Obituary of David G. Ridenour

RIDENOUR, David G. “Doc” Age 81 of Woodbrook Assisted Living in Elmira and life long resident of Horseheads died Sat. July 3, 2010 after a long illness. Dave was born Nov. 2, 1928 in Canandaigua, NY, son of the late Gordon and Ruth (Davis) Ridenour. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Mary Jane Arnold Ridenour in 1994. He is survived by his daughters, Nan Short of Stamford, NY, Kristen (Bob) Gibbons of Elmira, NY; grandchildren, Katie (Rob) Alexander of Billerica, MA, Annie Gibbons of Arlington, MA, Sam (Kirsten Ballowe) Doyle of Stamford, NY, Sarah (Jay) Austin of Havelock, NC; great-grandson Elijah Doyle and very special friend, long time companion and ballroom dance partner, Helen Keating of Elmira, NY; sister-in-law, Barbara Nelson of King of Prussia, PA; cousin, Jerri (Bruce) Turnbull of Beaufort, SC; several nieces and nephews, and many friends and email buddies. Dave was a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from Ithaca College and was involved in broadcast radio for many years as an on air personality and program director. He was instrumental in establishing the area’s first full time country music station and was well known for his daily five minute Doctor Evergreen “country oldies” program. Dave was also an advertising sales representative with Chemung County Radio WQIX/WIQT in Horseheads and worked part time for Tate Equipment, locating Twin Tier dealers to carry products distributed by Tate’s. Throughout his radio career, Dave formed many lasting relationships. He was honored by the Grand Ole Opry in 1963 as Mr. DJ USA and was recognized by country music’s greatest stars on the stage of the Opry. Dave was an avid NASCAR fan, and in his earlier days, an occasional track announcer at Chemung Speedrome. Dave loved to sing. His rich baritone voice was heard through the years in the local barbershop chorus, in the Chancel Choir at the First United Methodist Church, and most recently at Woodbrook Tea Time. He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Horseheads and a member of Horseheads Elks #2297 where he served as chaplain for many years. Dave was active with ROMEO (retired old men eating out) who met for breakfast regularly at Curly’s Chicken House. In recent years, Dave performed with the Over The Counter Players, was very involved with the local ballroom dance community, and served as DJ for ballroom dance sessions at The Senior Center. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St. Horseheads on Wed. July 7, 2010 from 4-7:00 pm. His service will take place in the First United Methodist Church 1034 W. Broad St. Horseheads on Thurs. at 10:00 am with Interment to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads. Those wishing may remember Dave with memorials to the First United Methodist Church Living Memorial Endowment fund 1034 W. Broad St. Horseheads, NY 14845, St. Joseph’s Hospital 555 E. Market St. Elmira, NY 14901 or the American Lung Association http://www.lungusa.org. Many thanks to his caregivers at both St. Joseph’s Hospital and Woodbrook Assisted Living Center.