Obituary of Ronald L. Van Benschoten

CHATHAM- Ronald L. (Skoten) Van Benschoten, Sr. Ronald “Skoten” Van Benschoten, 63, of Chatham (formerly of Columbiaville) passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 at home. Ronald was born August 11, 1950 to the late Carroll and Pearl (Brackett) Van Benschoten. He is survived by his wife Betty (Rivenburg) Van Benschoten of Chatham; his sons Ron Jr. (Teena) of Niverville and Paul of Stuyvesant Falls; his stepsons David Rivenburg of Austin, TX and Steven Rivenburg of Valatie; his grandchildren Keian Rivenburg of Valatie, Alex Van Benschoten of Niverville, and Cameron and Torri Cutler of Stuyvesant Falls; his sister Carol (Bob) Briggs of Columbiaville; his nephews Bobby (Joanne), Alan and Glenn Briggs, all of Columbiaville; his nieces Emily Briggs (Dan) of Stockport, Trisha Briggs and her Mom Beth of Valatie, and Sally and Shelly Van Benschoten of Catskill; and his sisters-in-law Violet Reyes, Marian McGee, and Beverly Rivenburg, all of Hudson and Paula Van Benschoten of Catskill. He is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins and by many, many good friends. He was pre-deceased by his brother Floyd Van Benschoten and his grandson Nick Van Benschoten. Ronnie was a meat cutter for Pricechopper in Hudson for many years, and then a caulker out of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local 6 of Albany. He was a member of the Glencadia Rod and Gun Club and the Stottville Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed boating on the Hudson River, hunting and fishing, and for 27 years he and Betty lived in a home on the water in Columbiaville, where he could enjoy his favorite past-times, until his illness forced them to move. A special thanks goes to his Eddy Visiting Nurse, Sue Silvernale, who was not only Ron’s nurse, she became a friend. At his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Simple Choices, Inc. of Albany, NY.