SARANAC– Gary E. Tedford, 73, of Bowen Rd, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Adira Rehabilitation Center.

He was born on April 11, 1948 in Plattsburgh, the son of Betty A. Tedford.

Gary married Eileen Mose on October 10, 1987 at the Church of Assumption in Redford.

He attended Saranac Central School and graduated in 1967. Gary was employed by the Department of Corrections for 26 years working most of those years at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. In his younger years he worked at Tedford's Grocery in Saranac for his Uncle Sam, until he joined corrections and purchased Hi-Falls Lounge. Gary owned and operated Hi-Falls Lounge with his wife for 33 years, until they sold it in 2017. You could always find him in the kitchen where he was known for his delicious chicken wings and homemade pizza.

Gary was an avid member of the Democratic party of Saranac serving as a Town Councilman for 20 years. He joined the Saranac Fire Department at 18 years old and held the position of Fire Captain, he was an active member for over 20 years, and became an honorary member due to his health. Gary spent his Tuesday nights at he bowling alley with the guys bowling in the firemen's league for many years, even traveling for tournaments. He was also a member of Lonesome Lodge Hunting Camp, where he enjoyed getting away with the guys and telling stories. He enjoyed snowmobiling, cruises, camping, bowling, riding his Spider and Corvette.

Gary enjoyed his yearly trips to Indianapolis for the Indy500 with his brother, cousins, nephews and friends. He also looked forward to traveling to Long Island yearly to go deep-sea fishing with his friends he fondly referred to as the Islanders. His most recent love and enjoyment came from spending time with his grandson's whom he called "Papa's Buddies". He looked forward to every chance he got to spend with them.

Gary was always the life of the party and liked to have a good time. he was very loved and will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen Tedford of Saranac; daughters, Hope Goble and her husband, Frank, Amy Favaro and her husband, Jeremy; grandchildren, Rebecca, Eli, Riley and Connor;  brother, Keith Tedford and his wife Vicki of Saranac; nephews, Bryan and Shawn Tedford; uncles, George Tedford and Stewart (Tootie) Tedford and many loving cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Betty on April 23, 2021, mother and father-in-law, Peter and Eva Soliwoda, cousin, Steve Tedford and many aunts and uncles.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh.

A funeral service will be celebrated Thursday at 1:00pm at Saranac Methodist Church in Saranac. Burial will follow in Saranac Independence Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his name to the Saranac Fire Department or St. Judes Children's Hospital.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com .

Arrangements are with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.