Erle W. Jackson

Born August 5, 1924, passed into eternity December 8, 2023

Survived by his wife of 37 years Katherine "Rita" Jackson, predeceased by his wife of 37 years Ruth "Nancy" Jackson, son Timothy Jackson, daughter Susan (Gary) Irvine, stepson Kenneth Frearson, stepdaughter Kathleen (Clint) List, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, 5 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his Father Russell F. Jackson, Mother Verla L. Jackson, brothers James Ward "Elton" Jackson and Harold R. Jackson.

A member of the "Greatest Generation" Erle was a veteran of the United States Army Signal Core in the World War II China Theatre. He was a member of The Barnard Fire Department for many years serving as a volunteer, chief and commissioner. He recently recalled his time with the Fire department as one of the best groups of people to be affiliated with. He, many times recalled that owning and operating the Greece Pennysaver weekly shopping guide with help of his lifelong friend Laurence U. "Butch" Lucieer, was a major accomplishment of which he was very proud of. He loved meeting people and nurtured many friendships over the years both in NY and Florida where he and Rita wintered for 35 years.

Mr. Jackson had many interests and loves over his long life but his biggest love was for his wife, children and grandchildren whom he cherished as long as he lived.

He took pride in having excellent oral and written communications skills and was an op-ed contributor in his own publications as well as one in his Florida home. He had a great sense of humor and his grandchildren recall his ability to tell a joke with the utmost timing or tell a story with a straight face wondering for a moment if he was kidding or not. He also enjoyed spending time at his property above Keuka Lake and his home & land in Greece caring for his property up to his 99th birthday, observing nature and creating opportunities to see wildlife up close. It was commonplace to see Mr. Jackson out on his property on one of his two tractors on a daily basis making the property beautiful. He was a lifelong learner and always curious about things. He was fiercely independent in nature, conservative in his politics and values. His friends and business associates recall him as being a man of utmost integrity and ethics. His word was his word and his bond. No need to question. He was known to make business deals on a handshake. Erle was very private in his faith and saw the wonders of God's creation in nature with the fascination of a child.

In his earlier years he loved to hunt on his land at Keuka Lake and enjoyed many hunting trips to Montana. He loved to play cards, especially with a group of very special men that meet to play Euchre every Wednesday morning. The group calls themselves "Erle's Euchre Aces" and have been playing for many years. It was the highlight of his week to spend time with these dear friends.

Golf was another of Erle's life passions. He enjoyed playing in Florida and well as in NY and passed this passion down to his son and grandsons. He played into his early 90's.

He enjoyed good health until the last year of his life. His mind was sharp but his body had other ideas and this was hard for a man of his personality to accept. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends.

Friends may call 11:00am-1:00pm Thursday December 28, 2023 at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services 777 Long Pond Road with a service to follow at 1pm.