Vernon James Traver ,85 passed away on November 6th after a long illness.

Vernon was born in Poughkeepsie , NY June 10, 1939 to Reginald and Avis Traver along with siblings Reginald Jr, Richard, Joan, Fred, Alan and Sharon. He spent his whole life in Poughkeepsie and moved to Hyde Park when he married his wife Jean and started his family.

Vernon attended school until the 9th grade when he started work at the Fitchett Brothers Dairy while still a teenager and continued working at the Dairy for 35 years until it was sold and became Dairylee.

Vernon was no stranger to adversity and truly believed everyday was a gift after he was diagnosed at age 9 with a brain tumor and underwent extensive surgery at St Francis Hospital, where he was visited by some professional baseball players from the Boston Red Sox which made the local newspaper The Poughkeepsie Journal. Vernon then faced another medical obstacle when he was 43 and needed a 5 way heart bypass which he conquered and lived for another 42 years cherishing friends and family.

Vernon and Jean traveled all over the United States from Maine to California, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, Florida, Virginia and Alaska. When in Alaska he took a helicopter ride onto a glacier which he thought was pretty cool. One of his favorite trips was through the Canadian Rockies which he thought were absolutely breathtaking. He got to travel to Switzerland , Greece, Germany and Italy and enjoyed those countries as well.

His thirst for knowledge was unending he was always looking for books to read and could always come up with crazy facts. He enjoyed watching his favorite football team the Buffalo Bills and loved a good baseball game taking the train down to watch the Mets play. Spending time outside was one of his favorite hobbies either birdwatching, gardening, chopping wood or just visiting local sites like Minnewaska, Stissing lake, Vanderbilts or FDR estates.

Vernon is survived by his daughters Laurie and Kelly, grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Hudson Valley Hospice who did an outstanding job of allowing Vernon to stay in his home till the end. Nurses Kelly, Ricky, Pat, music lady Allyssa, social worker Chynna ,doula Steve and pastor Julie we couldn't have done it without you and our appreciation is endless.

They say family are those you choose to surround yourselves with and those who will go the distance with you. Thank you Carl for popping over and keeping my dad informed of the neighborhood happenings while enjoying a glass of wine. Thank you to life long friends Robert and Sara Jane for the many meals and visits and emotional support over the last year and a half. Thank you to Cindy and Laura for home cooked meals, conversation and making my dad laugh which is always the best medicine you have been there for the duration and were there at the end, we are forever in your debt.

Rest easy now Vernon you were a devoted son, trusted brother, loving husband, hands on father and grandfather and cherished friend. We will miss your straight forward advice and guidance .The torch has truly been passed on the changing of the guards has occurred and we will try to do you proud.We will miss your piercing blue eyes, patriarch presence and your laughter. Now you can indulge in endless NY cheesecake ,Strawberry shortcake Italian cookies/cigars to your hearts content. You were a good man with a good heart and have been called home now to be with Jean and your family.

In keeping with his wishes cremation has already taken place and his ashes will be scattered where he would go to watch the golden eagles fly