Robert Duckett Obituary, Death – Robert Duckett died. surrounded by family At the age of 61, Robert Duckett passed away on May 26, 2019. The youngest of six children, Bob had strong ties to the Finger Lakes while growing up on his family’s farm near Fleming. In his formative years, he contributed to the labor forces of Singer, McQuay, and Stott & Davis in addition to helping to manage the farm. He described his six years spent training young racehorses at Lago Vista Farms as some of his most enthralling experiences since he discovered so much about himself and other people. Through farming, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, and hiking, he always had a consistent connection to the Living System. The Living Systems were a part of Bob’s life, and he was passionate about spreading that knowledge to others.
His lengthy marriage to Tracy Yardley was notable for its lovely harmony and mutual devotion—a genuine example of what marriage is all about. Throughout their 26-year tenure as owners of Duckett’s Timber and Tree Care, Bob and Tracy had a subtle but enduring impact on their customers, guiding them in understanding the intricate magnificence of the forest even as they attended to their tree service requirements. Bob’s joyful enjoyment of the living landscape drew crowds naturally. In addition to being capable and powerful, he was also remarkably caring and compassionate toward others. Bob often used songs he wrote and played on his guitar to express his philosophy and longing for a better society because he had a phenomenal memory for words. His photography was also inspired by his admiration and a keen eye for the beauty of nature.
Bob and Tracy intensified their ardent preservation of the integrity of our landscapes after his diagnosis in late 2016. They have made a significant contribution to the process of creating biological controls to try and rescue hemlocks through their volunteer work with the Cornell-based New York State Hemlock Initiative. Tracy asks that donations be sent to either Sustainable Tompkins or the NYS Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI) in place of flowers. Please submit a cheque for the NYS Hemlock Initiative (Bob Duckett Memorial, Cornell University, 111 Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853) made payable to Cornell University.
You may view a video of Bob discussing the Living System in a hemlock grove as well as more information at https://blogs.cornell.edu/nyshemlockinitiative/. Please make cheques payable to Sustainable Tompkins and mail to 309 North Aurora Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 for Sustainable Tompkins. Bob is survived by his wife Tracy, his daughter Keri Duckett, his siblings Gary (Anita) Duckett, Elaine (Jamie) Moore, Nancy (Jim) Corl, Edward (Kathy) Duckett, Shirley (Sam) Vella, and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
There will be visiting hours on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Brew Funeral Home in Auburn, New York. Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Fleming Rural Cemetery on Route 34B. At 1 p.m., there will be a Celebration of Life at Bob and Tracy’s house at 2283 Fleming-Scipio Townline Road in Auburn, New York. Bob cherished potlucks.
