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In Appreciation: John Pruitt Jr.

In Appreciation: John Pruitt Jr.

AMENIA — John H. Pruitt Jr. of Amenia passed away at Mid-Hudson Regional  Hospital in Poughkeepsie on Feb. 10, 2020, at the age of 60. 

He was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and later moved to Florida, where he ran a successful  graphic arts business, but after  taking over an equine “rescue” site and  discovered his true calling: caring for horses.

A decade ago, he moved to Amenia, to work for me and manage The Oaks Farm. 

John was much more than just a farm manager.  He was veterinarian, stable manager and friend. 

When it appeared that a horse was going to lose an eye, John bathed and medicated it every day until it recovered — “better than any professional could have,” according to the farm’s veterinarian. 

John also ran a successful  roadside farm stand that he called “La Ferme,” on Route 44, and he sold plants off the back of his pickup at the Amenia Friday night farmers’ market.

Every farm has a farm dog; this farm is no exception: Sadie a Blue Heeler. When she first came, John called her a worthless mutt but he let her sleep in his apartment with him, and when the weather turned cold, he bought her a Barbour jacket from his modest resources. She misses him more than does anybody else.

Don Rosendale 

The Oaks Farm

Amenia

Lakeville Journal

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