Obituary of Arthur L. Blymiller
It is with great sadness that Arthur Leroy Blymiller Jr. (Art, Leroy, Bly), age 71, of Clinton, NY, passed away on September 16th, 2023. The son of Arthur L. Blymiller Sr. and Lauretta Gibson Blymiller, he was born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in Rome, NY.
Art is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine (Crissy) Herbst Blymiller. He is predeceased by brother-in-law Peter Herbst (Bridget). He also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia Herbst Burke (Barry) of Buffalo, NY, and Barbara Herbst Banghart (Jim) of Atlanta, GA, and several nieces and nephews.
Art was active from the start. He began competing on local swim teams at a young age and continued through high school leading to working as a lifeguard for many summers at Lake Delta State Park.
He was also an avid kite surfer, wind surfer, sailor, skier, snowboarder, hockey player, golfer and hunter among many other sports and activities. Windsurfing, in particular, was a favorite as he owned Wicked Winds surf shop in Sylvan Beach, NY, where he taught many people across the community to enjoy the sport. Another favorite time in his life was the 10+ years he was involved in the Niddle sailboat race on the St. Lawrence River.
Art loved to chase the winter snow across the Rockies for winter sports as well as the surf on the East coast of the Outer Banks for water sports. In fact, he loved the mountains so much he became the ultimate ski bum in Breckenridge, CO before graduate school. A longtime motorcyclist, Art enjoyed riding the backroads of Upstate New York.
Leroy had a passion for hiking and always enjoyed a day spent alone in the woods. He summitted an impressive 42 of 46 of the high peaks in the Adirondacks as well as many local hikes with Crissy and their three dogs, Sassy, Madison, and Lucy.
Ever the music enthusiast, Leroy spent his life learning and playing instruments. He loved to jam out, whether it was at home playing for Crissy and the dogs or at the beach with his friends in the impromptu pick-up band, GGB. He was known for his vast vinyl album collection and deep music knowledge, often passing his passion on to those around him.
Leroy had an insatiable thirst for learning and could hold conversations across an impressive array of topics, with an uncanny knack for recalling the smallest details from memory. You would always learn something from a conversation with him.
Art attended Rome Free Academy before studying psychology at Plattsburg University and then getting his dual Master’s degree in school psychology and statistics at Albany State University. He worked as a school psychologist for over 35 years, many of which were at Hamilton Central School. He was a favorite among the students there, serving as an assistant hockey coach and even as a regular lunchtime chess opponent for them.
Bly’s lust for life, generous spirit and memorable sense of humor endeared him to countless friends and colleagues. In fact, he was known for his many lifelong friendships. He will be dearly missed, but his memory will surely be kept alive by all those who shared an adventure, a deep conversation, a ski trip, a musical passion, or a laugh with him.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Leroy would love for you to enjoy a walk in the woods.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
