Royce (Brod) Dutcher Jr left the house the wee hours of the morning of July 25, 2018 after a courageous battle with lung cancer with his beloved friend Amber Snyder holding his hand.

Born Dec. 27, 1964 in Hudson NY to the late Royce and Delsia (Simmons) Dutcher Sr. He was a lifetime Columbia County resident, residing the last 15 years in Chatham with his aunt Esther VanAlstyne who predeceased him on July 7, 2018.

A talented artist, Brod used saw blades and pieces of slate as his favorite painting medium. He drew amazing cartoons and expressed his creativity in his flower gardens and ponds. Wildflowers were his favorite and he was known to gather them and create awesome arrangements for his loved ones.

A Jack of all Trades he was quick to share his vast abilities with anyone who needed a hand or a hammer. He loved to mudd drywall making his seams invisible.

He was an accomplished harmonica player and when he could still blow carried one everywhere and would entertain all in earshot.

Brod was a comedienne extraordinaire with his own unforgettable style. It was his mission to bring smiles and rib cracking laughter to those he loved. Ever cracking jokes with a running commentary on life and his tribe.

He was an animal lover and a staunch supporter of humane treatment of all animals. He was quick to reprimand humans when he felt their animals were not being cared for.

Royce is survived by a sister Joyce Lamont (Gerry Wyant) of Hudson. Two nieces: Talean (Hilton) Nawez of Hudson; Delsia Hilton, Philmont and one grand niece, Lucia Merante of Philmont. Lifetime friends Donald and Mary (VanAltyne) Starks, Laurie Starks Johnson all of Chatham; Mark Turner of East Chatham and Tammy (Turner) Bailey of Middleburgh as well as their families. A host of aunts uncles and cousins and a lifetime of friends. Special thanks goes to his cousin Kate Hermance of Chatham for her love and support of Brod in his final years.

A Celebration of Life will take place on August 18, 2018 at 456 Frisbee St. East Chatham NY 12060 beginning at 3 with a memorial service taking place at 4:30. Those attending should bring a chair, a dish to share and their own beverage. Water and soda will be available.

Burial in the Kinderhook Cemetery will take place at a date to be announced.

Donations in Royce's (Brod's) memory may be made to: Little Brook Farm, P.O. Box 127, Old Chatham NY 12136