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Ken Gilchrist Obituary
Kenneth "Pops" Gilchrist age 81 died March 19th 2015. It's been a great highway, but I have gone home to be with the lord (whatever that means and I hope to find out). I was pre-deceased by my father Ken Sr., my mother Dorothy, brother David and sister Sue. I am survived by my daughter Marlaina, son in law Dale Tifft, Greg and Chris Tifft , son Kenny III, daughter in law Gail, Sister Judy Waterman (Darryl), Susan Ackerman my dearest friend and the two apples of my life, my grandsons Eric and Danny Cody. Goodbye also to my great old friends Pete Mutschler, Dave Eisenburg, Jim Rooney, Joe McCann, Bob Ordower, Bernie Becker, the Manny crew, and the late Admirial Pete DeMayo. Schools were only three: Port Dickinson Jr. High, Binghamton North High and my beloved Syracuse University (B.S. in Radio Television and M.S. in Education). After graduation I probably had my best job as the Binghamton Triplets play by play baseball announcer on WKOP with managers Snuffy Stirnweiss, Fat Freddie Fitzsimmons, Steve Souchcock (who I saw my first Triplet game with in the early 1940's), Andy Pafko and John McNamara. Baseball led to spending the 1958 season as NY Yankee staticitian in the broadcasting booth with hall of fame announcers Mel Allen, Phil Rizzuto and Red Barber (my number one boss was manager Casey Stengel). IBM was my main employer and I was ever thankful for the fruit of that association. Other jobs included disk jockey, Link Aviation, Broome County Probation Officer and life guard during Syracuse University summers at the beautiful Ansco Lake. I did color announcing for Syracuse University football broadcasts in 1960. The IBM salesman job was highlighted by a golden circle in Hawaii. My 15 minutes of fame were a chance hour discussion of politics, basketball, and life with President Bill Clinton in the pro shop of the Army-Navy Country Club Golf Course in Washington D.C. My summers were spent at our Quaker Lake cottage with family and friends, which included dances, cocktail parties, and boat rides around the lake. I loved campfires. I loved playing golf, bridge and going out to eat with my friends including the second Tuesday of the month. Perhaps the highlight of my baseball career was being inducted into the Binghamtons Baseball Shrine in 2014. I am forever greatful for those who nominated me. The wonderful, wonderful women in my lifetime were: Betty, Susan, Ann, Joanie, Nancy, and Betty Two. Goodbye to Big Dog Parker, I'm glad I went first. I will miss you all and hope to see you in the future. If you miss me take a kid to a ball game. In the words of my old boss Mel Allen, "So Long Everybody". Visitation will be held at the THOMAS J. SHEA Funeral Home Inc. 137 Robinson St. Binghamton, NY 13904 on Monday from 4 to 7pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 7pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society 2 Jackson St. Binghamton, NY 13903. Arrangements are in the care of Albert J. DeMarco
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Memories and Condolences
for Ken Gilchrist
Cece Wasson Peterson
March 15, 2025
You are missed. We miss our time with you and Uncle Pete at Keuka, dances, drinks and picnics on the waters edge. I hope you all are up there laughing and enjoying all things you loved to do. Rest easy, Cece
Bob Suhocki
March 15, 2023
Ken, you and our friend Jim Rooney both passed on too early in life....... I will always remember the great times we had, and yes, now I am even closer to joining you two for a round o Golf in Heaven.
You ARE in Heaven aren't you ?? NOT in that 'other place' LOL....... Your OLD friend forever, Bob.
Bob Suhocki
March 16, 2021
Hard to think that 6 yrs have gone by since you went to Heaven, so I have a question for you Ken: IS there GOLF in Heaven ???
I remember a story about Ken ....... I and my family moved to Tucson in 1982....in about the winter of 1983 (or 84 ?) Ken came down to Tucson and stayed with us for a week of golf in January.
I took Ken to my favorite course, Enke, a true desert golf course....
fairways bounded by desert, thick cactus, real trouble.
Before we played I said 'Ken bet you a pitcher of beer on todays round', he said , of course . YOU'RE ON !'......
and I said, 'It's a nice day, we can sit after the round , and drink a 2nd pitcher of beer, SO.... I bet you a 2nd pitcher of beer you do not break 100 '. Ken , an about 10-12 handcapper back then,
said ' There is NO COURSE in America that I cannot break 100 on,
so bet's ON '.
