The Lord has called his beloved Chester home on February 6, 2017, after battling a lengthy illness.
He was born and raised in Saranac Lake to Margaret Denison Ratelle Wells and Chester Arthur Ratelle.
Chester served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon his return he worked in the construction field, primarily in copper roofing. He has worked with many including Grinder's construction, Jack McDougal, Deluxe Roofing with the Brindisi brothers, and Frank Coullier's Sheet Metal Roofing, over the years and subcontracting jobs all over New York State. He worked alongside his best friends and brothers Ted and Louie. He loved to teach others in this field as long as they took interest to learn.
Chester was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish in the Adirondacks, especially Ampersand Mountain. Chester was a member of the Royal Order of the Moose, The Vets club, and the Sons of the American Legion.
Chester was predeceased by his family, being the end of an era for Sa ranac Lake,to include his parents, Margaret and Chester, his siblings: Joseph (Louise), Clarence (Viola), Edward, Frances, Theodore (Rita), Louis (Karen), Susan, Dorothy Martell (Kenneth) and Grace St.John (Hubert) And one son, Butch Cook of the Akwesasne area.
Chester is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. At his request, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of his life with family and friends will take place at a future date and will be announced when determined.
Any donations can be made in Chester’s name to the Tri-Lakes Humane society. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.