Obituary of Robert G. Ordway

GOUVERNEUR- Robert G. Ordway, age 79, of Auburndale, FL, but formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on June 24, 2016, at the Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, FL. Calling hours for Bob will be on Thursday, June 30, 2016, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with his funeral service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Burial will follow at South Russell Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Robert was born on August 21, 1936, in Redwood, NY to the late Oscar and Alice (Naylor) Ordway. He attended Knox Memorial Central School in Russell and then went to the George Hall Trade School in Ogdensburg for welding. Bob married Bertha Meilleur on September 1, 1956, at the Russell Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Lawrence Heatherington. Bertha passed away on October 13, 1990. Bob was a Journeyman Ironworker working for various companies and eventually owning and operating B. M. Ordway, Inc., Steel Erection. He had been living in Florida since 1995. Bob is a member of the Local Iron Workers 440, Sons of the American Legion and a former member of the Gouverneur Elks Club. He enjoyed restoring antique Ford cars, NASCAR and NHRA racing, and hunting; and loved going on scenic road trips. Bob was very active and never let his disabilities slow him down. No matter how busy life got for him, he always made a point to find time to spend with his family, which was very important to him. He and his wife always made sure that their children never went without. Surviving are two sons and their wives, Randy L. and Michelle Ordway and Robert A. and Robin Ordway both of Gouverneur; two daughters, Nancy J. Ordway Phillips of Fayetteville and Patricia L. Ordway and her husband Kenneth Bennett of Manlius; a brother, Roger Ordway of Canton; a sister, Beverly Johnson of Auburndale, FL, and eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Bob is predeceased by his wife, Bertha; his parents, Oscar and Alice; a brother, Donald and a sister, Josephine Day.