Alan H. Colyer Jr.

Burnt Hills, N.Y.-Alan H. Colyer Jr., age 88, passed away on December 11, 2020 following a brief illness. Alan was born in Westfield, NJ on May 12, 1932 to the late Alan and Florence (Johnston) Colyer. Alan graduated from Westfield High School and continued his education at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. After two years of school, Alan served with the United States Navy from 1952-1954. When he returned from the Navy, Alan completed his education at Lehigh and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1956. He then followed his family, who had returned to Burnt Hills. After working at Montgomery Ward for a few years, Alan took ownership of Fo’Castle Farm Country Store in 1965. He was the proprietor of the Store and Orchard until he retired and sold the store to his daughter, Anne, in 2002. He then ran the “new” Fo’Castle Orchard with his wife until they retired from apple farming this fall, the end of an end era. He enjoyed his apple farming and considered it his avocation. He devoted a lot of his time to the orchard, right up until the final season this past fall. Alan knew the importance of community and valued his involvement in many local organizations. He was a 60 year member of the Burnt Hills Volunteer Fire Department, serving as treasurer for at least 45 years. He served as the president of the BH-BL Board of Education, was active in local politics and served on the town planning board, all of which made Alan a legend in the community. When Alan was not working or volunteering his time to various causes, he loved to sail. His favorite places included the British Virgin Islands and Maine. He loved sharing time with his family and friends. One of his most cherished traditions was Family Christmas Eve Dinner, where he will be greatly missed. To be a friend of Alan was to be his friend for life. “The Lunch Group” was a group of his closest friends who met weekly for decades. His good nature, dedicated work ethic, and friendly spirit will be remembered by all he leaves behind. Alan is survived by his wife of 45 years, Caran (Focht) Colyer; his daughters Anne Hogue (Bill LaPietra), Sarah (Tom) Dauenhauer, Tracey (Ken) Messercola, Heather (Paul) Fischer; his grandchildren Lauren (Jason) Kritz, Alex Hogue, Hannah Dauenhauer, Julia Messercola, Christine Dauenhauer Fischel, and Cathleen Dauenhauer Sullivan; and finally, his beloved great-grandson, Hudson Kritz; as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Alan is predeceased by his siblings, Phyllis Britcher, Floss Homburger Markowski and Richard Colyer. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 3:00-6:00pm at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home’s Unity StationTM, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY. Here, guests will be able to share their condolences through a live video feed connected to the family inside while staying in the safety of their vehicle as they pass through. A private Funeral Service will conclude the evening on Thursday and will be available to view on Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home’s Facebook Page. A Memorial Service for Alan will be held at a later date when friends and family can safely gather. A private Interment will be in Briggs Cemetery, Ballston Spa, NY. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local Community Hospice. With confidence, the family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Alan’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com http://www.lastingmemories.com/alan-h-colyer-jr