Obituary of Harold W. Wilder

Canton— Mr. Harold W. Wilder, 92, of Partridge Knoll, Canton, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, while being comforted by his loving family. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 27th  from 3-6 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton.  His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 11:00 AM at the Canton United Methodist Church, 41 Court Street, with Rev. Michael H. Terrell officiating. Interment will take place in the spring in the Fairview Cemetery, Canton. Harold was born June 11, 1924, in Windsor, VT and was a son of the late, Orville E. & Dorothy J. (Smith) Wilder. He graduated Canton High School (1942), later attended Louisiana State University and St. Lawrence University, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. In 1943, he enlisted in the US Army, 99th Infantry Division, and served in World War II, from March 29, 1943 to March 16, 1946. On June 13, 1953, he married Barbara J. Greig in Toronto, CA.    Harold retired in 1988 as President of Canton Savings and Loan (North Country Savings Bank), a position he earned in 1967.  During that time, he also served as Board Member of the First National Bank, Director and Chairman of the NY State League of Savings Institutions, the Director and Vice Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of NY, and the President of the St. Lawrence County Bankers Association. He was also thoroughly engaged in his community.  A few of his positions included:  Board Member of Canton United Methodist Church; President of Canton Lion’s Club and District Governor of 20W District Lions International; Commander of John C. Peggs #67 American Legion; Life Member of VFW #1231;  Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and recipient of the Order of the Arrow and Silver Beaver Award in the Boy Scouts of America; Board of Trustees for St. Lawrence Cty Historical Assoc; President of St. Lawrence Golf and Country Club; Founding Member and President of Saints Hockey Boosters; and Member of St. Lawrence University Alumni Council. Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara J. of Canton; his loving children, Sue (Jim) Wilder of Stormville, NY, Diane Guluzian of Chelmsford, MA and Brian Wilder of Ellijay, GA; son-in-law, Dr. Daniel Palmateer of Canton; a sister, Mary (Wesley O.) Bryant of Naples, FL and four grandchildren, Greig & Justin Guluzian of Massachusetts, Julia (Chris) Palmateer Wall of Massachusetts, and Andrew Palmateer of Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy Wilder Palmateer (July 16, 2015) and by his brother, Fred Wilder (June 21, 2015). Harold enjoyed golfing, the family camp on Lake Ozonia, St. Lawrence Hockey and most of all precious time spent with family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Canton United Methodist Church, to St. Lawrence University Alumni Association, or to a charity of one’s choice.