BALLSTON SPA — H. Frank Rhyner bicycled off into the great unknown on September 2, 2015 at home with his best friend, partner and wife of 40 years Deirdre Leland at his side and with the compassionate care of The Community Hospice of Washington and Saratoga Counties.
Born August 17, 1923 on a farm in Marcellus, NY, he was the son of Herbert and Frances (Gay) Rhyner. Frank lived in Central New York and attended thirteen different schools, five of which were one room schoolhouses, before graduating from Marcellus High School in 1942.
Frank entered the US Army in January 1943 and served until March 1946. He attended a variety of service training programs, which included x-ray technician’s school, aerial gunnery and two years as an aviation cadet. The cadet training included college prep at Penn State, preflight at Santa Ana, CA and primary flying school at Thunderbird Field in Arizona.
At the end of World War II, Frank enrolled at Syracuse University where he earned an MS and certification as a school psychologist. His career as a school psychologist included three years in the schools of eastern Delaware County and 17 years in Liverpool Central Schools where he initiated and developed the school psychology program. He moved to the New York State Education Department in 1974 and retired in 1985. He was honored as the New York State School Psychologist of the Year in 1985.
Frank was an active and enthusiastic bicyclist and participated in both racing and touring. His bicycle interest started as a Western Union bicycle messenger in Cortland, NY in 1939. He and Deirdre cycled throughout the United States, Europe and New Zealand. They took several bicycle tours across New York State, from Niagara Falls to Niverville along the route of the old Erie Canal. They were accompanied by friends and Mr. Rhyner’s daughters.
Frank was a member of the New York State Association of School Psychologists, The Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club and a life member of the League of American Bicyclists. He was an omnivorous reader and served as a mentor to several children in the Ichabod Crane School District. He was a Democratic Committeeman in the Town of Kinderhook for many years. He also volunteered on several committees for the town government.
His wife, Deirdre, and four cherished daughters and their families will carry on his positive spirit and great stories. Joanne and Larry Dayton of Brandt Lake, NY; Kathy Rhyner and Jim Mac Pherson of Santa Ana, CA; Carol and Ira Drescher of Carmel, NY and Francine and Bob Rosenberg of Canandaigua, NY. Surviving also are six grandchildren: Brian Cardinell (Anna), Alison (Robert Tribley), Kathi-Jo and Kolby Rhyner, Sam and Daryn Drescher as well as five great-grandchildren: Hillary, Grant and Brady Cardinell, Gavin and Lauren Tribley.
Mr. Rhyner’s body was donated to The Albany Medical College. A private memorial celebration will be held at the family’s convenience.
The family requests no flowers and contributions may be made to The League of American Bicyclists , The Columbia Land Conservancy or The Community Hospice of Washington and Saratoga Counties.
