Donald Carl Bouck 1938 - 2018 Ilion, NY Donald Bouck 80, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 3, 2018, after a long courageous battle with heart disease, surrounded by the love of his family. Don was born at home in North Ilion April 21,1938 to Lewis and Harriette (Snyder) Bouck. He was a 1956 graduate of Ilion High School. On May 27th, 1961 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Geer at the Ilion United Methodist Church. They spent the next 57 years together living in Ilion at the home he grew up in. Don was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War having served from 1961 to 1967. He was stationed in Hawaii, Headquarters Company 35th Infantry. During his service he spent time in Thailand, Karot (Camp Friendship), Cambodia and Laos. When Don was 13 he built his first Model A. At the age of 16 he began working on cars for a local dealership (Smith’s Ford). This began Don’s life long love and hobby, cars. Don began his career with Ray Johnson Plumbing and Heating. He enjoyed his employment with Ray and his family for 20 years. He then was given the opportunity to work for the Ilion Central School District. Don was employed as the Superintendent of Maintenance and Grounds for the three facilities, retiring in 2001. During his employment with the school system, Don oversaw the construction of the Diss Memorial Athletic Project as the Project Coordinator. In his younger years he enjoyed boating and waterskiing at the family camp at Kayuta Lake. Don was one of the founders of the Ilion Snowdrifters. Later, he thoroughly enjoyed perfecting his 1930 Model A Ford Coupe with a rumble seat and his 1930 Model A retractable top truck he built from a rolling chassis with his grandson at his side every step of the way. He enjoyed traveling to Maine and taking his family and friends to the Bouckville Antique Show. He enjoyed attending car shows and was a member of the Mohegan Model A Club. Most of Don’s enjoyment came from spending time with his grandchildren. “Papa” and his grandson Collin were gifted with the same talents and interests. This included but was not limited to tree house construction, creating a spring fed pond, and making bridges and roads throughout his property . There was not a thing he could not repair, invent or build. Don was extremely resourceful and creative. He was always happy to help everyone and came to the rescue of many. Whether it involved the building of homes or businesses, to electrical, plumbing, heating or cars. Don enjoyed and loved his lifelong friends. He was commonly referred to as “Hap”, because he always had a smile on his face. The neighborhood children to this day referred to him as “Uncle Donnie”, which he so loved to be called. Of all his nicknames though, “Papa” was his favorite. Surviving are his wife Elizabeth (Betty), a daughter Jana (Bryan) Green, a very special son Ronald Russell. Grandchildren Collin Bouck Green and Hannah Paige Green. Both were his world. He is also survived by a sister in-law, Irene Bouck, and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Lewis and Harriette (Snyder) Bouck, his mother and father in-law Harold and Margaret (Bucek) Geer, a sister in-law Margaret (Geer) Russell, brothers Lewis (Loretta), Paul (Vivian), Myron (Mary), Frank (Gen), and David. Don was the youngest of the 6 Bouck boys. In keeping with Don’s wishes there will a Memorial Service held at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 11, 2018 at the Ilion Baptist Church with Pastor John Partise officiating. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion. Betty, Jana and the family would like to offer special thanks to Central New York Cardiology for the exceptional care Don received and for giving us many special years. They followed him from the beginning through to the end with impeccable expertise and amazing kindness. Thanks also goes out to the Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center Emergency Department - the staff are like none other and always went above and beyond. Don faced many significant challenges throughout his life with heart disease. He confronted each and everyone with humor, tenacity, and most of all insurmountable courage. For those wishing to make a donation in Don’s memory, please consider the Ilion Baptist Church, 8 Second Street, Ilion, NY 13357.