R. Dennis Faulknham

   R. Dennis Faulknham, 76, of Cape Vincent, New York, passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on New Year’s Day, 2025, after living with cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Dennis was a family man; his life revolved around his family and his community.

   Born on May 21, 1948, in Watertown, NY, to Richard D. and Mary (Fleming) Faulknham, Dennis grew up with his sisters Cindy (Sturgeon) and Susie (Bielawski). His childhood summers were spent at the family’s cottage on Chaumont Bay, his aunt Audrey (Al) Lawrence’s farm in Cape Vincent, and his grandparents’ farm in Copenhagen. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors, as well as a deep appreciation for family, with an adventurous streak.

   A graduate of Immaculate Heart Central School in 1967, Dennis went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University.

   On August 2, 1975, Dennis married Joanne Edsall at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rosiere, NY. Together, they shared 50 years of love and built a life centered on family and service with their three children—Katie (Paul Hagenloh) Centolella, Dan (Beth) Faulknham, and Kristine (Dave) Birdsall. He has five grandchildren—Anna, Alex, Jocelyn, Nicholas, and Margot.

   He dedicated his 32-year career to the Department of Environmental Conservation, where he was the Wildlife Manager for Region 6. Dennis spearheaded numerous conservation initiatives, including expanded hunting opportunities in the North Country, the establishment of a turkey hunting season, cormorant control programs, and youth hunter education. He was especially proud of personally implementing a tracking and conservation program for the threatened Blanding’s turtle, a species making the Thousand Islands region one of its limited habitats, with his children as eager assistants. A fixture for years at the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area Canada Goose drive, he brought family and friends each year to corral and handle geese to collect data on the resident Canada Geese population.  Colleagues admired Dennis for his unmatched ability to bring people together to achieve what seemed impossible and for his steadfast dedication to preserving New York’s natural resources. Dennis furthered his love of nature as a hobby farmer, raising sheep with his children.

   Dennis was deeply involved in his community and, along with Joanne, was honored as Cape Vincent’s Citizens of the Year for decades of service. He was a dedicated member of the Lions Club, served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, acted as a Trustee for St. Vincent of Paul Parish, and served on the Thousand Islands School Board. Dennis was a director on the board of Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent for many years until its merger with Gouverneur Saving and Loan. His leadership and commitment made a lasting impact on the Cape Vincent community, which he cared for deeply.

Travel was a passion for Dennis, and he explored the world with Joanne and his sister Susie and brother-in-law Mike, with favorite spots including Alaska, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. Dennis loved new adventures. At home, he was an avid outdoorsman and a competitor who relished any challenge – from games of euchre with his favorite partner, Mike Bielawski, or beating his children in cribbage. Anything could become a “friendly” competition with Dennis.

   Predeceased by his parents and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, Dennis is survived by his wife Joanne, his children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law (Cindy and Mike Sturgeon and Susie and Mike Bielawski), an uncle (Terry Fleming), cousins and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss him.

   A funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Vincent on Tuesday, January 7, at 1:00 PM. A open reception will follow at the Cape Vincent Recreation Park. Burial in St. Vincent of Paul Cemetery will be at his family's convenience in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Fund with the Cape Vincent Lions Club, PO Box 521 or the Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad, PO Box 835, both in Cape Vincent, NY 13618. Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.

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