Eric K. Niles

BUSKIRK, N.Y . -- Eric K. Niles, 56, of Conway Lane, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, though he had been in ill health for many years. He was the beloved husband of Sandra Willis Niles.

Born June 28, 1947 in Bennington, Vt., he was the son of Robert M. Niles Jr. and Louise Kastenbein Niles. Growing up in Shaftsbury, Eric attended several rural schools and graduated from North Bennington High School. When taking his physical so that he might enlist in the service and serve his country, Eric was diagnosed with diabetes, a condition he courageously endured.

After his marriage to Sandy in 1970, the couple lived in North Bennington where Eric was a village trustee. He enjoyed working with youth and was involved with baseball, Cub and Boy Scouts and the SAVE Program.

In 1985, the family moved to the Cambridge area and Eric had his own business as a carpenter, contractor and most recently, as an excavator.

Eric was a man with many interests but his first passion was horses. As a young man he worked as a groom for Leo Veitch at the Green Mountain Race Track. He was the current president of the Cambridge Saddle Club. He ran the horse barn at the Washington County Fair for many years and was involved in the 4H Club.

He was an avid hunter of deer and white rabbit. He loved to stand on the top of a mountain and watch his favorite dog Sally run.

Eric worked every day of his life, if not on a job, volunteering to help someone with a project. He was a kind, giving person, always willing to give someone a helping hand.

He was the greatest husband, father and brother that could be. His daughter said that he was the wisest man she knew, always able to find a solution to the problem and usually it was a simple solution.

Survivors besides his wife of 33 years, are his two daughter, Erin E. Woods and husband, Joel, of Liverpool and Abigail Niles of Glens Falls; four brothers, M. Bruce Niles, of Bennington, Vt., Robert M. Niles III of Pownal, Vt., James W. Niles, of Beaver Dam, Wis., and Peter S. Niles of Shaftsbury, Vt.; an aunt, Charlotte, and husband, Bill Wendell of Martinsburg, W. Va. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge.

Father Michael Demasi, formerly of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in North Bennington where Eric was a member, and a close family friend, will conduct a service at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

At his request, Eric will be cremated and his ashes scattered in his favorite places.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

Eric will be greatly missed by his family and many, many friends and will hold a special place in their hearts forever.