William H. Apgar III

1925 - 2011

Apgar III, William H.

Old Forge, NY: William H. Apgar III died at his home in Old Forge, NY on March 18, 2011. He was born on May 4, 1925 in Cortland, NY, the son of William H. Apgar, Jr. and Beatrice Payne Apgar, born in Indian Lake, NY. Bill graduated from Dryden High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the US Army. He served in the Marianas Campaign in the Pacific Theater, and was awarded a Presidential Citation. Upon his discharge in 1945, he became employed at Finger Lakes Chemical Co, Etna, NY, where he was Plant Superintendent for 12 years. He then owned and operated a series of businesses in the Dryden area: Apgar's Sporting Goods, Apgar's Plumbing and Heating, Apgar's Cabinet Shop, Etna Mill Works and the Cash-and-Carry Lumberyard. Bill's interest turned to horses upon retirement. He founded and managed Finger Lakes Appaloosa Breeders, which produced many foals from top bloodlines. In 1945 he married Elaine McGavin, and is survived by two of their children, Lee Scott (Peggy) Apgar and Mary Elaine Apgar. He was married to Betsy Schermerhorn in 1993. Bill is also survived by his sister, Lois (Bill) Dotter; grandchildren, Jennifer (Khristopher) Oursler and Justin Welch and great-grandson Austin Welch, and many nieces. He is survived by his special cousins, Tom (Judy) Thibado, and Dora Burnett, Betty Tyler, Ella Cunningham, Bernie Thibado and their families. Bill spent his last years near his beloved Moose River, where he spent many happy hours hunting and fishing throughout his life. At Bill's request, there will be no service. He asked that those who wish to make charitable donations in his memory consider Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 and Home Aide Service of Central Adirondacks, POB 25, Old Forge, NY 13420. Arrangements are in care of the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Old Forge.