Press-Republican

Local News

Related Photos

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.
comments powered by Disqus
March 4, 2009

Fated patient was grateful to many

'He wanted to genuinely thank the people who came together for us'

By DAN HEATH

PLATTSBURGH — Randy Duprey wanted everyone to know how much he valued their support as he fought a fatal disease.

In the months leading up to his death on Jan. 6 from systemic sclerosis, he told his wife, Kate Duprey, what he wanted to say.

"He wanted to genuinely thank the people who came together for us," she said. "He's the one who wanted to tell his story today."

HELP FROM MANY
Systemic sclerosis is a form of scleroderma that causes thickening of the skin and later can involve the lungs, hearts, kidneys and intestines.

Because Randy had to use a wheelchair once his disease progressed, they needed some adaptations to their house.

Kate said he especially felt grateful to the people who built the large, attached garage that is now nearing completion.

It started when the Dupreys were approached by a Lowe's employee, Jim Varno, who said he wanted to arrange a discount for the building supplies.

Jeff Helwig, manager of the Plattsburgh store, brought the matter to Lowe's corporate offices and was able to get a 50-percent discount approved.

Kate said Ben and Jeff Brean of Brean Construction helped with the foundation work, to get the site ready for construction.

"They gave us a generous deal getting all that done."

Kate said they bought the house from Tom Maggy, and he let them use an excavator, bulldozer, dump truck and more for the project.

Kate posted on her blog — www.thedupreyfamily.blogspot.com — that anyone who wanted to help build the garage could come over one Saturday.

"I don't know how to explain it. It was like a parade," she said.

About 20 people came out to help.

Wall by wall, section by section, the garage went up.

Only lights, sheet rock, insulation and some small side projects are left, Kate said.

KEPT FAMILY CLOSE
Randy loved to watch his friends and family work on the garage, Kate said.

Whenever someone came down the driveway, Randy would say, "There's activity in the compound."

Kate said that always put a smile on his face.

He would always ask if they wanted to play cards with him by saying, "Let's deal 'em," she said.

Randy had a short wish list, but a card game was always part of that, Kate said.

Randy's father, also named Randy Duprey, and Randy's grandfather, Ron Duprey, have done a lot of the smaller projects needed at the home, such as putting in stairs and closets.

Randy's father said work stopped when his son's condition deteriorated late in 2008. Randy told Kate he wanted his father and grandfather to spend their time with him.

As Randy's mobility decreased, he needed help to get outside and down the back steps in a wheelchair. Kate said that led to some near mishaps as they tried to move the wheelchair down the steps.

The garage, with a long set of half-steps, provided much easier outdoor access.

IN SON'S HEART
Kate said their son, 20-month-old Alek, would greet his father with "Morning, Da Da" every day. And Randy would respond, "Morning, buddy."

Even today, Alek pats his heart when Kate asks him where Da Da is.

"If it wasn't for him (Alek), I probably wouldn't be getting out of bed every day," Kate said.

Kate continues to periodically post on the blog, which contains names of many others who helped, as well as photos. It has received nearly 50,000 hits from people in 62 countries.

She's ready to start plugging away at the garage project again.

"Randy wanted to get this done, so we'll get it done. I'll see it gets done on his behalf."

E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Breaking News
New Today
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up

Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix