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John A. Steen

John A. Steen, age 91, of 60 Church St., Saranac Lake, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at his home while in the care of hospice following a long illness. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Cambridge on Aug. 27, 1929, he was the son of the late Alf K. and Frances (Burns) Steen. John married the love of his life, Florence McClellan, daughter of the late George R. and Edna (Beattie) McClellan of Cambridge, on Dec. 26, 1952.

John was a charter member of the Cambridge Saddle Club and the Chapin Airfield Flying Club, both in Cambridge. He was very proud to be a dairy farmer, saying it was the only thing he wanted to do his whole life. He was active with Extension, 4-H, Farm Bureau, and the national, state and local Ayrshire associations. John was a faithful and active member in the Episcopal church within the parish, deanery and diocese.

He is survived by Florence, his wife of nearly 68 years; three sons: Allen (Leona) Steen of Brushton, Neal Steen of Malone and James (Debra) Steen of Unadilla, Georgia; a daughter, Susan Steen of Saranac Lake; and a foster son, Welding (June) Griggs of Naples, Florida. He is also survived by three grandsons: Adam (Angie) King of Belmont, Matthew (Amanda) King of Malone and Robert (Kerry) King of Constable; along with eight great-grandchildren, plus several nieces, nephews and cousins scattered throughout the U.S. and Norway.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his one sister Margaret Steen of Cambridge; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, George and Frances (McClellan) Poole of South Glens Falls.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in John’s honor to High Peaks Hospice, St. Luke’s Church or Hope Lodge in Burlington, Vermont, can do so in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake.

A memorial service is set to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Saranac Lake with Fr. Andy Cruz Lillegard officiating.

Family and friends attending the in-person service are asked to please follow all COVID-19 recommendations including social distancing and wearing a mask. Due to extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Steen family understands that it may be difficult for some to attend. For those unable to attend the in-person service, it will be webcast on Fortune-Keough Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Family and friends can share their memories, video condolences, written condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

John Steen a faithful Christian, husband, father, farmer and friend. He was a good man.