SCHOHARIE — Augustus “Gus” W. Dymes, a dedicated gardener who worked hard, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, at Albany Medical Center. He was 80.

Born on June 15, 1936 in Ossining, he was the son of Augustus and Lillian (née Beasley) Dymes.

He received his associate’s degree in agriculture and business from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. He was employed for 35 years with Agway Inc. and then continued to work at his son’s store, Altamont Country Values, until his death.

“An avid gardener with a strong work ethic, he ran two greenhouses at his farm,” his family wrote in a tribute. “From his greenhouses, he whole saled many of his plants, but he got most satisfaction out of donating to numerous charities and fundraisers such as the Cranesville Reformed Church the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School Booster Club, and the Boy Scout fundraiser held during Richmondville Days.”

He is survived by his five children: Mike Dymes and his wife, Cindy, of Altamont; Kim Heatherly and her husband, George, of Gig Harbor, Washington; Pat Gagnon of Westfield, Massachusetts; Tracee Douglas and her husband, Floyd, of Broadalbin; and Daniel Dymes and his wife, Sharine, of Cobleskill.

He is also survived by his sister, Pat Lynch, of Tampa, Florida; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

His wife, Virginia, died in 2002. Two grandchildren, Alexis Dymes and Matthew Gagnon, also died before him.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill, NY 12043.  There will be no formal funeral service. Mourners may leave condolences online at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley Inc., Post Office Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.