Donald Francis Symonds

Born in Saranac Lake on March 30, 1939, he was the son of Ezra and Marion (Shene) Symonds. Donald married Linda Cloe on Nov. 26, 1960 in Vermontville.

Don was a lifelong resident of the Saranac Lake area and had worked at the American Management Association as a printer for 25 years until his retirement. Following retirement, he worked for Grand Union for 10 years. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda, of Vermontville; one son, Gentry Symonds, of Saranac Lake; three daughters, Shelly (Christopher) Plumb of Andover, VT, Elisa (Bill) Begor of Albuquerque, NM, and Melissa (Thomas) McDonald, of Lake Placid; four grandchildren, Michael Begor, Kayla Anderson, Caroline Plumb and Smita Nelson; four great grandchildren, Wesley Anderson, Maeve Begor, Arun Nelson and Logan Nelson; one brothe,r Jerry (Sheryl) Symonds, of St. Maries, ID; four sisters, Luella Williams of Florida, Annette (Russell) Johnson of Vermontville, Arles (Lloyd) Sinclair of Hudson, NC, and Verna (Edward) Davis, of Galloway, NJ; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother-in-law, Rod Williams.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Jan. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Daniel Shumway officiating. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery in Vermontville. Family and friends attending in-person calling hours and funeral services are asked to follow all COVID-19 recommendations, including social distancing and wearing masks. Due to extenuating circumstances of the pandemic, Don’s family understands that it may make it difficult to attend in-person calling hours and services. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be webcast on Fortune-Keough Funeral Home’s Facebook page staring at 4 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Donald Francis Symonds may make memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club or the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.