Dana W. Wilson

Canastota-Dana W. Wilson, 95, passed away peacefully with the love and support of his beloved wife Donna by his side on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at his home.

He was born in Jamestown, on November 9, 1927, the son of the late Ray L. and Bernice Quaint Wilson. Dana was a graduate of Falconer High School Class of 1945 and he furthered his education by graduating from Long Island Agricultural and Technical College in Farmingdale, Class of 1947.  Dana had served in the New York State National Guard during WW11.  Dana married the late Eula Walrod in 1949 in Kennedy, NY.  Together they raised six beautiful children.  He was the founder of Treeland Nursery and Garden Center located in Canastota in 1951.  The company was later renamed Treeland Inc., providing a variety of landscaping and construction projects.  Treeland Inc. was a leader in the construction of golf courses, play grounds, and numerous high school and college’s athletic fields.  After retirement from Treeland Dana had a second career as “Clerk of the Works” on numerous construction projects.

While in his second career, he took on the challenge Harness racing at Morrisville College and raced in several county fairs.  In 1990 Dana met Donna , who would be partner and wife for 33 years.   He raised Saddlebred horses and always had a dog by his side, whether it was a German Shepard, Labrador Retriever, or Chihuahua.  Dana was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved to travel with Donna throughout the United States and foreign countries.  Together, among their travels, they visited: Hawaii, the Carribbean, Alaska, England, Ireland, and many other places.   Dana flew to France, and traveled by rail to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy in the company of his daughters Laura and Marcia.  Dana held many fond memories of fishing with his father in Ontario and Quebec. He held the same fond memories of hunting Elk in Montana with his son Mike; and enjoyed outfitting thru the mountains of Montana with his son Dana.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church.  Dana lived an accomplished life; he was a devoted husband and family man.   His loving and caring ways, along with his wisdom, will always remain.

Dana is survived by his loving wife Donna; five children:  Laura (David) Owenby of South Carolina,  James (Sandra) Wilson of  North Carolina; Dana Wilson of Washington State,  Michael Wilson, and Scott (Denise) Wilson, both of Montana; his cherished grandchildren: Michael, Lucas, Courtney, Kerry, Jess, Joshua, Jacob, Seth, and Macsen; his beloved great grandchildren: Noah, Evelyn, Ryan, Bowen, Wes, Emma Rose, Noah, Grace, Jamie, Cameron, Brayden, Elyse, Mobeus, Milo, Taro, and Asa.

Dana was predeceased by his beloved daughter Marcia Wilson Ruthledge, and his cherished sister Juanitia Johnson.

There will be a visitation for Dana on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 11AM until 1 PM, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.  Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, with burial to follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Personal and professional care is being provided to Dana and his family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Funeral Director, at the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home, 322 Washington Avenue in Oneida.  To offer a message of condolence or share a memory, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles St., Oneida, NY, 13421

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