Obituary of Robert L. Hastings

Warrensburg: Robert L. “Toby” Hastings, 91, of Ridge Ave., passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Glens Falls Hospital after a brief illness. Born November 20, 1918 in the Town of Bolton, he was the son of William and Jennie Maude (Cilley) Hastings. Toby was a decorated World War II veteran, who served in the South Pacific Theater, Army infantry re-occupation ground battalion, Cyclone division, motor pool driver and mechanic before his honorable discharge in 1945. Upon his return from serving his country, he married Marie Perry on November 15, 1946 in Lake George. The couple recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary together at home. For more than 30 years, he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic & welder for Warren County DPW before retiring. He was a member of the Warrensburg American Legion Post 446 and a past member of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company. He was the last surviving sibling of his family; grandson of Rufus D. and Mary Ann (Sage) Hastings; grew up in the Great Depression; proudly lived and worked in Warrensburgh his entire lifetime; always a ready volunteer to assist family and others in times of need; and a well respected source of good advice. His best friends were his wife Marie, and his late brother, Harold (Mike) Hastings. Besides his parents, his brothers Franklin, Willis, James, Charles, Gerald, and Harold; sister, Mabel Swift; nephews, Charles Jr. and Walter Swift; and various other Hastings family members have all predeceased him. Toby leaves behind his devoted and loving wife Marie, son, Philip and his wife Harriett of Fort Wayne, IN, son, Kevin and his wife Mary, and granddaughter Amelia. Other survivors include nieces, Norma (Jim) Galusha, Pat Shea, Karen Deuel, Marilyn Becker, Jennie Taylor, and Laurie Ramsey-Gallup; nephews Roscoe, Donald, John, David, and Walter (Mabel) Hastings, and Mark Webster; several more nieces and nephews in the extended Hastings family; good neighbors Dot Wood, Sue Wood, Eric Burdett and family; caregivers Fay Sherman and Louise Cameron; favorite visitor Margaret French. His family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bryan Smead, Dr. Raymond Maddocks, Glens Falls Hospital nursing staff T2 oncology unit, nurse, Mary Trombley, ER medical consultants, Greater Adirondack Home Aides and the Warrensburg EMS. Friends may call on Toby’s family from 5-7 pm Saturday evening, January 2, 2010 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 7 pm at the funeral home with members of the American Legion paying their respects and followed by Fr. Nellis J. Tremblay, family cousin officiating. Internment with military honors will be in the Warrensburg Cemetery in the spring. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Warrensburg First United Methodist Church or to a charity of one’s choice. His son, Kevin offered these parting words: Dad was a gentle person who cared about his family, his friends & neighbors, and enjoyed their company in his retirement years. He cherished his granddaughter Amelia. Any wood project that he could build was something special that was given to her. Dad created a few other treasure keepers, which he lovingly gave to his neighbor, Bailey Brown and to Dr. Maddocks. Over the years Dad enjoyed being at home with Marie, raising a family, and working hard. He was proud of his sons Philip and Kevin and their loving families. In sickness Dad had a very strong will to overcome any illness. Dr. Maddocks attended him in 2006 for bladder cancer, which was a successful operation. Even up to the hour of passing Dad’s mind was alert, very sharp to what was going on. He seemed to always know more than he ever shared with us. A wink of his eye was enough to say volumes. In the end Dad made his own choices of how things were to happen. Dad was a good husband, father, loyal friend and helper to those around him in the community, and a loving grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him. Dad, rest in peace. Thy work is done. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.