CLAYTON, NY — Kenneth A. Hooson, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, April 12, 2019, at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown.
Ken was born March 14, 1927, in Clark Mills, NY. He was a proud World War II veteran having served in the pacific theater for the United States Navy aboard LST 49. After completing his service, he returned to Clark Mills to operate a family run service center.
In the early 1950s he purchased a small piece of land in Spicer Bay located outside of Clayton, NY, to store his boat after being unsatisfied with other storage options he found in the area. He would further develop and expand this into Spicer Marine Basin. Ken also opened other businesses such as a sweet shop on Riverside Drive and Captain Spicer’s Gallery in 1983.
Beyond his many business ventures Ken was an avid outdoorsman and enthusiast. He had a passion for exploring the wilderness of the Adirondacks. He was also an avid shipwreck diver, boater, and pilot, receiving his pilot’s license and operating his own aircraft.
Ken even had a short stint in stockcar racing and received a trophy for most rollovers of the season having wrecked and rolled 6 times.
He is survived by a son Greg Hooson, Greg’s fiancé Susan Kelley and grandson Mike Hooson.
Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, at Christ Episcopal Church with Rev. Lisa Busby, pastor, presiding. Burial in Kirkland Cemetery will be at the family’s convenience.
Online condolences to Ken’s family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com
