Avis de décès de Robert-James Watkins

Robert James Watkins Former town of Gorham supervisor GORHAM - Robert James Watkins, age 86, of Lake-to-Lake Road, died on Saturday, May 19, at home, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 27, at 3 p.m. at Life Spring Community Church, 5026 North Road, Canandaigua. Memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Care Center, 551 Exchange St., Geneva, NY 14456; Ontario-Yates Hospice, 756 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456; or LeTourneau Christian Camp, 4950 County Road 11, Rushville, NY 14544. Bob was the son of the late Arthur and Edna Nelson Watkins. He graduated from Gorham High School in 1943. He was a military policeman in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Aug. 25, 1956 he married Gertrude Holdren at Bethel Baptist Church in Gorham. He and Gert owned and operated Welblest Farms and an egg and produce business at Rochester Public Market and Genesee Valley Regional Market, where he was on the board of directors. After retiring from farming, he worked for Hall Fertilizer for 18 years, Elmwood Farms for several years, and for Hansen Farms until he was 82. Active in his community, Bob was the Gorham town supervisor from 1972 to 1982. He helped create Heritage Park in 1976 and Crystal Beach Park. He was also a member and president of the Gorham Central school board for several years, and was involved in the 1972 merger between Gorham and the Middlesex Valley school. Bob had also been a volunteer at Thompson Hospital Emergency Department. Active in his church, Bob was the treasurer for Canandaigua Baptist Church for several years and a Youth Group leader at the Bethel Baptist Church in Gorham and Canandaigua Baptist Church. Bob was the Rushville Lions Club's Citizen of the Year in 2002. He was also a charter member of the George H.W. Bush National World War II Memorial. Bob is survived by his wife, Gertrude "Gert" Holdren Watkins; two children, Lizabeth "Beth" M. Watkins and David R. Watkins; grandson, Joshua M. Watkins; great-grandchildren, Cadence Watkins and Joshua Robert-Mason; sister, Frances Watkins Ray; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Babiarz and her husband, Emil. Arrangements are by the Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home in Gorham.