Walden R. MacPherson

Walden R. MacPherson, passed away on October 31, 2025 at home with loved ones by his side. He was born March 4, 1930, the son of John & Mildred (Lasher) MacPherson. Walden was predeceased by his three brothers, Maxwell, Forrest & Donald. He was a 1948 graduate of Pine Plains Central School and began his employment with Stissing National Bank. On May 17, 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the 9th Infantry Division U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 99th Machine Records Unit at Fort Richardson and Elmendorff Air Base in Alaska until his honorable discharge on February 17, 1954. After his service he went to work for IBM from 1954 to 1961.In 1961, he opened MacPherson's Market in Pine Plains for two years before returning to work for Stissing National Bank. He worked at the bank from 1964 to 1992 holding positions of Executive Vice President, Internal Auditor and also sat on the board of directors. He semi retired in 1985. Waldie also served on the board of directors for Evergreen Cemetery from 1970 to 1990 and was also the Vice President of the cemetery board. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post 426, and a 64 year member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains where he served as a deacon.

One of Walden's great loves was being the "Rock King" of Stissing Mountain. His cabin, Coalbush was built in the 1960's and still stands today. Another thing he loved was the old sycamore tree on route 83. He named her "Dutchess" and kept a journal of its growth. She is 425 years old and still growing 1/4" per year. Walden was an avid hunter, fisherman and wood carver. He walked every inch of the rails in Dutchess county and watched them take up the tracks in 1938. Walden was born, raised and passed here in Pine Plains, the town he loved so dearly.

Walden is survived by his wife of 70 years Shirley Ann (Smith) MacPherson, their daughter, Roanne MacPherson Farina. Three grandchildren who were the lights of his life, Amanda Roe Farina, Samantha Ann Farina and Peter Andrew Farina Jr., all of New Jersey. In addition to several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and offer condolences on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, New York. A funeral service will take place from the funeral home at 11:00 am, Saturday. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains. In lieu of flowers donations in Walden's memory may be made to either the First United Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains or to the Pine Plains Rescue Squad.