Harry Lee Flatt
Harry Lee Flatt, 75, died peacefully at home in Medina, NY on July 11, 2021 with his wife beside him. He was born in Medina, NY on Sept. 8, 1945.
Harry is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sandy Marky DVM; daughter, Jennifer (Bradley) Hillman; grandson, Reagan Hillman; and sister, Suzanne (Jim) Zazowski. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and is also survived by the mother of his children, Dawn Meland. He was predeceased by his son, Gregory Flatt and his parents, Harry and Dorothy Flatt.
He was a member of the MHS Class of 1963. As a young man he won many drag races with C-Stock Automatic, served in the NY National Guard, worked briefly at Kodak and then bought the family farm, owned by his father Harry and grandfather Samuel before that: Flattlands Holsteins. The 100-150 head herd of “pet” Friesians, Holsteins, Guernsey and Jersey cows kept him busy until sold in 1988. The 400-acre farm was recognized in Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine with an article as a NYS Top Producer, and was also recognized as a top milkfat producer by the Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. Always a farmer, he maintained a hobby farm at home utilizing and maintaining his beloved “Green Belly” 1967 John Deer Bucket Tractor.
After selling his herd, he worked as a farm hand at Chaffee Farms LLC, Baskin Livestock, and most recently at Genesee Valley Farm. At each farm he worked, he adopted the barn cat as his own, even getting a T-shirt for the “Best Cat Dad Ever.” He worked hard on his gardens at home, achieving a productive asparagus bed, and a cultivated variety of berry patches. By not having his own farm, he was able to travel to New Zealand, Hawaii and Oregon and spend time locally with family and friends in the Western NY area. He loved to play Euchre and never missed an opportunity to do so. Harry was also well known for his creative salads sourced from his own garden, and in particular his outstanding egg salad. When visiting, you never left without the offer of produce to take home! Harry always had time for anyone in need, friend, family or stranger He was steadfast in getting things done, the right way, no matter how daunting the task.
As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Harry would prefer that friends and family gather to remember him in informal gatherings, with a few games of euchre included and hopefully some fresh elderberry pie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, the Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, Supportive Care of Orleans, or a cancer or animal rescue charity of your choosing.
