Ralph F. “Ferns” Gilson 10/27/2014

Ralph GilsonRalph F. “Ferns” Gilson
Ferns Gilson, 85, of DeKalb Junction, died on October 27, 2014 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Calling hours will be November 1, 12 – 2 PM, funeral service at 2 PM, Reverend Jerry Lambeth officiating. Burial will follow in Old DeKalb Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Viola C., a son Gary and his wife Bonnie Gilson of DeKalb Junction, daughters, Susazan Weller Williams of Russell, Carol and her husband Terry McKendree of DeKalb Junction, Lynn Hepfner of Salem, Ohio, a sister Elizabeth and her husband Kenneth Farr of Jackson, Mississippi, 14 grandchild, 4 step grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Helen Campbell. Ralph was born on May 4, 1929 in Ogdensburg, the son of Ralph and Henrietta Ferns Gilson. He married Viola Finley on December 30, 1949 at the Ogdensburg Pilgrim Holiness Church with Reverend Bernard Barton officiating. Ferns ran a family dairy farm for many years before owning and operating Gilson Logging with his son until his retirement in 2006 at age 77. He was a member of the Ogdensburg, Pilgrim Holiness Church, Morley Wesleyan Church, and most recently the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Harrisville. Ferns loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed camping at church camps, hunting, going to dinner at camp and he would fondly remember fishing with his grandfather. Contributions can be made to the Harrisville Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

obituaries, R

10 Comments

  1. Viola, Gary and family;

    I am sorry to hear of Ferns passing. He fought a tough battle with illnesses. I enjoyed his smiles when I would come see him for PT. I am glad that he is no longer suffering and has no more pain or frustration with not being able to go work in the woods as he loved doing. May you all remember the good times and get through this knowing there are lots of friends/family holding you all in prayers. Rest in Peace Ferns.

  2. was saddened to hear of your beloved Ralph’s passing. so glad i got to know him and his family. i will always remember those twinkly eyes and will keep you all in my prayers. sincerely, Sue—the nurse aid

  3. Gary, Lin and I are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. We are praying for you and your family. May the Good Lord hold you in his loving arms during this time of sorrow.

  4. Sympathy, love, and prayers to the family of Ferns. May he rest in peace in the kingdom of our precious Lord. Heaven has received another angel. God Bless you all.

  5. Just read of your dad passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I believe you are the Suzanne Gilson that I went to Roethel’s Business School in Ogdensburg, NY with in 1971. I have tried several ways and times to connect with you with no luck. Sad to have to connect this way, if you are the correct one. Would like to hear from you if you are the correct one. My email address is debrawi@live.com. I’ve lost both my parents so know what you are going through. Once again, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Debra Nelson-Arquitt

  6. Gary,Bonnie and the rest of the family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Ferns was a nice man who I had the pleasure of meeting several times,however generally when he was not feeling well and needed a rescue squad.Gary you had him for many years and have so many great memories never to be forgotten.Sorry I am not closer to pay my respects in person or I would be there.My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.May Fern rest in peace.

  7. Warmest condolences from Joyce and me. Ferns and Viola have been our dear friends. Our prayers are for God’s comforting peace and Presence to surround all of you.

  8. My deepest sympathy to a wonderful family. Fern will never be forgotten. May he finally rest in peace and that same peace find all his family in their time of need.. Prayers and hugs from my family to yours..

  9. I remember meeting him as a boy and a great trip with my distant cousin umpty-removed and the clan camping in the reserve.

    Warmest condolences from the Gilsons in Florida…

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