Charles Thomas Boggs

Charles Thomas Boggs, of Lexington, Va., died on Sunday, June 27, 2010, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Charles, known to all as Chuck, was born on June 16, 1944, in Huntington, W.Va., to Henry Thomas Boggs and Jeanne Delporte Boggs. Jeanne Boggs still resides in Huntington; H.T. Boggs resides in Lakeland, Fla. Chuck first came to Rockbridge County as a freshman at Washington & Lee in 1962. He was immediately enchanted by the rugged beauty of Western Virginia. After completing his graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin he had the opportunity to return to Washington & Lee as a professor. He loved the university and was fully aware of how privileged he was to live out his life in such unique and wonderful surroundings. In a letter to a close friend, Chuck defined a life well lived as one spent in service to certain tasks: to develop oneself spiritually, to promote and preserve the good things in life, to be of some use and value to one's fellow beings, and to contribute something to the world. Chuck's life was a joyful tribute to these goals. Chuck's passion for an understanding of the good life led to a long teaching career in the Philosophy Department at Washington & Lee. For 37 years he was honored to play a part in developing the discernment of generations of young men and women. Chuck loved his work and his students. Chuck's contributions to the world include a devotion to various local conservation efforts. He worked energetically for the cause of wilderness conservation in Virginia. He was especially influential in the creation and management of the Rich Hole and St. Mary's wilderness areas. Chuck had a passion for the outdoors and was also involved in efforts to improve water quality and trout habitat in local streams. In the course of these pursuits, he made many fine friends and enjoyed many adventures. Despite the ravages of Alzheimer's disease, Chuck's gentle good humor and concern for others remained a witness to his deep gratitude to God and his enduring love for his family. In addition to his parents, Chuck leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Jean Burns Boggs; and three beloved sons, Charles Thomas Jr. (and his lovely wife of many years, Lynne), Ethan Andrew, and Jeremy Lewis. Chuck loved deeply and was deeply loved. He will be sorely missed. His quiet wisdom, his humor and kindness, his deep and peculiar intelligence, his great enthusiasm for adventure in wild places, and his ease and enjoyment of living will be cherished by all those blessed to have known him. All arrangements are private. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.