SPENCERTOWN, N.Y. — Theodore L. Howes Jr. December 20, 1929 - March 2, 2014. Ted Howes, son of the late Theodore L. Howes Sr. and May Wolfe Howes of Spencertown, faded quietly into the night on March 2nd, 2014 at the Firemen's Home in Hudson. A well-known and well-loved figure in Spencertown, N.Y., he was born in Hudson and raised at Clatter Hall. He attended Chatham High School, was a Spencertown Volunteer Fireman and served honorably as an Army Engineer during the Korean War where he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was a graduate of the Cobleskill College of Agriculture & Technology with a degree in Horticulture. He married the former Joan E. Medlyn of Spencertown and they raised nine children in Columbia and Rensselaer Counties. A builder, an artist, a farmer, a nurseryman and landscaper, he was also the Proprietor of Clatter Hall Nurseries where his knowledge and love of plants was respected and highly sought after. He loved his orchids and his advice on care and propagation of them was legendary. He was a poultry fancier and a bird-watcher and enjoyed the calm contemplation of the natural world. During his retirement he assumed the duties as Superintendent of the Spencertown Cemetary. His dry wit, wry humor and quiet intellect will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a true Renaissance man. Mr. Howes is survived by  his sister, Marilee H. Lobdell of Spencertown; his seven children, Theodore Lindly Howes III of Santa Cruz, Calif., Richard W. Howes of Spencertown, Suzanne Howes of Mesa, Ariz., Timothy W. Howes of Averill Park, C. Andrew Howes of Sand Lake, Daniel W. Howes of Spencertown  and Julie A. Howes Ulmer of Chatham, their spouses and partners; a niece and nephew. There are also eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who were the apple of their Poppy's eye. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan M. Howes; his children, Peter R. Howes and Christine A. Howes and his companion, Catherine (Kate) Osterhoudt.  The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to the nurses, staff and management of the Fireman's Home in Hudson for their kindness and compassion. Ted found rest and peace there. At Mr. Howes' request, there will be no formal services. Interment in the family plot at the Spencertown Cemetery will be in the Spring. " Rest Easy Friend, Twill Be Later, Bye 'e Bye " Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home.