G. Jeffery Rabideau

G. Jeffery Rabideau stayed strong through so many hurdles over the last 16 months as he fought a brain cancer called glioblastoma with 2 brain surgeries, radiation, chemo, shingles in the eye, clots, prostate surgery, a small stroke, kidney issues, more chemo, infusions and numerous other complications that accompany cancer.

Born George Jeffery Rabideau to Bonnie and George Rabideau 2/22/62, he was the middle child between 2 sisters, Sherry and Kim. He was raised in Altona NY, where he also raised his own boys, ran his gun shop for 19 years, cut wood, played horseshoes, hunted, fished and occasionally enjoyed a little bourbon with friends. He was proud to also serve as a volunteer fireman for 27 years with the Altona VFD.

Jeff and his partner Suzie Thaller combined their interests and hosted a couple of gun shows and outdoors shows before moving in 2012 to the Cranberry Lake area and settling into operating their restaurants/motels. They ultimately settled down in the waterfront hamlet of Wanakena, working long hours together in the restaurant and on the attached properties. Spare time was spent with pups, enjoying a fire and visits from friends and family, or practicing his really bad one-liners on unsuspecting customers, doctors, grocery store clerks…. he knew how to make people laugh! A few had a special nickname for him (beginning with the letter A), but those who knew him best had another name for him. A young 6-year-old friend said it best. She said Jeff was a big Marshmallow- crusty on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside. Eventually, Jeff and Suzie married and tried to find time to enjoy time on the water, or going to events "downtown" with their many wonderful neighbors and friends. He was known for singing "Jingle Bells" every day of the year, and could find time to help anyone who asked, no matter how busy he was.

Jeff was always a chef in his heart. Right to the end, he found unique recipes he wanted to adapt and cook for someone, even after closing the restaurant. There were many happy recipients to a few of his favorites: maple crème brûlée, caramel flan, pulled pork, smoked ribs, salted caramel Krispies, bacon jam, lemon & blueberry tarts, dandelion jelly, jalapeño apple pie, bourbon maple onions, stuffed blue cheese burgers, fudges and soups… especially his pickle soup! Jeff's true passion and art form was definitely found within his kitchen.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, his son Justin, and grandparents. He is survived by his wife Suzie, son Kyle, grandsons Landon and Caleb, sisters Sherry and Kim (Rick), aunts, uncles, cousins - as well as all of Suzie's family, who loved him as their own.

There was a handful of fiercely loyal friends and family who made Jeff's past year bearable. He wasn't very good at saying it, but he wanted you to know how much he loved you all for being there night and day, every single week since his diagnosis 16 months ago. Jimmy Gilman and Big Al Wood were true lifelong friends, and the brothers he never had. You're amazing!

There will be no official services. A celebration of life will be held with his closest family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the incredible American Cancer's Hope Lodge in Burlington VT. They provide home-away-from-home services for cancer patients and their caregivers - a very valuable resource for anyone fighting the cancer beasts! Donations can be sent in Jeff's memory to: American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Burlington, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3412. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.