Obituary
Middlesex: Donald R. Liddiard, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Honoring Don’s wishes, there will be no service. A private burial will be June 14th.
Family and friends are welcome to visit Marlene at her home from 2-4pm on June 14th.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.
Born in Canandaigua, NY, on August 8, 1940, Don was the son of the late Clifford and Elsie Brahm Liddiard. A 1960 graduate of Middlesex Valley, he found his lifelong partner in 1961 when he married his high school sweetheart, Marlene. Their loving marriage spanned 64 years, and together they raised three children. Don was a dedicated, hardworking man, deeply committed to his beloved family and his thriving business.
In 1972, Don established Liddiard’s Tree Experts, a family venture he took immense pride in. His commitment to the business continued when he formed a partnership with his oldest son, Mark, in 1986. He cherished working alongside his sons, Mark and Ross, and grandson, Austin. Even in semi-retirement, Don continued to engage with customers and lend a hand daily, always eager to share his extensive knowledge of local history. He also found great joy in raising sheep, particularly the new lambs, many of whom he named and who would affectionately come to him when called.
An avid outdoorsman, Don’s ultimate passion was hunting, leading to countless memorable stories. He cultivated many friendships over the years, enjoying hunting, camping, canoeing, and fishing trips with them. Don was a long-standing member of several clubs, including the Blue Mountain Lake Club since 1978, the Cranberry Lake Club where he served as a guide, the Penn Yan Hunting Club, and the Kempshaw Hunting Club. He and Marlene traveled many places together, always with a hunt of some sort planned. They treasured their time at their cabin in the Adirondack Mountains, where Don found peace in the solitude of the wilderness he knew so well. He also served as the Town of Middlesex supervisor from 1984-1985.
Family time was important to Don. He especially cherished moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always eager to teach them about the farm he held so dear.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marlene Flynn Liddiard; his children, Roxanne Liddiard, Mark (Karen) Liddiard, and Ross Liddiard; his grandchildren, Meaghan (Zach Miller) Phillips, Matthew (Jessica) Phillips, Brianna (Wyatt) DeCann, and Austin Liddiard; and his great-grandchildren, Cody Phillips, Chloe Phillips, Emily Miller, and Lilah DeCann. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathleen Mitchell, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Elsie Liddiard; his siblings, Clifford Jr. and Margaret; and his in-laws, George Mitchell, Kenneth Hey, and Sonia Hey.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Thompson Hospital Cardiology ICU nursing staff for their exceptional care.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Don’s Family.
Condolences
Colleen (Coz) VanAllan (Scribner) from Waterloo, NY on Jun. 9, 2025
Marlene and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I am so sorry! I have many fond memories of times spent with your family. Don could always make me smile, and I recall some times that I brought a smile or two to his face as well. Hopefully your grief will eventually fade, but your memories will last forever. Cherish them. With my deepest sympathy, "Coz"
Trudy Lyon from Geneva NY on Jun. 9, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~Trudy~
Chris Grzeskowiak from Stanley NY on Jun. 9, 2025
A heartfelt condolence to the Liddiard family. I always enjoyed a visit with Don when our paths crossed….
Anne Elphick from Hamlin, NY on Jun. 10, 2025
Mark, Karen and family.
Holding all of you in thoughts and prayers at this tough time. Cherish the time you had with your Dad and enjoy the wonderful memories he has made with you all. Much love..
Jon Bagley from Bloomfield ny on Jun. 10, 2025
To the liddiard family, Don will be greatly missed . You all were blessed to have such a great example of a man. Peace to you all ! What a great guy! I will miss seeing him.
