quackenbush family, i knew your father from little league and through grade school and high school. Got to know him a little more through some of our years at Globe Union. Fine man he was and good friend and hard worker, you all should be proud to of had a father like him. May he rest in peace. Yours truly, Kevin Durocher.

Kevin Durocher

June 2, 2013

Ralph, myself and Clint Philpott used to race a car at Lebanon Valley,s clay track in the late 60's. It was a hoot! My condolences to the family.

Wayne & Patricia Tracy

May 28, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Steve & Mary Crawford

May 23, 2013

Dear Ralph & Family;
We are sorry to hear of your loss May all those great memories@"CAMP NEEDABUCK" keep you at PEACE!

Leslie & George Messina & Family

May 22, 2013

Another good man taken way to soon. R.I.P Ralph

May 21, 2013

Sorry for your loss - may the memories help get you through this most difficult time. Thoughts & Prayers are with you all.

Michelle & Louis Schmigel & Joey Wolfrum

May 21, 2013

Uncle Ralph, thank you for the opportunity I had to spend time with you....sharing your stories with me...you were generally a reserved person...but that wasn't anything a Budweiser or a conversation starter from someone else couldn't fix....I checked in on you every day of the week....to just say hi, see what you wanted or needed....even if it was only jelly beans & Oreo cookies....& im sooooo happy that I did! Please give gram Em, Gram Amundsen, & Grampa a hug & kiss for me! xoxoxo...until we meet again!

Min Surdam

May 21, 2013

Dear Ralph, Lisa and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Sue Kelley Herring

May 20, 2013

Your family and friends miss you greatly. I am so sorry you had to leave us but it is understood you are out of pain now.

Trina Davis and Tim Webster

May 20, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Floyd Amidon

May 20, 2013

well ralph i know now your at peace with mom and dad .no more pain . I will allways rember all the fun and laughs we have had and road trips for pizza. and the dinners togeather.you will be greatly missed your a very loveing brother love and miss ya marie and andy.

marie &andy DeCoff

May 20, 2013

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Jean, Tammy and Laurie Berard

May 20, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

kim andrews

May 20, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Mary & Dominic Distasio

May 20, 2013

Ralph you were a great friend, always willing to help anyone. Gerry and I are going to miss you so much...I loved hearing about your camp story's with your sons. Our hearts go out to the family.

lori & gerry morse

May 20, 2013

Kristy so sorry for the loss of your dad your in my thoughts and prayers always ??

Wendy Becker

May 20, 2013

Marie, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Diane Proulx

diane proulx

May 20, 2013

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Family and extended family Sue and Peter Lanfair, during this very sad time.

Richard & Carolyn Hutchins

May 20, 2013

To Ralph's family ~ our deepest sympathy on your loss. May the comfort of family and friends bring you peace and strength during this time and the year of "firsts" without him. You are in our prayers.

Joe and Gayle Magisano

May 20, 2013

Rest in peace Old Friend...you will be missed....Honorah

May 20, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Howard & June King

May 20, 2013

our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. Phyllis & Pete Cornell

May 20, 2013

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