After the round, Ken commiserated over his beer as he shot 119....
and he said ' I Know there is a golf course out there.... I saw the tees, I saw the greens, But there are NO FAIRWAYS out there !!! '
Captain Hook, our dear friend, visited the impossible desert shots
many many times, and I am guilty of setting up Cap'n Hook for that 2nd pitcher o beer bet....... I apologize Ken....... but we did enjoy the beer on that beautiful January day after a round of golf..........
Rest in Peace Dear friend, and shoot par or better golf if God lets
you play !! i'll be seeing you soon enough so we can play lots of rounds together again .
Your old Friend, Bob Suhocki
annie fabiano
March 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Ken only this past August. I.lived kitty corner to his house and would often see him outside in his chair on warm days. I went over to say hi.and we chatted a bit. Everytime i.would see him out i would go over to visit and chat untillit go to cold. The last time i saw him was right before Thanksgivin. I brought him a homemade pumpkin pie and had the pleasure to be invited into his home. He showed me his artwork, awards, and pictures of his family. I enjoyed our chats for the time i.knew Ken and will treasure the time i knew him.
Naomi Baker-Heller
March 25, 2015
Goodbye to my very first childhood crush! Ken was the handsome older brother of my dearest childhood friend Judy. I spent some very happy hours visiting their Hillcrest home (which I referred to as The Castle). I used to wonder how old I would have to be in order to get Ken to pay attention to me. He was majestic. But he had more than his fair share of female admirers, so he hardly noticed a gawky 13-year-old girl. Now Heaven has a newly-arrived smiling Flirt to deal with. He is surely one-of-a-kind.
Gail Gilchrist
March 25, 2015
Ken, Thanks for welcoming me into your family since the day I met Kenny. I have so many fond memories...family dinners, Myrtle Beach, drinking vodka & diet coke, singing Summertime countless times in your honor! You supported our music and stood by us when we needed you through thick and thin. It feels so strange that I will no longer be able to pick up the phone and get a much needed pep talk, or a few laughs from you. You will be so greatly missed and never, ever forgotten. Thanks for everything. I didn't get to pick you as my father-in-law, but I sure was lucky and glad it was you!
March 24, 2015
A Pops Story
by KG III
About a week before Pops passed Kenny and Gail were called over from Pops house to the family house...By the " BOSS " Marlaina !
The word was Pops was going ! His breathing was erratic ! Kenny and Gail hurried over at 1AM and they and Marlaina and Eric prepared for the passing. All of a sudden Pops threw his arms in the air and said: " Goodbye, Thanks everyone, I'll see you , bye " Then his arms came down and no breathing. Kenny , Gail , Eric , and Marlaina started praying and saying tearful good byes ! Then a few minutes later Pops: threw his arms in the air again and said: " Goodbye, Thanks everyone, I'll see you, bye "
Well kenny put his Mom's angel ring on Pops chest and Marlaina put Grandma B's rosery on his chest. We waited......
then Pops threw his arms in the air and said again: " Goodbye, Thanks everyone, I'll see you, bye " But this time the ring went flying off his chest into the bed covers and some how Pops threw the roesry to the side. Imagine the 4 stooges and Robin Williams ( Pops ) doing a comedy skit !!
This routine happened a few more times.
K and M just looked at each other and mouthed the words what the $%%# !
...well about that time the " Boss " said I have to go to work and went to bed. Gail said I am going to get a shower. Eric slipped away to bed.
Kenny said I will lay here next to him and watch him...hold his hand and see if he passes. Despite getting an elbow in the eye and one in the nose from Pops and Pops keeping him up for 5 hours the sun came up.
Kenny said the next day that the 5 hours he spent laying next to his father was the most touching moment of his life...
The next day Kenny came over in the afternoon and asked Pops " do you remember me laying here next to you and holding your hand all night.
POPS RAISED HIS EYEBROWS and said....
" aaahhhh I guess so "
March 24, 2015
DAD
You were always there for me and still are. As you called me " My Boy "
Not even in the end did you complain once. Even in the last week you gave us laughs even when you were not trying to be funny !! You were you.
Rest now my friend.
Your boy
Kenny
Phil Sweeney
March 24, 2015
The Gilchrist family have been our dear friends for the past four decades, and "Pops" was consistently the devoted and ever present leader of Gilchrist home. He has gone home to a well-earned peace, but he will always be held close in our memories. Our most sincere condolences to Marlaina and Kenny. Know we are there for you if you need us for any reason. Phil and Alexis
Carol and Dave Rueckle
March 23, 2015
Sending our condolences, Marlaina.
