Obituary of David Carl Doebler

David Carl Doebler, 67, of 36 Saranac Lane Saranac Lake, NY, died unexpectedly in his home on Friday, December 29th, 2017. He snuck away quietly and peacefully in the morning hours, probably to go watch Blazing Saddles and Star Trek with a cup of coffee in hand, and maybe a cigar, since we aren't there to scold him. He was born in North Tonawanda, NY on November 5th, 1950 to Leslie and Dorothy Doebler (McCracken). After having a lot of fun in high school and little actual learning, he attended Erie Community College, where he buckled down and discovered his career and ultimately became a skilled Optician. He met Judith Doebler (Knight) in drivers-ed class. Although she was not impressed, her sister agreed that she would date him despite her objection, and they quickly became inseparable and married on September 12, 1970, and had three daughters. David worked in many places, including North Tonawanda, NY and Washington DC, and most recently in Lake Placid, NY running Eye Peek with Judy and their daughter Jennifer. Work was very important to him, and he enjoyed nothing more than helping customers, sharing stories, meeting new people, and helping people see their very best. We always joked that he would work until he died, and he didn't disappoint. David loved the outdoors, and the family spent countless hours camping, fishing, skiing, hiking, and traveling. The family ventured to the Adirondacks every summer and winter, exploring towns, "effortlessly" backing the 1976 pop-up camper into tiny campsites, and occasionally driving out onto frozen lakes in the anxiety filled family van. His dream of living full time in the Adirondacks was one he never thought would materialize, but in 2003 it became reality. Sports were ingrained in the Buffalo native, and he followed the Bills and Sabres religiously. The irony of the Bills making the playoffs this season for the first time in 17 years isn't lost on us, and we hope he can watch wherever he is (even though they will most certainly lose without his special socks and hat). We won't even discuss the Sabres. The hope is he is playing Euchre, having a vodka tonic, and watching the weather all over the globe, but in reality he is probably opening a new optical store, discussing customer's prescriptions, and adjusting glasses. Those of us left behind are sad and miss him greatly, but we know our time here is short and we will soon join him out there in the cosmos. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Judy of Saranac Lake; daughters Jennifer Small and her husband Tony of Saranac Lake, Christina Grant and her husband Dustin of Lake Placid, and Katherine Doebler and her partner Shad Smith of Mont Vernon, NH; beloved grandchildren Jacinda Riggs of Buffalo, and Jackson, Marley, Ayla, and Harper Small of Saranac Lake. He is also survived by his mother Dorothy of Tampa Bay, FL, sister and brother-in-law Connie and Gary Pogorzelski of Brant Lake, sister-in-law Elaine of Buffalo, and his brother Richard and husband Doug of Tampa Bay, FL, along with countless other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father Leslie and his brother Ronald. His best four legged friend Amos is watching out the window loyally and reminding us all of his generous, loving and caring spirit every day. Arrangements are in the care of Clark's Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY. There will be a memorial service at a later date to be announced by family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Joshua Fund Dog Rescue, PO Box 408 Jay, NY 12941. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .»(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)