Amidon, Ellsworth W. “Al”

SLINGERLANDS- Ellsworth “Al” Walker Amidon, 82, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Hanover, NH, son of the late Perley and Katherine (Robie) Amidon, he was a graduate of Montpelier High School and Vermont College.

Al was a retired financial advisor for Amidon & Petersen Financials, LLC. During the last 32 years of his career, he was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an organization composed of top insurance/investment advisors in the United States as well as internationally.

He was a member of Loudonville Community Church, The Gideons International, the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Vermont and a member of Master’s Lodge #5, of Albany, since 1951. Al encouraged his family to be involved in serving others. He was President of the Albany County Chapter of the American Cancer Society in the 1960’s as well as chairman of its fund drive. He was always involved in gathering neighborhood children for special occasions such as Fourth of July parades and neighborhood clean-up campaigns. He was also very involved in the PTA of Southgate School of Loudonville, serving as its President.

Al was a gifted musician and composer and was able to play music from past decades, recalling the history of each selection. He also enjoyed organic gardening.

He was active in insect-eating migratory bird conservation since 1966 and published many articles on environmental concerns. This was his passion-to save the bluebird and swallow population with the hope that with more insect-eating birds, there would be a reduction in the use of pesticides. Al was a charter member of the North American Bluebird Society and on the Board of Directors of the Capital District Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Since 1988, Al’s bird house nests have fledged well over 600 bluebirds and tree swallows in areas such as The Crossings of Colonie, Camp Pinnacle, Rte. 85 trail in Slingerlands and a bluebird trail at Wolfert’s Roost Country Club. He also helped start a bluebird/swallow trail at Beverwyck where he resided.

The family extends their sincere thanks to the nurses and caregivers of St. Peter’s Hospital.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sylvia (Thompson) Amidon, and four dearly loved daughters, Laurie (Eric) Teale of Bedford, NH, Lynn (John Michael) Del Signore of Niskayuna, NY, Kate (Nathan) Monty of Charlton, MA and Nancy (Robert) Piche of Albany, NY; a sister, Marion Garrand of Portland, ME; a step-son, Scott Rhea of Knoxville, TN; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings, Paul, Richard and Marguerite.

In accordance with his wishes, Al’s body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, April 29, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. Albany.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 6 p.m. in the Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Camp Pinnacle, 612 Pinnacle Place, Voorheesville, NY 12186 or Loudonville Christian School, 374 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or to the charity of one’s choice.