Robert Kay Batsford

Robert Kay “Bob” Batsford of Trumansburg passed away at home surrounded by his devoted family on Monday, February 2, 2015 at the age of 92.

Bob was born in Harford, NY on April 10, 1922, a son of the late Levi and Hazel (Downing) Batsford. In 1942, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps and honorably served his country during World War II in Panama until he was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his arrival home, he married the love of his life, Myrtle A. Keough Batsford.

Bob was extremely active in 4-H and served as District Leader for several years. His activeness in 4-H allowed him to spend time with his children and grandchildren, sharing his love of horses and square dancing. He and his wife were both members of the Square-A-Naders Western Square Dance Club, and Bob called square dances for 21 years. Always enjoying the scenic route, Bob loved traveling across North America in his motor home, as well as camping in any woods with friends and family. Bob also enjoyed bringing out his fully dressed purple Harley and taking it out for a ride with his wife.

Bob built his life on and around his beautiful property, Pair-O-Dice Ranch. His custom crafted log home provided the perfect place to gather with family and share stories, tell jokes, rock babies to sleep, play his harmonica or his Jew’s Harp, and sing his snappy tunes. He was a lover of the land and would drive his “Gator” on the trails with anyone happy to go along, mow for hours on his beloved tractor, cut brush with his wife, and just simply admire the beauty of nature. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. The hearts of his family and friends will remained filled with the love he gave them over his 92 years of life.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Myrtle Batsford; three children, James A. (Maribeth) Batsford, Barbara K. (Lee) Griffin, and Diana L. Poyer; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, step father, brother, and sister, Bob was preceded in death by his son in laws, Dana F. Poyer, Jr. and Fred E. Pfaff, Jr.

A Memorial Gathering will be announced in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to kindly consider a donation in Bob’s memory to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the NYS 4-H Foundation, 248 Grant Ave., Suite II-A, Auburn, NY 13021.