Glens Falls

Tall in stature, quick witted, cowboy at heart, a man that never left his home without his brimmed hat. Life was never dull when he was around.

Joel Palmer passed away Thursday November 1, 2018 at Glens Falls Hospital after a long courageous battle with many health issues. Although his body could no longer sustain him, his spirited nature and passion for life never permitted him to give up.

Born on July 15, 1940 in Massena, Joel was the son of the late Gerry and Genevieve (Dolan) Palmer.

He graduated from Hudson Falls High School and continued his education at Siena College obtaining his bachelor’s degree, ultimately propelling him into a successful career owning and operating Northern Cross Conveyor Company in Fort Ann. One of his greatest achievements was designing and fabricating the conveyor systems for both Finch Pruyn and International Paper.

For Joel, the process superseded the product. He always wanted to know the intricate details of how everything worked. When he decided to learn anything he would research and through many trials and errors achieve the task with mastery.

Words are inadequate to express what a complex, interesting, insightful and intelligent man he was. History fascinated him and he valued the importance of thoroughly understanding the foundations of our country and saw these details as a viewfinder into the future.

Joel had a passion for the English language and believed that knowledge is power. He had such a way of writing and articulating his thoughts, wanting to capture the essence of the moment through sense and sounds. He chose his words carefully and although he was never reluctant to speak his mind, sometimes it was not the spoken word that was most telling but instead the sincerity in his eyes that spoke volumes. He lived life to the fullest and on his own terms.

Music was an intrical part of Joel’s life. He was interested in many genres and played guitar in a band. He was so proud to see the impact music had on his son, Joel, along with his other children and grandchildren. Athletically, Joel played hockey and enjoyed watching sports for the love of the game. He would often ride his motorcycle through the Adirondacks, appreciating the beauty of the mountains. He was a skilled and gifted craftsman indulging in metal work and wood design. He recently designed and built his son, Lucas his first red number 3 race car so that later in life he could race around like his dad. Joel loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of all of their accomplishments.

His faith in God and salvation through Christ was easily the most important thing to him. Even through his weakest moments, he led his young daughter, Sophia to Christ right before he went to meet his Savior. He took every opportunity to inspire others and share his incredible journey. His gentle heart and tenacious nature lives on in his two young children as he fought so hard to stay with them as long as he could.

In addition to his parents, Joel was predeceased by his sister, Janice Labrake.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, a relationship that lasted more than 25 years, Heather Palmer of Glens Falls; his children, Joel Palmer (Kimberly) of Vergennes, VT, Jill Nation (Bruce) of LaQuinta, CA, Sophia Palmer of Glens Falls and Lucas Palmer of Glens Falls; grandchildren, Matteo Palmer, Ezekiel Palmer, Gideon Palmer, Harrison Nation and Henry Nation; brothers, Thomas Palmer (Rogene) and Peter Palmer (Kathy); sister, MaryEllen Butler (Pinckney); brother-in law, Francis Labrake; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many good and cherished friends.

At Joel’s request there will be no calling hours. There will be a celebration of life at the Idle Hour Club in Fort Edward on December 1 at 12:30 P.M. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. To view Joel’s Book of Memories and post online condolences please visit kilmerfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations left in Joel’s memory can be made to the Infusion Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 126 South St. Glens Falls, NY 12801 or the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, 126 South St. Glens Falls, NY 12801.

A special thank you to Dr. Joseph Dagostino, who had a key role in saving Joel’s life so many years ago, allowing him to be a father to his little ones, Dr. Joseph Mihindu, for his constant support and encouragement, as he ultimately needed treatments 7 days a week, Dr. David Foote, for supporting the ever changing needs of his care, Dr. Cindy Cerro-Conlon, for her friendship and to “his girls” at the Glens Falls Infusion Center and entire staff that kept a close eye on him for so many years and have certainly become an important part of our family. It was all of you that propelled him forward with enthusiasm and provided him the encouragement he so needed. Thank you for being his biggest cheerleaders and support during his most difficult moments, especially Becca, Lorrai, Cindy, Abbe, Ruth, Barb, Margaret, Ashley, Judy and Trace.