Robert J Varney

Robert Joseph Varney, 34, of Saranac, NY, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY on August 4, 1982. He was the son of Patty (McCorry) Parrotte and step-father Todd Parrotte of Saranac and Joseph Varney and his wife Carrie, of Hartland, Vermont. Robert is survived by his parents and his two children, whom he adored: Dylan Savannah Varney and Jackson Levi Varney of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; as well as their mother, Amanda Gilliard. He is also survived by 6 siblings. A sister, Dorothy (Varney) Donahue of Morrisonville, along with her husband, Matthew Donahue and their son Gabrien Donahue. A brother, Corey Grenier and his companion, Tara Woodward of Peru. A sister, Samantha Parrotte, of Saranac, and her companion Andrew Magnanti of Beekmantown; two brothers, Tyler Varney, along with his companion Felicia, of New Hampshire and Trevor Varney and his companion Dominique, along with their two children, of Vermont; and a stepsister, Sarah Parrotte, of Plattsburgh. He also leaves behind his best friend, his "brother," Josh Durocher of Mooers. There will be a private viewing for Roberts family. In Spring, there will be a ceremony celebrating his life as we combine his ashes with the planting of a seedling. Details will be available as the day draws nearer. Robert was an independent, free-wheelin' kind of person. He had an undeniably unique and unforgettable spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met. Robert had an old soul, deep and articulate. He was open-minded and loved all kinds of music and art. He loved to educate himself through reading, and he expressed himself through poetry, his tattoos, and one-on-one conversations. Robert loved to be outdoors. He traveled the country wide, living off God's green earth, hitchhiking from place to place and building relationships with all kinds of people. But his roots were with his mother, and he always found himself coming home to the person who never gave up on him and never turned him away. They say that a man doesn't see all that his mother has done for him until it's too late to let her know that he sees it. But Robert did let his mom know how much he appreciated her. He said she was his rock and his best friend. Robert struggled with a powerful addiction to alcohol and drugs. But he gave us enough memories of love and laughter, of good times and meaningful moments to be remembered with a fondness and an appreciation just to know him. Even in his darkest hours, he made sure that the people he cared about knew that he loved them. Remember Robert for all the good times, and never doubt that he had a good heart. Recognize what addictions do to people and all the potential that is lost in a war that consumes them. We ask that you take time to honor the fight, his good intentions, and all of Roberts better moments. God has given Robert a new road to travel. He has finally found his peaceful journey through Glory. There will be no public calling hours. Services will be private for the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.