David Samuel Couture

After only 48 days, glioblastoma, an insidious brain cancer that steals your very soul, took our Dave on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. David Samuel Couture was born April 21, 1952, to Amos and Mary (Collins) Couture. He grew up in Dannemora where he led an idyllic "Little Rascals" childhood. Dave graduated in 1970 from St. John's in Plattsburgh, where he excelled in baseball and football and retired as a corrections officer from Clinton Correctional Facility. Dave treasured his many lifelong friendships from childhood, high school, his career, and continued to make friends throughout his retirement. After marrying Jan on Sept. 20, 1975, they created Spring Hill Farm, where they learned to hay with work horses Bob and Nelly, milk Peggy the Cow, and raise ducks and chickens. It was here that Renee and Diane began developing their lifelong interest in nature. When farm life became too time-consuming, they made the move to downtown Saranac beside the Saranac Cemetery. After Dave retired, they purchased and restored their dream house, an 1830s colonial built by George Parsons, an original settler of Saranac. Jan always said she knew Dave loved her when he agreed to take on what became a 1.5-year project. It was in the George Parsons House that Dave wanted to take his last breath, and he did so peacefully with his girls and Hospice beside him. A true Renaissance man, Dave could do anything he set his mind to. Throughout his life, he meticulously restored numerous Ford vehicles from Model A's to his latest project, a 1965 Mustang Fastback. That same careful work went into an award-winning Chris-Craft wooden boat. Jan remembers that for over 50 years, he played something on his guitar for five minutes or even 90 minutes every day, which led him to perform with Too Big for the Corner for over ten years. It was at Eagle Point on Chazy Lake where Dave's resourcefulness, diligence, and craftsmanship really showed. He created Camp Chipmunka, which was a labor of love from start to finish. He built a log home entirely by hand with no power tools due to its isolation and lack of utilities. It was the family refuge for 30 years. Our world has lost a determined, loving, vibrant man who cared for and protected his family for over 50 years. Family was of utmost importance to Dave. Devastated by his loss are his wife, Jan (Dingee); daughters and their husbands, Renee and Jack Anderson and Diane and Josh Clemons. He absolutely loved spoiling his grandchildren Paul and Charlotte Anderson. Diane's little dog Finn, who he often borrowed, brought him great comfort. He became a brother to Jan's sisters: Robin and Tommy Canning, Barbara Dingee, and Yvonne Lashmett. He will be missed by his family: Earl Couture and his partner Patricia Light, Clem and Patti Couture, Linda and Jerry Donah, Mary Lou and Al Moody, and Sharon and Kenny Recore. Uncle Dave was a special person to many nieces and nephews. Those who went before him were his parents, Amos and Mary Couture, sister-in-law Jeannette (Earl) Couture, and his much missed niece Laurie Jean Couture. Thanks to Hospice of the North Country, Dave was able to pass peacefully. Special thanks goes to Jess, Hailea, and Evan, who overcame their own grief to help us through ours. Dave set a record, finishing his favorite strawberry milkshake in just five minutes, lovingly made by Ben and Emily Perry of Sweet Lucy Scoops. No contributions are needed. Please honor Dave by spending quality time with your own family. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru, 518-643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Dave Couture, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com.

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