William 'Bill' A. Shyne

Saratoga Springs - William ‘Bill’ Allen Shyne, age 85, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on Monday, February 22 after a long illness.

Bill was born in 1930 in Troy, NY, the son of William K and Genevieve (Goodenough) Shyne. He attended Troy public schools transferring to Brown in Saratoga for his senior year. In 1952, he graduated from Russell Sage College Evening Division as a Kellas Scholar in the top 5% of his class. Bill served in the Army Medical Service Corps until 1955, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. On July 10, 1954, he married Esther (Petey) Pedersen at the St. Cornelius Chapel on Governor’s Island. Together, they raised a large family which included a set of triplets. Petey preceded him in death in 1987.

Bill lived in the Troy area most of his life and was a longtime member of First Reformed Church of Wynantskill. After retiring, he moved to the Saratoga area and attended Ballston Spa United Methodist Church. 

Bill had a long career in retail management with companies such as Union Fern, Furnapco, Swires and Mayfair. His various positions included buyer, store manager, chain store supervisor, warehouse and distribution manager, office and accounts receivable manager. After retiring from retail in 1991, Bill further developed his interest in tax law and was a preparer with H&R Block for several years.

Bill will be especially remembered for the variety of his interests and accomplishments. As a young man, Bill enjoyed horses. With his Morgan cross horse, Victory, he competed in many equitation and jumping classes. He continued to ride casually throughout his adult life. Bill was also active for many years as a breeder and exhibitor of Irish Setters under the Conifer Knolls kennel name. He was a member of the Irish Setter Club of America. A woodworking craftsman, Bill spent hours in his shop creating fine furniture and other useful household pieces.

His interest in photography was well known. Bill volunteered as the primary photographer at the Saratoga National Historical Park for more than eight years, filming many sites and events. One of Bill’s better known photographs was selected, in 2002, to represent Saratoga National Historical Park in the Passport® To Your National Parks book. In 2004, he collaborated with Pat Hackett, a local artist, to create the historic Carriage Houses of Saratoga poster. Bill also won several local photography contests hosted by area camera clubs.

He enjoyed site seeing in the Northeast and maintained a website of the many historic, interesting places that he had visited over the years. An avid genealogist, Bill also enjoyed researching his family ancestry. He often shared findings with distant relatives around the globe.

Survivors include sons William D. (Sharon) of Clifton Park, Allen (Elizabeth) of Dallas, Scott (Heather) of Eaton, Daniel (Gretchen) of Selkirk and daughter Leeann of Lunenburg as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Genevieve and his Aunts Ann, Lydia and Elizabeth. 

Bill adored his dog and best buddy, Chipper, who is missing him greatly.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to all of Bill’s caregivers at The Wesley Community for their help and support and their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Patricia Hackett, Bill’s companion for many years. Pat was always there when Bill needed her.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Saturday, February 27, 2016  from 10-11AM with a service at 11AM with  Rev. Dawn Alpaugh, Pastor of First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, officiating. 

Interment with military honors will be held at Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of William A. Shyne to the American Cancer Society One Penny Lane Latham, NY 12110. 

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