COOPERSVILLE, NY — Chudleigh M. Fosher, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Coopersville with his loving family at his side on Sunday, Sept. 27. He was born at his home in Coopersville on Sept. 4, 1930, the son of Ephraim and Ella (LaValley) Fosher.
Chud graduated from Champlain Central School in 1951. He was involved in a variety of sports and was the captain of the baseball team. He played tuba in the high-school band. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving for four years.
After honorable discharge, Chud worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie. On a train one day, he met Claire Caron of Rouses Point, who was working as a telephone operator in Poughkeepsie. They married in 1956.
For about 36 years, Chud worked at IBM in Essex Junction, Vt. He retired in the mid-1980s, returning to the family homestead in Coopersville.
Chud coached Little League for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and loved fishing on the Great Chazy River behind his home. He loved watching NASCAR racing, but especially enjoyed being able to go to the track with his nephew, John Fosher.
Above all, Chud adored his family — Claire, the love of his life; his daughters; and grandchildren, who brought him so much joy.
Chud belonged to American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts (VFW) in both Vermont and New York. He served on color guards in parades and honoring deceased veterans.
A devoted member of St. Joseph's Church in Coopersville, he tended the grounds and cemetery with meticulous care and with great pride. He put in countless hours mowing the lawns. A eucharistic minister, he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
Chud is survived by his loving wife, Claire; his daughters, Kathy Fosher of Coopersville, Lynn Fosher and husband, Michael Fortney of Fairfax, Vt., Kim Barcomb and husband, Lance of Milton, Vt., and Melissa Hayes of Evans Mills and her husband, CW5 Jarrod Hayes, currently serving in Iraq. Surviving are five grandchildren, Laura Kline, Michelle and Lindsey Barcomb, Airman Mitchell Hayes and Melanie Hayes; and a sister, Ina LaValley of Elmira. He leaves many nieces and nephews; and his best friend and companion, his dog, Beau; along with many, many good friends.
Chud has been reunited with his son, Mitchell, who predeceased him as an infant.
He was also predeceased by five brothers and sisters, Irvin Fosher, Effie Miliken, Abram Fosher, Norma Coyle and Corporal Amos Fosher, the first Champlain man killed in action in World War II.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian burial is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at St. Joseph's Church in Coopersville with burial to follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A reception will be held afterward at American Legion Post 912, Pratt Street, Rouses Point.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the North Country.
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