Eagle Bridge-Donald J. Clairmont died at home in Eagle Bridge in the arms of his loved ones on July 3, 2019 after a long illness. For the past six months, he fought hard but it just was more than he could do. Don was the son of the late Leonard and Helen Halpin Clairmont. He grew up in Green Island. Upon graduation from Heatley High School in 1963, he joined the United States Marine Corps. During his four years as an active Marine, he obtained the rank of Corporal. After returning from Vietnam, he worked briefly at the Ford Plant in Green Island. He retired in 2001 following 34 years at Columbia Box/Bennington Paperboard in North Hoosick. After retirement, he drove part-time for Carmody Ford in Greenwich.
Don was an avid golfer, a stamp collector, a model railroader, a hiker, and a camper. He loved to read and play cards. He faithfully watched the New York Yankees play and attended many of their games. He was a member of the Bennington Stamp Club as well as train clubs in Glens Falls, Bennington, and the Berkshires. He was an Adirondack 46er, he hiked much of the Appalachian trail, and went on many 50-mile hikes with his scout troops. He was the Scoutmaster of Troop 61 in Salem for many years and Scoutmaster of Troop 65 in Hoosick Falls for six years. He attended several District Camporees, National Jamborees, High Adventure Camps, and trips to Philmont Reservation. He touched the lives of many boys during his time as Scoutmaster and Rifle Range Director at Camp Wakpominee, helping many of them achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of many years, Sharon Bugbee Clairmont, who was by his side and has been a strong advocate throughout his illness. He is also survived by his three daughters, Erika (Rich) Eckrote of Poultney VT, Marjorie (Scott) Main of Pittsfield MA, and Rebecca Clairmont of Bennington VT, as well as two stepsons, Brian (Leah) McGowan of Buskirk and David McGowan of Eagle Bridge. He was pre-deceased by two sons, David Clairmont in 2000 and LeRoy Clairmont in 2018. He was very close to his six grandchildren, Alexandra Chamberlain, Aaron Cutler, Patterson Eckrote, Nevaeh McGowan, Trever McGowan and Isaac McGowan. He was son-in-law to Janet Bugbee of Hoosick Falls NY and Roland (Vickie) Bugbee of Bennington VT. In addition, he had three other grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Cindy (Mike) Mattison, six brother-in-laws Larry (Kathy) Bugbee, Ken (Rita) Bugbee, Ron (Kim) Bugbee, John Bugbee, George Bugbee, and Donald (Trista) Bugbee.
Calling Hours will be at the Ackley, Ross, and Gariepy Funeral Home in Cambridge on Monday, July 8th, from 4:00-7:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Don’s Life at 7:00 pm. A Graveside Ceremony with Military Honors will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 9th, at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow at the American Legion Post 278 in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals (through Airoc Court #41).
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donald J. Clairmont, please visit our floral store.