Donald John Plantier

STANFORDVILLE — Donald John Plantier, the Fire Duck, a lifelong Dutchess County resident, died peacefully on Nov. 24, 2015, at Village Crest Center in New Milford, Conn. Mr. Plantier retired as a food-service worker from Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale. He also drove a school bus for many years for Arvisais Bus Company in Wingdale and for the Lee Bus Company in Dover Plains. 

He also worked for several years for J&J Log and Lumber Company and for Hunt Country Furniture prior to his retirement. 

Born April 24, in Poughkeepsie, NY, he was the son of the late Wanona (Brown) and Andrew Plantier. He attended Dover Schools and served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. 

On Nov. 5, 1957, in Pleasant Valley, N.Y., he married Margaret N. Curtis, his beloved wife of 58 years. Mrs. Plantier survives at home in Stanfordville.

Fire Duck was a 55-year life member and past Fire Police lieutenant and captain and was sergeant at arms of the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company in Dover Plains. He was a member of the Dutchess County Fire Police Response Team, a life member of the Dutchess County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Exempt Firemen’s Association, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association and the Royal Order of the Red Vest. 

He served as a Town of Dover constable and crossing guard for many years and was a 40-year member of the Dover Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star in Dover Plains. 

He also belonged to the Stanford Grange No. 808 in Stanfordville. 

He will be greatly missed by his loving family and by his extended firematic family. He was truly one of a kind.

In addition to his loving wife, Margaret, he is survived by his two children, Lisarose McGarry and her husband, Terry, of Dixmont, Maine, and Walter J. Plantier and his wife, April, of Wingdale, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Tracy Tompkins and her husband, Mike, Alan McHugh and his wife, Katelin, and Cody Plantier; three great-grandchildren, Michael, Kali and Kane; a special sister-in-law, June C. Williams; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. 

He always held a special place in his heart for his animals, especially his pet white goose, Goose, and his black Lab, Winston.

He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Alan McHugh Sr., in 2009.

Arrangements are under the care of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton. J.H. Ketcham Hose Company conducted services Nov. 29,  during visiting hours. Funeral services were held Nov. 30 at the funeral home. Burial was at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company, P.O. Box 706, Dover Plains, NY 12522 or to the Dover Masonic Lodge No. 666, 100 Hurds Corners Road, Pawling, NY 12564. To send an online condolence, go to www.conklinfuneralhome.com.