Mr. Frank Floyd "Pete" Selkirk

October 21, 1930 - December 3, 2015

Frank Floyd Selkirk, affectionately and widely known as Pete, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 3, 2015 in Burke, New York. Father, friend and agriculturalist, Pete will be missed by many. Born on October 21, 1930, Pete was the youngest of John and Bess Selkirk's five children (Doug, Maynard, Beatrice and John). Pete grew up on the family farm where he developed a love for working with animals and the land that would chart his course in life. Pete married Genevieve (Jean) Mary Bell on October 24, 1951. They raised four children, Diane, David, Nancy and James, on a farm in Burke, New York. Together they instilled in their children a love and appreciation for agriculture, history, faith and family. As a youngster Pete adored exhibiting animals at the Franklin County Fair, and that fervor did not diminish with age. He passed on that excitement and delight to his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pete learned how to judge cattle in 4-H and he taught that skill to his children as well as many others as a 4-H leader later in life. He eagerly awaited the arrival of the Hoard's Dairyman judging contest each spring and debating the merits of the class placings. While Pete never graduated from high school, he was always on a quest to learn more. He enjoyed figuring out mechanical puzzles and tinkering with old equipment. A collector of agricultural antiques, Pete was a walking encyclopedia of old farming equipment and methods. He found great satisfaction in buying a box of unidentified treasure at auction and figuring out what it all was, how it went together and how it was used. When Pete and Jean retired from farming in the 1980s, they continued supporting the farming community. Known as a cow man, Pete helped cattle dealers find animals locally and together he and Jean trucked and transported cattle around the North County and Canada. They both enjoyed antiquing and collecting treasures from the past, stopping at many garage sales and auctions along the way. Likewise, Pete appreciated his family history and collected volumes of genealogical information about the Selkirk family heritage. The last of his siblings, Pete humbly served as the family historian and wrote "I Remember When" a book about his family that emigrated from Scotland and settled in the North Country. Pete treasured friendships and found great satisfaction helping others. He lived his life by the golden rule and valued honesty and integrity above all else. He always added humor to the conversation, throwing in an unexpected joke or comment in jest to make people smile. Towards the end of his life, Pete's smile shined the brightest when he was hosting gatherings, holiday meals and get-togethers for family and friends. Holding the youngest of great grandchildren and letting them pull on his breathing tubes gave him immense joy and satisfaction. Pete's Christian faith, rooted in the Bible, brought him peace and today comforts those friends and family left behind. Pete is survived by his children Diane (and Ken) DuMont, David Selkirk, and Nancy Baker all from Burke, New York, a brother-in-law Ken (and Peggy) Bell of Constable, New York, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog Jack. Pete is predeceased by his parents, his siblings, his wife Jean and their son James. The family thanks Hospice of the North Country for their compassion, expert care and support over the last several months. To Sylvia, Shelly and Jennifer, thank you for making Pete as comfortable as possible and for guiding us through this difficult time. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday Dec. 7 at the Chateaugay Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday December 8 at 11 a.m. at the Chateaugay Funeral Home with interment immediately following the ceremony at Burke Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Pete's name be made to Hospice of the North Country.