William H. Cannell, 83, of Johnstown passed away early Saturday morning, September 5, 2009 at Palatine Nursing Home, Palatine Bridge, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Bill was born on June 1, 1926 in Standish, Maine, a son of the late Warren R. and Annie Page Cannell.

Raised on the family farm in Maine, he quickly learned the value of hard work, an attribute the he strived to instill in all of his children and grandchildren.

During WWII he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country. During a train trip home on leave, Bill met Ila V. McWhirt, the couple married on September 23, 1945 in Norway, Maine, a union that lasted over 63 years.

Mr. Cannell returned home following his service and he and Ila began to raise their family of five children. Moving from the Maine to the Fulton County area several times. He had been employed in several industries, Bill had been a logger and a mechanic but he spent over 17 years as a machinist for General Electric Co. in Schenectady until his retirement in 1984.

Bill was well known for his ability to repair and create machinery, often "puttering" in his home shop, inventing and adapting tools for his special uses. He was also green thumb and always had pride in his gardens, growing many of the vegetables that he and Ila froze and canned for winter storage.

He will best be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need, be it aiding his children with household repairs, moving grandchildren off to college, helping a stranded motorist or kitchen clean up after a large holiday meal. He was always there for those who called upon him.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ila Cannell of Johnstown; four children, Cheryl (Herschel) Akers of Ft. Plain, Randall (Kiki) Cannell of St. Johnsville, Wayne (Margo) Cannell of Johnstown and Nancy Decker of Johnstown; thirteen grandchildren, Wendy, Michelle, Blair, Jeffrey, Randy, Valerie, Scott, Jennifer, Paige, Megan, Paul, Kristy and Melissa; twenty great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Walter (Liz) Long of Connecticut; sister-in-law, Avis Ovitt of Garoga; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Larry Cannell; two sisters, Agnes and Myra; two brothers, Warren and Arthur.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at North Main Street United Methodist Church, Gloversville with the Rev. John Selert officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY, Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext, Albany, NY 12205-5515