Kenneth H. Wilber (1946 - 2018) Philmont - Kenneth H. Wilber, of Ghent, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2018 at the Pine Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation facility, after a lengthy illness which he fought valiantly. Born February 5, 1946 in Hudson he was the son of Charles L. Wilber and Bernice V. (Akin) Wilber. He graduated in 1963 from Chatham High School and in 1965 from Albany Business College. After graduation, Mr. Wilber served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from February 1966 to November 1969, during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged in October 1971. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeannette (Lauster) Wilber, and their children Tracy Muller (Fred) and Kyle Wilber (Katrina), and the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Troy Muller, Regan Muller, Owen Wilber, and Riley Wilber. Mr. Wilber is also survived by his sister Barbara Radley (Jim), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. A true and humble public servant, Mr. Wilber dedicated his life in support of the veterans and community organizations of the town he so truly cherished. He was a life member of both the Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5933 (50 years) and the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company No.1, (54 years), having served in leadership positions in both organizations, including post commander and fire company president. At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilber was the post quartermaster, and chairman of the fire company board of directors and chaplain. He was also a member of Chatham Post 42 American Legion. He was a third-generation member of the Ghent Marching and Concert Band, holding most of that organization's executive offices, most recently serving as the business manager. As a band member, he enjoyed bringing the true spirit of community throughout Columbia County, New York and neighboring states. Mr. Wilber was a member and former chairman of the Columbia County Honor-a-Vet Committee, and an active member of the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association, serving as president in 1986. Mr. Wilber was the past commander of both the Third District of the Department of New York Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Rip Van Winkle Counties Council Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had also served 18 years on Congressman Jerry Solomon's and John Sweeney's Military Academy Selection Committee, including as committee chairman. He was also a congregant and the current treasurer of Christ Our Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Chatham, where he was a former member of the Church Council. Mr. Wilber supported the Boy Scouts of America, serving as chairman of the Columbia County Good Scout Award Dinner fundraiser, and was a member of the Columbia-Greene Community College Board of Trustees since 2013. Ken served as Ghent town councilman from 1980-81 and the the town supervisor from 1982-1993. In 1996 he was elected as the Columbia County Treasurer, serving in that position until his retirement in 2011. Before being elected county treasurer, Mr. Wilber was employed for 30 years at the Columbia Corporation in Chatham NY. He was also a former vice chairman of Columbia County Republican Committee. Friends are invited to call and celebrate his life on Thursday November 1, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home 25 Railroad Ave, Chatham, NY 12037. A Christian Burial will be offered from the Christ Our Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Park Row Chatham at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 2. Interment will be at the Ghent Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be offered to the Christ Our Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 19 Park Row, Chatham NY 12037, the Ghent VFW Toy and Relief Fund Drive 2237 Route 66, Ghent NY 12075, or the Ghent Food Pantry 2306 Ghent Town Hall, Ghent NY 12075. To send an online condolence please visit www.frenchblasl.com.