Obituary of Henry Van Den Burgh

Henry Van Denburgh died peacefully at his home in Keeseville, New York on April 1st, 2023. He had a short illness which preceded his death. Henry was born in Climax, New York to his mother Mary Boyd Van Denburgh and Father Paul Van Denburgh on December 19th, 1913. Henry grew up on the Van Denburgh Farm, VanDenburgh Rd., Climax, NY. It had been in possession of the family since the early 1700’s. He always had an interest and connection with the farm even though in his adult years he pursued employment in other areas. Henry was a long-term employee of New York State. He was employed as a power plant engineer in various locations throughout the state. He was quite talented and his skills included carpentry, construction, and photography. Henry was married to Alberta Catherine Earle in 1940. They had three children David, Paul, and Merry. He always put his family first and was a dedicated father. His children went on to pursue careers in social work, nursing and state service. Henry was a quiet and strong parent passing on his abilities and experiences to his children. He enjoyed humor; time spent with him included a fun banter of jokes and “kidding”. Family life included adjustments in varied locations necessitated by his job transfers for promotional reasons. Henry and his wife Alberta were passionate camp enthusiasts with many trips to the Adirondacks for tent and later RV camping. A favorite place was Indian Lake, New York. He spent his retirement years keeping track of the doings of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an avid photography buff and fan of the NY METS. Henry was predeceased by his wife, Alberta who died in 2006. At the time of his death he resided with his daughter, Merry Van Denburgh. His time at home was greatly assisted by his aides principally Pamela Rathbun and Allison Baxley. A special thanks to them for their friendly, effective, and kind efforts. Henry is survived by his children, David and wife Beverly of Keeseville, NY; Paul and Mary Anne of Leeds, NY and Merry of Keeseville, NY. His grandchildren, Sean Van Denburgh of Hudson, NY and Arendt Van Denburgh (US Navy). Additionally he is survived by granddaughters, Sarah and her husband Ken Dier of Kansas City, Mo. and Rachel Van Denburgh of Port Henry, NY. Henry’s great-grandchildren include Grace Cochran, Alice Milukas and husband Ethan of North Carolina. Maddy Cochran of Virginia. He has three great-grandchildren in Missouri: Sophia Dier, Benjamin Dier and Abbygale Dier. Also he is survived by his niece, Judith Donovan of Selkirk, NY and her son, Patrick Donovan, wife Kathy and son Dylan of Climax, NY; a daughter, Lisa Donovan and her daughter Hayden Stafford. A nephew, Dale Haines and his wife Kim (Coxsackie, NY Dale and Kim’s daughter) Barbara Haines Rosa of Fort Edward, NY and her children, Stephanie Rosa of Glens Falls and Zackary Rosa, US Air Force, Texas. He also is survived by a cousin, Joan Walker of Kingston, NY. Services are planned to be held on May 20th, 2023 at the Mount Pleasant Reformed Church in Hudson, NY. A memorial gathering is planned to begin at 1:00 PM to celebrate his life. A graveside service at the adjoining cemetery will begin at 2:00 PM. Arrangements are being coordinated by Bates-Anderson Funeral Home of Hudson, New York. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Trinity Episcopal Church - Community Meal program of Plattsburgh, NY is suggested. trinityplattsburgh@gmail.com Phone: (518) 561-2244. Local arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville, 834-7667.