Obituary of Harold W. Eckwahl

Harold W. Eckwahl, 89, of Summerfield, FL and Bemus Point, NY, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at UPMC Chautauqua WCA. He was born January 10, 1928 in Jamestown, a son of the late Joseph and Grace Day Eckwahl. Harold graduated in 1947 from Bemus Point High School after serving in the US Navy from June 1945 to August 1946. Following graduation, he was employed in many capacities, including co-owner with his father of Vitacap Tire Company. He was also employed at Marlin Rockwell Corporation, served as Chautauqua County Civil Defense Director from 1964 through 1972, and later by Chautauqua Brick Company. Harold was a life member of the Bemus Point Fire Department, and served as Fire Chief and Captain of the Bemus Point Rescue Squad for many years. He was a member of the Bemus Point United Methodist Church, and former member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, and the American Legion. Harold was an avid golfer, fisherman, and woodworker. He also loved working on his model trains and in earlier years built and flew radio controlled airplanes. He was married for 46 years to Barbara Murdock Eckwahl, whom he wed August 16, 1947 and who passed away March 21, 1993. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Sharon Eckwahl, and a brother, Phillip Eckwahl. Harold is survived by one sister, Beverly Crandall of Bemus Point; three sons: Brian (Cheryl) Eckwahl of Jamestown, Barry (Patty) Eckwahl of Maple Springs and Bradley (Debra) Eckwahl of Debary, FL; three daughters: Brenda (Scott) Lewellen of Bemus Point, Beverly (Kurt) Peterson of Bemus Point and Bonnie (Dennis) Keller of California, MO; 15 Grandchildren: Thomas, Andrew and Gregory Eckwahl, Benjamin Eckwahl, Elizabeth Woleen, Carrie Shaub, Beck and Todd Lewellen, Christopher Eckwahl, Kelly Gregg, Eric Peterson, Amanda Aipoalani, Brock Carlson, Timothy and Brian Keller; and 26 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 15, 2017 in the Bemus Point United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. Bill Allen will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Bemus Point Cemetery. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, for two hours prior to the service in the church Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bemus Point Library, 13 Main St., or the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Alburtus Ave., both Bemus Point, NY 14712.