Your dad surely lived an amazing life.
Pamela Christinat
March 23, 2015
If I close my eyes I can still picture Ken on the IBM Country Club golf course giving a shout Hello as our Wed night leagues shared the same nine. What a nice man. RIP. Pam Christina
March 23, 2015
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Ken. We have many great memories of him at the lake. Praying for peace for all. Mary (Moriarity) Hinds and the Moriarity family.
Julie and Don Faughnan
March 23, 2015
Marlaina and family - I worked with Kenny at IBM and will always treasure the times we spent together. He truly was a one in a million kind of guy and the obituary was the perfect tribute to a life well lived and loved! I will keep you and Kenny in my thoughts and prayers and I know he is living it up on heaven right now. So sorry I can't be at the services but sending our deepest sympathies.
Betty Short (nee Putnam)
March 23, 2015
Ken was my boss in the early 60's at IBM in Engineering Personnel. He was so much fun to work with. I remember he is the one who told us that Kennedy had been shot. Was fortunate to see him a couple of years ago. This obituary written by him is so Ken. I know you will miss him - he was one of a kind. Blessings to all his family.
March 22, 2015
Marlaina, what a wonderful obituary for your Dad. We are sorry not to be there for you this week. You have done a wonderful job of being there for him.
March 22, 2015
Marlaina,Dale,Dan & Eric, We are so sorry for your loss. Ken "Pops" will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love,Bill,Polly,Billy and Family
Kevin and Mary Baisley
March 22, 2015
I love that his last words were his own. That he could share what was important to him and what he treasured is a gift in itself.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Karen McIntee
March 22, 2015
Marlaina and family,
Sorry about the passing of your father. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Let your good memories get you through.
Karen (Husband) McIntee
Pat Hudy Smith
March 21, 2015
Rest in peace Ken...enjoyed working with you at IBM.
Jake Crossley
March 21, 2015
Ken was a pleasant, albeit strong, advocate of his favorite causes.
Richard & Jean Bolt
March 21, 2015
sorrowful sharing with all of "Pops" friends and family and to Judy and Darryl and in honor and remembrance to a fellow alumnus of Syracuse University
Rick Cheslo
March 21, 2015
Ken & Family - I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. What a fascinating life he led. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Jack Curtis
March 21, 2015
Ken, one of a kind. I'll never forget you. Whenever I see a snap hook on the golf course, I'll think of the old competitor. Friday night golf with the gang was a special time in my life. So many special ways, and unique times with you. It's hard to realize that your gone.
March 21, 2015
Prayers are with you.
Rob & Joy
Mike and Marce Pastor
March 21, 2015
Marlaina and Family,
So sorry for your loss. What a nice obituary. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Suhocki
March 21, 2015
Goodbye old friend. We had some great times. Marlaina, Kenny and family, you certainly know that 'Pops Ken' was a one of a kind dad and grandpa. A loving and loyal friend to all. Sure we all loved to argue ('debate') just about anything, and we always knew that Ken would best us. We all enjoyed our Friday afternoon's golfing, followed by pizza and beer; and our trips to Myrtle beach, our golf escape every February. We did indeed have a wonderful life, and Ken lived life to its fullest. Our memories, thoughts, and sympathies are with all of Ken's family and friends.
Cece Wasson Peterson
March 21, 2015
Oh, Mr. Ken our family loves you. We have enjoyed your company at many of our life events with Uncle Pete. You gave me my first Syracuse University t-shirt and fostered my love of all things Syracuse. Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with your loved ones.
Jim Boehlert
March 21, 2015
Lot's of memories. Good bye friend.
Bertie &Fran Sullivan
March 21, 2015
Dear Judy, we are sorry we are not able to attend Ken's services as we are in Florida now and most of the year. I remember ken as Sue's big brother as we were growing up. He used to tease us a lot, but also looked out for us. Life gave him a good ride. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Bertie Schmidt Sullivan and Fran Sullivan
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Jimmy Zervos & Family
March 21, 2015
Marlaina, Kenny, Dale, Gail and the rest of the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May Mr. G rest in peace, and shine his love down upon all of you. He was truly a man of honor. Rest well my friend....Lets go ORANGE!
Gene Kolczynski
March 21, 2015
I always enjoyed working with you at IBM... You almost always entered a meeting with Yak shi mash. This is Polish for Hello, how are you?
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