William D. Welburn

GUILDERLAND – William (Bill) D. Welburn, 73, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at St. Peter's Hospital after a long illness. Bill was born in Troy, NY on July 2, 1937 and was the son of the late Ney and Emile (Thompson) Welburn. Bill was a devoted and loving husband of 45 years to Harriet Jane (Favor) Welburn of Guilderland. He is the brother of Gloria Tauth of Hot Springs, Ark. and Neyette Hibbs of Rotterdam. He is also survived by 3 nieces, 4 nephews, 4 grandnieces and 8 grandnephews.
Bill graduated from Troy High School and received his B.A. Degree from Russell Sage College, Evening Division. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1959, based in Texas, Germany and Turkey.
Bill has a long and distinguished career with the State of New York, serving with the Department of Social Welfare followed by 35 years with the Department of Civil Service, Municipal Services Division. He retired in 2001.
Bill was active with the Guilderland Town government. He was elected to and served on the Town Council from 1986 through 1993. Subsequently he served on the Industrial Development Agency, and the Guilderland Public Library Board. He was a member of the Western Turnpike Kiwanis Club for many years.
Throughout his adult years he was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was a life member of the Woodlawn Sportsman's Club and the National Rifle Association. He especially enjoyed hunting with his good friend Mike Beaver. They enjoyed hunting trips in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, the Adirondacks, and the Catskill Mountains.
During his life Bill raised and loved 6 dogs. He fondly remembered many happy years with his childhood dog, Major, then Gus, Holly, Casey, Charlie and Happy.
Bill owned and operated Lone Pine Ltd., selling sportswear and hunting accessories. He had many friends within the wide circle of hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.
Following retirement Bill and his wife Harriet enjoyed traveling near and far. Their destinations ranged from Blue Mountain Lake, U.S. National Parks, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Europe. For many of the trips he enjoyed including his sister, Gloria and their mutual friend Sandra.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Thursday, January 8, 2009 at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilderland Animal Shelter, c/o Guilderland Town Hall, P.O. Box 339, Guilderland, NY 12084 in memory of Bill.