Melvin “Bud” Ketchum

New Lebanon – Melvin “Bud” Ketchum, 86, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Pinehaven Nursing Home in Philmont, NY.  Born in Hancock, MA, on September 24, 1925, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Carrie Jordan Ketchum. Educated locally in the Hancock Schools, he was a lifelong area resident. He began his work career as a logger for Bergnis Lumber in Lenox, MA. He then went to work for the Columbia County Highway Dept. until his retirement.  In retirement he again became a self-employed logger until he became affiliated with  The Kinderhook Creek Farm. Until he was no longer able he enjoyed haying, harvesting the corn crop and tending to the sheep at the farm. As a hobby, he was involved in Horse Team Pulling Competitions, and, in 1964, he won the championship and set a record which has never been matched. Bud was a hard working, wonderful person who could be stubborn at times but will be missed as a father, brother, son, uncle and friend to many.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Caroline Rathburn Ketchum of Philmont, his devoted daughter, Nancy and husband William Petersoli of Otis, MA, his sister, Edna and the late Adelbert Sharp of Hancock, his niece, Lori Fowles of Pittsfield, MA, his special friends, the Eckhardt family of Kinderhook Creek Farms, and many friends and colleagues. Bud is pre-deceased, in addition to his parents, by his son, David Melvin Ketchum, his sister, Elmira “Sis” Johnson, his brothers,  Floyd, Russell and Myron Whitney, and his uncle and aunt, Edward and Gertrude Jordan Whitman.
A graveside service to celebrate Bud’s life was held on Thursday, July 12, at 3 pm at the Hancock Cemetery on Rt. 43 in Hancock. There were no public calling hours. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, NY.