G. Douglas Trenchard

G. Douglas Trenchard, 96, of Ithaca, NY passed away February 3, 2023. An area resident for most of his life he was born July 2, 1926 in Penn Yan, NY to Stanley and Alvene (nee Rapalee) Trenchard.

Having had a somewhat tumultuous youth, Doug learned at an early age to be self-reliant. He and his older brother Harlen acquired the skills to build, repair and remake any motorized device be it on one, two or four wheels, two wings, for land or water. This self-taught knowledge propelled both Doug and his brother into their lifetime careers.

In 1944 Doug enlisted to serve in WW II. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and served in the 743rd Heavy Equipment Company US Army stationed around Leyte Bay, Philippines for 2 1/2 years. He returned to Trumansburg following the War and was employed by Cornell University where he worked for 35+ years retiring in1981 from the Agronomy Department.

He and Jean (Sansoucie) were married in 1947 and set up housekeeping in T-burg where they built their first home and started their family. They moved to Ithaca in 1956 where they built their second home and enjoyed many years as active members in the Scouting program, The Varna Community Center as well as the First Congregational Church.

Their summers were spent at their cottage on Cayuga Lake relaxing with family and friends.

They lived in Ithaca until retiring from Cornell, moving back to T-burg to restore a beautiful home built in the 1800's. Doug and Jean were active members of the Trumansburg Historical Society and the Gem Shoppe until health issues restricted their outings.

Doug enjoyed salmon and trout fishing, woodchuck and deer hunting, gardening and piloting their camper. He also was an avid restorer, restoring several vintage Model A Fords and a 1965 antique Run-About Chris Craft.

Doug spent his last few years at Old Hundred House in Ithaca where he found comfort and companionship with his fellow residents and a very loving caring staff.

Doug is survived by his son, Thomas Trenchard, daughter, Deborah (Bruce) Carpenter; grandchildren, Lauren (Nate) Urich, Taylor (Lexi) Trenchard and Teddy Trenchard; two great grandchildren, Tiberius Trenchard (The Fourth TNT) and Nora Urich.; daughter-in-law, Carla Trenchard. And his half-brother; Stanley (Judy) Trenchard Jr. of Penn Yan, NY.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday February 9th, 2023 from 10:00-11:00am, at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00am. Prayers of committal will take place at Grove Cemetery, Trumansburg NY with Military Honors following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Doug’s memory can be made to; Parkinson's Foundation P.O. Box 61420 Staten Island, NY 10306 or SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of G. Douglas Trenchard, please visit our floral store.