George Herman Becktoft

SARATOGA SPRINGS — George Herman Becktoft formerly of Benedict St. in Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Orchard Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Granville, NY. He was 87 years old. Born in Mt. Vernon, NY on Sept 19, 1929, he was the son of the late George Becktoft and Philipina Crolly Becktoft He and his family moved to a farm in Ballston Spa when he was 15. He graduated from Ballston Spa High school class of 1949. He was voted best looking in his class. Upon graduating from high school, George enlisted in the United States Army where he was a paratrooper with 508th Airborne. He married his wife Claire in 1952. She passed on June 14, 1986. Mr. Becktoft was a retired Captain of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department with 29 years of service and he was awarded the Medal of Merit for his service. He was also the owner and operator of George’s Bow and Gun Shop of Saratoga Springs for 40 plus years. Mr. Becktoft was member of the Home of the Rising Sun Lodge #103 where he served as the Master Masons Shriners, Blue Lodge, Commandery, Cryptic Council and was a 32 degree Knight Templar with the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of several clubs and organizations including the NRA, American Legion Post 70 in Saratoga Springs, the Italian American Club and the Eagles Club of Saratoga Springs. George was also an avid hunter, fisherman and archer. In his leisure, he enjoyed being a gunsmith, gardening, photography, and singing and dancing. He is predeceased by his parents George and Philipina Becktoft and his wife Claire. Survivors include a son, Jeff Becktoft and his wife Colleen of Gansevoort, two daughters, Lisa Garrison and her husband David of Greenfield, and Dena Elizabeth Becktoft of Saratoga Springs, two grandchildren, Tracy O’Conner and Christopher Becktoft, three-great-grand-children Leigha, Jordan and Skylar, a brother, Phil Becktoft and his wife Debbie of Stillwater, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours were held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 2 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Corinth Cemetery in Corinth, NY . Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Alzihmers Disease Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, #405, Albany, NY 12205. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com