Memorial Gifts to the NYS FFA Association & Foundation
Over the years, many life long supporters of the NYS FFA, have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the FFA in memoriam. This can be a very challenging time, and we want you to know that we can assist in setting up these opportunities. Memorial gifts that have no earmark, are typically deposited to our Endowment Fund. Other gifts are earmarked for special projects at either the local or state level. If you would like to learn more about setting up a memorial fund, please contact Todd Lighthall at tlighthall@oswegatchie.org or 315-346-1222. In addition to setting up special memorial pages, we will post active memorial links on this page.
Current Memorials
Charles "Chuck" Couture
Charles W. Couture of West Valley, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in his residence at the age of 81. He was a retired teacher from Springville-Griffith Institute, and also the owner of Fox Valley Greenhouse in West Valley. Chuck was very involved with the community over the years; was an FFA Advisor & many Empire and American degree farmers, Chairman of the Cattaraugus County Planning Board, member of the Farmland Protection Board and the Southern Tier West board, President of the West Valley Chamber of Commerce, member/trustee & finance Chair for St. Paul's United Methodist Church in West Valley, former Cattaraugus County Legislative, former President/board member of the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau, President of the State Ag. Teachers Association, Councilman for the Town of Ashford, and Cattaraugus County 4H & cooperative extension. He also got his B.S. in Soil Science from Michigan University and did graduate work at Cornell University. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, working around his greenhouse, collecting model trains and other collectables, attending farm markets, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Merle) Couture, whom he married June 19, 1965 at the Attica Zion EUB. He is also survived by his children: Curt (Renee) Couture of Oneida, NY, Brian (Grace) Couture of Colchester, CT, and Stacy (Steven) Taylor of Panama, NY; siblings: Carolyn Farrell of Brockport, NY, Catherine "Kitty" Biven of Rochester, and James (Ann) Couture of Durham, NC; as well as eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents. Friends may call on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 2-6PM at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11AM at the St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 9371 NY-240, West Valley, NY with Pastor Cynthia Hull officiating. Final interment will take place in Mt. Hope Cemetery in West Valley. Memorial donations may be made to the New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation in Chuck's honor. Donations can be sent to: New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation 9340 Long Pond Rd. Croghan NY, 13327 or can be given online at the link above. |