Obituary of Garth L. Rumsmoke

Garth L. Rumsmoke Age 86 of Veteran, NY passed away on Sunday October 20th, 2024. Born June 17, 1938 in Elmira, NY, son of the late Lester and Eleanor (Williams) Rumsmoke. In addition to his parents, Garth was predeceased by his brother Dale Rumsmoke, and son Andrew Rumsmoke. He is survived by his daughter Helen Spaulding; son Charles (Janice) Rumsmoke; grandchildren Shellie (Josh) Black, Michael (Sam) Spaulding, Marshall Spaulding, Nicholas (Bri) Rumsmoke, and several step grandchildren; great grandchildren, Paige Spaulding and Wilder Black; along with a host of extended family and dear friends. In 1967, he married Dorothy Goff, with whom he had his three children. Later, he married Kathy in a Native American ceremony on horseback at the top of a hill on their property in upstate New York. After graduating from Thomas A Edison in 1956, he joined the US Air Force, serving for four years until 1960, after which he served in the Naval Reserves. Returning home from the military, Garth went to work for Harding Brothers in Elmira Heights, along with several other trades in years before starting his career with The NYS Department of Corrections. He retired from the Hill as a Sergeant in 1987. Retirement didn't slow him down at all. As Garth traveled the country with his horse, Rowdy, he became known as "The Coast-to-Coast Rambler". In his journeys he began writing feature articles for several national publications, including The Trail Rider Magazine. As he traveled, Garth encountered many colorful characters who enriched the stories he would share with family and friends for the rest of his life. Some of these individuals became lifelong friends. His favorite tales included cleaning the back trails at Yosemite, participating in cattle drives, and taking Rowdy on adventures from ocean shores to mountain tops and the golden plains in between. All in all he was a true Cowboy, and proud of it. As an avid outdoorsman his entire life, Garth enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with his father; a hobby and skillset he would pass onto his own children and grandchildren. Garth had a deep passion for photography, and his impressive work earned him several awards. He became the historian for the TAE Class of '56, where he actively helped organize their monthly luncheons. One of his true passions was researching his family history and genealogy. His enthusiasm for this research inspired him to help others uncover their own family stories. Family and friends are invited to visit the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main Street, in Horseheads, NY on Friday, October 25 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. His funeral service will be held there at 1 pm, proceeded by NYS Corrections Honors. Garth will be laid to rest in a private ceremony, with military honors, in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY.