Obituary of Donald Leslie Baylis

Donald Leslie Baylis, 90, of Andes, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Robinson Terrace in Stamford, New York with family at his side. He was born on June 8, 1925 in Huntington, Long Island, NY, the son of Elizabeth and Leslie Baylis. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Donald proudly served in World War II from 1943-1946. He was an Engineer on the S.S. Carroll, DE 171 and then Chief Engineer on the LSM 424. he received the American Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal. After the war Donald became a plumber and was a 65-year member of the Plumbers Local Union 200. Donald liked to live his life with simplicity and was gracious to all those he knew. In his earlier years, he enjoyed spending time fishing, boating, camping and skiing. He retired early and built his own home on top of a mountain with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains where he enjoyed tending to his gardens and being surrounded by nature. He was a member of the Andes Historical Society. Most important to Donald was his family who will remember him as an unconditionally loving father, devoted husband, proud grandfather and great grandfather. His family has many wonderful memories of him which will be cherished forever. Donald is survived by: daughter Carol Swett, her husband Gary, Andes, NY: daughter Jane Sotera, her husband Frank, Andes, NY: Grandson Jason Swett, his wife Jessica, Saratoga Springs, NY: Grandson Jeffery Swett, his wife Aimee, Delhi, NY: great grandchildren Olivia Balcom, Brendan Swett and Lucas Swett: and his dog Molly. Donald was predeceased by his wife Sonja, they married in 1949. Sonja passed away in 2004. He was also predeceased by his only sibling, his brother, Graham Whitney Baylis who was lost at sea during World War II while serving as a Merchant Marine on the U.S.A.T Dorchester off the cost of Greenland. A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Andes with Pastor Gerald Norris officiating. Burial will follow immediately at the Andes Cemetery, immediately following that will be a reception at the Andes Hotel. Donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Association, The Meadows, Suite 2, 140 County Hwy. 33 West, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Attn. Ann Thayer. The family would like to sincerely thank all those who provided loving care for Donald at Robinson Terrace. Those who wish to share condolences or a special memory may do so online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Delhi, NY.