Obituary of L. Galen Stout

Lyle Galen Stout passed away at age 88 on Jan. 17, 2023 in Canandaigua, N.Y. surrounded by family members. Known as Galen, he was born in his family's home in Hallsport near Wellsville, N.Y. on July 30, 1934 to Edith Francisco Stout and Lyle Galen Stout. He was the youngest of 8 children. He started his education in a two-room schoolhouse, a short walk from the family's large farm, and graduated from Wellsville High School and Alfred State College. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader, enjoying Talking Books in the last years of his life. He married his college sweetheart Betsey Ann Burdett on Oct. 7, 1956. Soon after, Galen and his brother Gary took over their parents' farm in Hallsport and later formed Stout Bros. Sales and Service, a farm machinery dealership. He also started Fulmer Valley Forest Products. From 1982 until his retirement in 2000, he was employed as a Marketing Administrator at Dresser Rand in Wellsville, N.Y. He taught an evening course in small engine repair at Allegany County BOCES. Galen was a professional musician, his music contributing to supporting his family. As a small child, like his older siblings, he took piano lessons. A cellist and a bass player in high school, he started "playing out" in dance bands at age 16, going on to front multiple bands. He played at clubs, churches, community events, weddings, in jazz festivals and in later years, shared his music in neighborhood picnics. Galen and his wife spent about 20 winters as "snowbirds" in Zephyrhills, FL, the same town where his parents had retired and established a citrus grove. He played bass in bands in Florida, explored Florida and other parts of the country and easily made new friends away from home. In 2007, Galen and his wife moved to Canandaigua, N.Y. to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. In Canandaigua, Galen volunteered as a tram driver and mowed lawns at Sonnenberg Gardens and volunteered at ReStore of Ontario Habitat for Humanity. He transferred to First Congregational Church of Canandaigua from First Congregational Church of Wellsville. Galen had a wide range of interests and skills, was highly gregarious, and even when traveling, would often run into someone he knew. With a story for every occasion, he was known for his effervescent sense of humor, common sense, open-mindedness, warmth and helpfulness. He is survived by his wife Betsey Burdett Stout of Canandaigua, daughters Linda Stout of Ithaca, Lisa Stout Carro (spouse David) of Canandaigua, and son Timothy Stout (spouse Sarah Boyce) of Penfield, N.Y. and grandchildren Eric (spouse Haili) VanDerEems of Salt Lake City, Utah, Emily VanDerEems of Canandaigua, Eva Wheeler Stout (partner Ian McLennan) of Kitchener, ON, and Megan and Audrey Stout of Penfield, and he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family members and dear friends. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at First Congregational Church of Canandaigua with a reception (in lieu of calling hours) at the church to follow the service. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, 58 N. Main St., Canandaigua NY 14424 or to a charity of your choice.