Liz Pierre from Rushville on Jun. 10, 2025
Sincere condolences to the LIDDAIRD fAMILY
Mary Makepeace from Naples, NY on Jun. 10, 2025
I'm SO very sorry to hear of Don's passing. I only met Don for the 1st time last summer when he came to give me a quote on taking down a tree. I was instantly taken by his soft-spoken ways, and his gentlemanliness. I saw him again this summer when he came to quite another tree removal. He knew I was a nurse, and started to open up about his "issues" and his fatigue. When Mark came to remove the tree a few days later, I asked him where his dad was. Always a companion in the business, from what I had witnessed, I missed his presence that day. When Mark said he was in the hospital, I called him right then. We almost immediately started devising a "prison break"! I'm feeling robbed that I was only just getting to know him at the end of his life. An obvious man of integrity, honesty, and kindness, I would have loved getting to know him better. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Marlene, Mark and the whole family. 🙏
Kate Kennedy-Jarosz from Punta Gorda Florida on Jun. 11, 2025
I was so sad to read of Don's passing..he was a good friend of my late husband John Kennedy. I continued to see him when he did tree work for me after I left Canandaigua..What a good soul, nice man, always liked him so much..RIP Don life well lived!!
Beth Rath-Powell from Midlothian, Virginia on Jun. 11, 2025
My thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.
James Davis from Canandaigua on Jun. 12, 2025
Don was just a great guy always there when you needed tree work ,My thoughts and prayer are with the Family
Evie Douglas from Middlesex on Jun. 13, 2025
To the entire Liddiard family my heart felt sympathy in the loss of a husband, dad, grandfather and Great grand dad. Donald was one of the first town of Middlesex business men that I met when I moved to town in 1983. In the last 40 plus years he and over time Mark, Ross and then Austin have always been dependable, professional, and proficient in all my tree problems. I could not tell you when or how professional service morphed into a tried and true friendship but it did. The knowledge Donald had , when it came to trees, is immeasurable. The skill levels, unimaginable and the dedication to his career absolute. Through windstorms, the 1996 tornado, neighbors trees falling onto my property….Donald would always answer a call, show up and take care of the job. He passed all this down to Mark, Ross and Austin. It was an honor and privladge to have known Donald, his family and his never ending work ethic. Peace and love be with you all
Meg Vecchi from Canandaigua, NY on Jun. 13, 2025
Mark, Karen, and family,
Hearing of Don’s passing brought great sadness to our hearts. For decades Don was a trusted voice caring for the trees at the cottage and our house, as well. His kind, gentle nature was always such a gift to us.
We are keeping you all in our thoughts at this time. He will be dearly missed.
Meg Vecchi & Rich Warren
Dorothy Condon from 4777 County Rd 11, Rushville, NY 14544 on Jun. 13, 2025
I have been a tree customer of Liddiards for several years. Mr. Liddard was always knowledgeable, respectful and kind. A wonderful man!
David Barnet from Middlesex on Jun. 13, 2025
Don was always generous to the Folk Art Guild, and to me in particular. He was a great guy, and we will miss him. Blessings to him and the family.
Ruth Maines on Jun. 14, 2025
Mark, Austin and Bri, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Gross from Canandaigua NY on Jun. 15, 2025
We first met Don in the mid 80’s when he removed a large Willow from our yard. We were immediately impressed by his honesty, integrity and gentle spirit. We have been so thankful for the attention to detail and excellent work done by his company throughout the years but will certainly miss chatting with Don, his warm smile and deep knowledge of trees and nature in general. My thoughts and prayers are with his whole family as they grieve the loss of this good man.
Steve Decker from Middlesex, NY on Jun. 20, 2025
My neighbor Rick Sawyer just informed me of Don's passing.. I am sadden by the news and send you my condolences.
My wife and I were backpackers; particularly in the Adirondacks. Don and I would share tales of places where we had mutually visited. He always had stories of the history, lore, wildlife and good fishing spots of the Five Ponds Wilderness and West Canada Lakes Wilderness. Other places as well.
I live on South Hill. He stopped by my property one time to see the land. He recalled when South Hill was pasture land, devoid of trees except in the ravines. Wow! Difficult to imagine that now.
I am sorry for your loss.
Steve Decker
Deirdre Crofton from Naples, NY on Jun. 23, 2025
Don was a true gentleman. He has taken care of our trees for years. His expertise, quiet voice will be missed. I am so glad I got to see him this spring. I will miss him, he gave me comfort after my husband passed away. My thoughts are with his family.