Obituary of Erton W. Sipher

GOUVERNEUR – Erton W. Sipher of Harrisville and Gouverneur died Friday, April 27, 2018, at age 97. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Monday, April 30, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by his funeral at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Donna Thorpe officiating. Burial will be in the East Riverside Cemetery. Erton was born on March 31, 1921, on the family's dairy farm in Macomb to the late John W. and Marion (Hurst) Sipher. He graduated from the Gouverneur High School and the Cornell University College of Agriculture, where he studied animal husbandry. Cornell honored him with an Outstanding Alumni Award and a Department of Animal Science Award of Merit. He operated Greenbriar Farms until his retirement. Erton was a long-time member of the St. Lawrence County Fair Board, was active in farm organizations, wrote the book "The Gene Revolution" and was a lifelong New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. Erton was married to Zelda Elizabeth Mullen from 1944 until her death in 1987. He was married to Clara Day from 1997 until her death in 2015. In addition to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his survivors include his children and their spouses, David (Judy), Mary Ann (Eric Freedman), Karen (Robert Bailie), Paul (Brenda), Amy (Steve Holleran), and Clara's family. In lieu of flower, donations in Erton's memory may be made to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642, or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.