Richard C. "Poppy" Gardepe, 72 a lifelong resident of Trout Creek, passed away Wednesday evening, July 2, 2008 in Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, after a long illness.

Dick was born in the town of Tompkins on March 20, 1936, the son of the late Joseph L. and Ruth E. (Bowdish) Gardepe. On August 5, 1956 he married the former Sandra Mills at Cannonsville Baptist Church. He was employed for many years as a Truck Driver for the town Of Tompkins, retiring in 1999 after 28 years of service. He was a charter member of the Trout Creek Fire Dept.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping at the Crystal Lake Campground at Garrettsville with Sandra, spending many summers at their seasonal camp. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and also on the computer. But most of all he loved spending time with all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, one daughter: Judy (Pat) Backus, 2 sons: Joseph (Dawn) Gardepe, Tim (Pam Lakin) Gardepe, all of Trout Creek, 19 grand children, Cory, Amber, Josh, Chad, Kendra, Brian, Dalton, Justin, Abby, Ryan, Brett, MacKenzie, Austin, Matt, Jess, Rodney, Zachery, Jeffery, Tiffany, 9 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Wayne "Spike Gardepe, James (Patricia) Gardepe, both of Walton, 3 sisters, Barbara McClean, Conklin; Linda (Ed) Mills, Carol (Charles) Seward, both of Trout Creek, mother in law, Marjorie Mills, brother and sister in laws, Karl and Gail Keuhn, Guilford; Fannie Vermilyea, Aunt Charlotte "Tommy" Roof, both of Trout Creek; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Gardepe, a sister, Evelyn Meddelton, and a sister in law, Carol Gardepe.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 12 noon at Walton Cemetery with the Rev. David Gatje, officiating. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in Dick's memory may be made to the Trout Creek Emergency Squad 8695 County HWY 27, Trout Creek, NY 13847.