Ralph S. Waite

1939 - 2012

PORTER CORNERS - Ralph S. Waite (a.k.a. ""Big Scat, Big Bull, Chief""), 72, a lifelong resident of Plank Road, died Wednesday evening, June 27, 2012, at his home, following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Dec. 21, 1939, in Porter Corners, he was the son of Dorothy (Harris) and Alvin Waite. He was a 1958 graduate of Saratoga High School.
Ralph was employed as a truck driver with Grand Union Co. for more than 30 years, winning several trophies in their annual truck rodeo competitions.
A dedicated volunteer fireman for more than 50 years with the Porter Corners Fire Department, he served his community when in need.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, with his greatest passion being deer hunting in Indian Lake, fishing for lake trout on Schroon Lake and salmon fishing on Lake Ontario.
He greatly loved all the pets he had over the years and enjoyed watching the numerous birds and other wildlife that he would feed year-round.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Vivian (Matters) Waite, who passed away in 2007; three siblings, Norman Waite, Lee Waite and Marion Waite (Strait); and two daughters-in-law, Helen Stanton-Waite and Tracie (Millington) Waite.
Survivors include his four children, Carolyn Waite, Stephen Waite and Christopher Waite, all of Porter Corners, and Christian Waite and his wife, Katie, of Middle Granville; his grandchildren, Amber, Colleen, Jason, Christopher, Patrick, Ashley, Cameron and Stephen; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Brewer Funeral Home Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne, where members of the Porter Corners Fire Department will conduct services at 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, July 2, 2012, at the funeral home. Following the funeral services, family and friends are invited to gather at the Porter Corners Fire Department for a reception.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012, at Greenfield Cemetery in Greenfield Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be directed to The Porter Corners Fire Department, P.O. Box 103, Greenfield Center, NY 12833; to the American Cancer Society, 959 State Route 9, Queensbury, NY 12804; or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
To express your condolences to Ralph's family, go to www.brewermillerfuneralhomes.com.