Grant Ralph Egelston

Grant Ralph Egelston, of Glen, NY, died peacefully Thursday, April 23, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 18, 1925 to Ralph and Lovina (Barbin) Egelston. He accomplished many things in his 83 years of life. He served as a volunteer fireman, was a town councilman, and took part in youth farming initiatives. He took over Glen Meadows Farm from his father and expanded the number of award-winning Jersey cattle, as well as the farm's acreage and barns. Though his advances in agriculture were no small feats, his greatest accomplishment was creating a strong, close-knit family. We Egelston's were blessed to have such a hardworking, gallant leader. Grant was a man who didn't say much, but when he spoke, the whole room listened. His passion for his farm and his devotion to his work motivated and inspired those around him. Grant Egelston believed in making the most of his days, and he did just that until the very end. On his final day at home, Grant chose to work his fields and drive his tractor. He leaves behind his loving wife and partner of 61 years, Norma (Barns) Egelston; his ten children, Michael (MaryEllen), Patrick (Donna), Janie Egelston, William (Linda), Dennis (Judith), Sandra Avery (Bartle), Nancy Langdon (David), John (Michelle), Amy Augustine (Michael), and Beth Carpenter (David); 37 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his sister, Marion Foster; brother-in-law, William Barne (Linda); sister-in-law, Beverly Spreckels (Ronald); numerous nieces, nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother-in-law, Monte Foster; and niece, Kelly Barnes. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Lee, the Amsterdam Dialysis Center staff, and Dr. Rund for the fine care they provided as well as a special thank you to the PCU, ICU, and Palliative Care teams of St. Mary's Hospital for the respect and compassion shown to our entire family during Grant's final days. Life on Egelston Road won't be the same without our Papa. May he find peace overlooking the land and people he loved. Following Grant's wishes, the family celebrated his life privately. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider either The Cystic Fibrosis Northeastern New York Chapter, 423 A New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 http://greatstrides.cff.org or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Northeast New York, 6 Greenwood Drive, East Greenbush, NY 12061 www.jdrf.org Arrangements were entrusted to the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY. Please visit Mr. Egelston's guestbook online at www.brbsfuneral.com.