Dec. 14--SAND LAKE -- A local auctioneer perished Thursday night when he rushed into a burning barn in an attempt to rescue his four horses, the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
Keith Meissner Sr., 60, of 214 Thais Road was trapped inside the barn with the horses, who also died in the fire, deputies said.
Meissner lived with his wife, Dolores, on the 16.6-acre horse farm along the Wynants Kill in West Sand Lake. The couple are the owners of Meissner's Auction Service in New Lebanon.
"He died saving his horses. He loved his children and his grandchildren," Dolores Meissner said about her husband in a statement given by a woman at the family home.
More than 10 fire departments from the area responded to the fire call, which was reported at about 7:50 p.m., Thursday, deputies said.
The fire trucks and other emergency equipment went rushing up Thais Road to the Meissner residence, neighbors said. The firefighters then drove up a long, curving driveway to reach the barn.
Meissner and the four horses were found in the barn, deputies said.
Due to the extensive damage to the barn, authorities have not determined the cause of the fire. County arson investigators continue to seek a reason for the barn catching fire. The arson investigators were at the scene until Friday morning.
Meissner's passing stunned neighbors.
"He was a great, great person. A hard worker," said Leslie Carroll, who lives just down Thais Road from the Meissner family.
"It's very tragic," Carroll said.
Meissner's family and friends gathered at his residence Friday.
Meissner's Auction Service is located at the intersection of routes 20 and 22 in New Lebanon. The family-run business has been open for about 25 years.
"Meissner's Auction Service holds auctions every Saturday night in their auction house as well as speciality auctions at different times throughout the year," according to the auction house's website.
"The site is also home to an antique center/flea market that is open 7 days a week," the description continues.
In the past, Keith Meissner spoke about antiques and did on-the-spot appraisals.
News of Meissner's death brought responses on the Times Union Facebook page about how they fondly recall his auction business.
Ann Calka Naylor of Albany said she spent many Saturday nights there, and enjoyed the food, including chili, macaroni and cheese and desserts. If you called ahead they'd save you a seat, and you could pick up all sorts of treasures -- from the very expensive to a box of jewelry for $10, she said.
"There probably isn't a room in my house that doesn't have something from the auction in it. So sad. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and customers," she posted.
[email protected], 518-454-5084, @KennethCrowe
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