William Douglas Brust

William Douglas Brust, 93, of Buel, NY, passed away peacefully at Palatine Nursing Home on Monday, August 5, 2024.

William was born on October 12, 1930, in Schenectady, NY, to the late Clarence and Ethel (Van Dyke) Brust. He spent his childhood in Buel and graduated with the class of 1950 from Canajoharie High School. William was a jack of all trades and spent his entire life dedicated to doing the things he loved. He was a barber in the Canajoharie / Nelliston area, he worked in construction at the Eisenhower Locks on the St Lawrence River, and he was employed through Beechnut Manufacturing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping so much that he opened his own Archery shop in Buel between the 70’s and 80’s, and even invented a deer lure.

Some of William’s greatest passions were art and music and this was shown throughout his career. He attended a Veronica Cass. Photo Retouching Class in 1991 and began taking wildlife and aerial photography. He was also a professional musician and played the drums in different bands throughout the Mohawk Valley from when he was 13 up until he was 86 years old. William was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners in Fort Plain for over 50 years.

William was married to the love of his life Katharine Dyer Brust on July 21, 1990. Together they shared over 30 years full of love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime. 

He was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Ethel Brust, and his brother Harry Brust.

William is survived by his loving wife Kate; stepdaughters Sarah Cabochon and Diana Kelley; two grandchildren; nephews Alan and Bruce Brust; as well as several cousins.

Friends and family are invited to William’s memorial service on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm at the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House, Upper Mohawk St, Fort Plain, NY 13339. A private graveside service at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland, NY will be held at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Rd, Sprakers, NY 12166.