MEDUSA — A farmer, horse rider, and highway worker, Galen Chase had plenty of love and humor for friends and family.

Galen B. Chase Sr. of Medusa died, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, with his loving family at his side. He was 61.

Mr. Chase was born in Catskill on Feb. 16, 1952 to the late Clifford L. Chase and the late Bernice Hoyt Chase. He was employed by the Albany County Highway Department in Rensselaerville, until his retirement.

He also ran a small farm and shared his passion for horses and riding with his grandchildren and “riding friends,” his family wrote in a tribute

He loved his animals and called his dogs — Killian, Ginger, and Racer — his “grandpuppies.” His dog Jenny was his “best friend,” his family wrote.

Mr. Chase’s family also wrote, “His biggest love was all of his family and friends, whom he always shared his wonderful sense of humor with, right up till his final days.”

Galen Chase is survived by his wife, Rachel White Chase; his children, Galen Bruce Chase Jr. and his wife, Beth, Pennie Hillicoss and her husband, Bill, Hope Bensen and her husband, Chris, Jackie Canastra and her husband, Tim; his nine grandchildren, Tyler, Madilynne, Connor, Chad, Makayla, Jack, Kristin, Kassidy, and Dylan; his siblings, Clifford Chase III and his wife, Janice, Wanda Clickman, Richard Chase and his wife, Carol, Mark Chase and his wife, Carol Ann, Linda Chase, and Melony Shaver and her husband, Doyle; his sister-in-law, Joyce Chase; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, Clifford L. Chase and Bernice Hoyt Chase, died before him, as did his brothers, Tommie Chase and Gary Jon Chase.

Arrangements were made by the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 State Route 81 Greenville, NY 12083 with a funeral service on Tuesday, Jan. 28. and burial in Medusa Cemetery.

Mourners may go online to ajcunninghamfh.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144, or American Cancer Society Relay for Life, “Galens Angels” Team, 29 Stonitch Road East Durham, NY 12423.