William S. Shurmer, 79, died on March 27, 2020, at his home in Naples, NY of complications from leukemia. He was predeceased by his wife, Gail Shurmer, as well as his mother and father, Ruth and Melvin Shurmer, and his sisters Mary Lou Uveges and Lois Tuttle.
He is survived by this three daughters, Wendy (Michael), Carol (Jack) and Debbie (Jon), grandchildren, Hannah, Michael, Megan, Matthew, Sydney and Indigo, and many nieces and nephews. And it only seems right to say he was also survived by his English Setter, Smoke, and grand dogs, Daisy, Ruthie, Beasley, Lefty, Pip and Ruby.
He was a master craftsman, cabinet maker, mechanic, and a guy who could fix or build just about anything. The canoes and tables, and jelly cupboards and cradles he made for his loved ones were truly works of art, though he always scoffed at the idea that he was an artist.
He loved to fish for walleye on the La Due Reservoir in Ohio before moving to New York to help his daughter and her family run the Trail’s End Campground, where he drove the hay wagon every Saturday evening. If you were honored to share his boat, it was a no cell phone zone with a sticker inside reminding you to “shut up and fish”.
He raised many a litter of pups, and loved his English Springer Spaniels. He was adept at animal husbandry, raising any animal you can think of from goats and pigs to bunnies, sheep and ponies. He loved animals and his favorite TV shows were the ones with the vets and zoos.
Bill was an accomplished cook and lover of butter. His soups and stews were second to none.
He also loved music and was an incredible “Flea-hopper”. Some of our fondest memories are of him dancing the jitterbug with mom or making us “name that tune” before we left to go out with friends. He also hosted some of the best Thanksgiving gatherings known to man. Delicious food, great music, and lots of fun.
A celebration of life will be held at some time in the future when gatherings are again permitted. We are not suggesting donations to any charity. Go fishing, pet your dog and let nature be your inspiration. That’s what Bill would do.
Our hearts go out to all of you, he was an amazing human and loved his family dearly.