Ernest John "Bud" Blackbird

TOWN OF TICONDEROGA Ernest John 'Bud' Blackbird passed away after a long illness on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, with the prayers and love of his sisters and children surrounding him. Bud was born on Oct. 3, 1942, in Glens Falls, the second son of the late Alma Rose (Alden) Blackbird and the late Dorian Leo Blackbird. Bud left school before graduation to help support his family, later earning a GED. He worked as a laborer. His happiest times were spent as a logger in the outdoors surrounded by nature. It was often commented on that he was the hardest working guy out in the woods. Bud enjoyed working with his hands and together with his friend Tibor Toth built a machine to sort postal mail. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. He had a garden wherever he lived, and could grow nearly anything anywhere. He had a wide range of knowledge and loved to share it with his family and friends. He always loved music and later in life enjoyed country dancing. He was a member of the Country Stampede dancing club where he lived in Campbellsville, Ky., knew over 250 dances, and enjoyed teaching them to others. Bud loved hiking and camping and when in New York visiting with family would often take his son and grandsons to some of his favorite places. He was an excellent storyteller and his orange pie was well-known among the family at special occasions. His love and respect for family and friends were limitless, and he was an advocate for keeping the environment healthy. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Bud is survived by three of his sisters, Mildred Herne of Glens Falls, Kathy (John) Randall of Glens Falls, and Alma (Jeffrey) Syles of West Glens Falls; his special companion of over 20 years, Frances Elmer of Fort Edward; one brother, Fred Robillard of Florida. He is also survived by his two daughters, Laurie Zack of Fort Edward and Stacey (Michael) Rubel of Corinth; his son, John Blackbird of Fort Ann; a stepson from his first marriage, James (Desiree) Cook of South Glens Falls; two stepdaughters, Charlene Harris of Queensbury and Teresa Richards of Corinth; two stepsons, Daniel Fuller of Fishkill and Kenneth (Barbie) Fuller of Fort Edward; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at a time to be announced. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in his memory to High Peaks Hospice, 667 Bay Road, Suite 1, Queensbury, NY 12804 or the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Arrangements are under the direction of Regan & Denny Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury.