Charles Roderick Dutcher

He was born May 2, 1920 in Pepacton where he spent his childhood until his family moved to Milford, where he graduated from High School.

Rod married Erwina Tilley on Valentine’s Day in 1942. She predeceased him on October 6, 2005.

For 63 years with his wife, Erwina, they ran Dutchayr Farm from 1942 to 2005.

Rod was modest about his abilities, he called himself a “shovel pusher” instead of a farmer and a “wood butcher” rather than a carpenter. Advice he gave in life was: “family is important”, “work hard” and “don’t spend more than you have”.

He was very active in his community, giving freely of his time, talent and resources. He was a lifetime member of the National Ayrshire Breeders Association; a member of the Grange both Subordinate and Pomona in Otsego County; member of the Otsego County Cooperative Extension, the Farm Bureau; a founding member of the West Laurens Community Church; the Director and President of the Otsego County Fair, where he and his family have exhibited for over 60 years; director of Otsego Electric Cooperative; a local director of Eastern Milk Producers; an officer of Eastern A I Cooperative; a 4-H leader for many years and the Otego Town Supervisor for 10 years. He also attended the Mt. Vision Methodist Church.

Rod is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Debra Dutcher, Otego; daughter-in-law, Peg Dutcher, Otego; grandchildren, Michelle and Matthew Kane, Hartwick, Michael Dutcher, Franklin, Kristen and Michael Miller, Oxford, Tracie and Patrick Coleman, Morris, Dana and Thomas DeBoer, Oneonta and Dayle Dutcher, West Laurens; great grandchildren, Caleb and Connor Kane, Carson and Paige Dutcher, Karley and Kassidy Miller, Maddie and Brodie Coleman and Kaedyn DeBoer; one brother, James (Gwen) Dutcher, Milford; one sister, Louise Dutcher, Milford; sister-in-law, Rosa Dutcher; as well as many nieces and nephews and people whom found support or a temporary home with the Dutcher family. He was predeceased by his son, Robert and granddaughter, Laurie; and parents, John and Agnes Dutcher; and siblings, Lloyd, Judy, John, Richard and Billy.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Richard Breuninger, officiating. Burial will follow in the Cook Cemetery, West Oneonta. Memorial donations in Rod’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

To light a candle or send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.