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Roger David Brainard son of the Late David E. Brainard and Janette Donaldson Brainard Timm. Roger, beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 23, 2026. Born on December 6, 1948, Roger built a life around the things that mattered most to him: his family, honest work, service to others, and the Ellington community he loved so dearly.
Service to his community was an important part of Roger's life. He served as Town Supervisor for Conewango in the early 1970s, was a past president of the Ellington Fire Department, and served as an Ellington Town Councilman. Roger loved being Santa Clause's helper for over 25 years and loved how excited kids were about the magic of Christmas. He also spearheaded the effort to save Ellington School, a lasting example of how deeply he cared for his neighbors and his hometown.
Roger was never afraid of hard work. His working life showed his resourcefulness, independence, and lifelong connection to the land. Roger worked at, Amsco, Roger Brainard Custom Baling, Kafferlin's International, as a salesman, Farming partnership with Matson and Brainard Farms, Co-Owner-operator of Rhodes, Frank & Brainard Logging, and Ellington Hardwoods where he worked as an environmental adjustment engineer specializing in silviculture.
The family farm on Brainard Road was Roger's greatest passion. With more than 200 years of history, it held a proud and enduring place in both his heart and the community. One of his proudest accomplishments was buying back much of the farm so it could remain in the family and be passed on to the next generation. Roger also loved telling a good story, usually with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Above all else, Roger loved his family. His greatest love in life was his wife, Mary Morrison Brainard, whom he married on October 6, 1967. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cherie (Keith) Rowland, and his son, David (Holly) Brainard.
He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Meaghan (Andrew) Dykstra, Andrew Irwin, Anyssa (Chris Bollman) Brainard, Mekenzie Rowland, Channing Brainard, and Myla Brainard; and his great-granddaughters, Braelynn Dykstra and Ary Irwin.
Roger gave his family a legacy of love, perseverance, laughter, and deep roots. His devotion to his family, his farm, and his community will be carried forward and treasured for generations.
A Celebration of Life for Roger will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grandview in Ellington, (1116 West Hill Rd., Ellington, NY). Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to send a message of condolence.