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Charles VanKirk Obituary
August 11, 1936 - March 29, 2020
Haddam, CT
Charles H. Van Kirk, age 83, husband of Patricia W. Van Kirk passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020 with his wife at his side. Charles was born on August 11, 1936 in Ellenville, NY to his late parents, Harold Thatcher Van Kirk and Helen Johnson Van Kirk.
Charles is survived by his wife, Patricia and their son, Tod Thatcher Van Kirk and his wife, Jill and grandchildren, Thatcher and Emily residing in Madison, CT; and daughter, Amy Van Kirk and grandchildren, William and Quinn residing in Fayetteville, NY.
Charles and his wife resided in Cornwall-on-Hudson before moving to the Saybrook at Haddam in Haddam, CT. Charles was a graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, earning a Master's degree and later attending SUNY New Paltz, NY attaining his degree in Administration. He was employed by the Washingtonville Central School as a history teacher, department chairman, and lastly as an assistant high school principal. He retired in 1991.
He enjoyed time spent with family and friends especially at their cottage at Trout Lake in Hermon, NY, St. Lawrence County. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Saybrook at Haddam staff for their wonderful care and to his hospice nurses for their support during his illness.
Burial will be at a later date in DeLalb Junction, NY. St. Lawrence County. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of ones own choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles VanKirk
4 Entries
Jeff Hookey
April 15, 2020
My condolences on the passing of Mr Van Kirk. Though I only had him as a teacher one year, he was truly one of the best teachers I had as a student. I especially enjoyed his wicked sense of humor. May God bless
Elsa Cameron
April 14, 2020
It makes me sad to hear of the passing of Charlie, my history teacher "Mr. Van Kirk" at Washy High! I often fondly remember him teasing me Monday mornings asking "ELSA - how were your parties this weekend?" referring to Elsa Maxwell. :) We had fun in class and learned a lot - he was a good teacher. When he later moved near -by it was always fun to reunite and have a visit. It's a blessing he suffers no more, and Pat my sincerest condolences an sympathies are with you. God bless. Elsa Gerow Cameron
Stephen Bardin
April 13, 2020
Thank you Charlie...you were always so kind and understanding during the years we worked together. It's been an honor! R.I P.
Donald Muller
April 11, 2020
Mr. VanKirk was really formative for this 1971 WHS graduate. I took four Social Studies courses my senior year, two with him. I majored in Government in college largely because of his influence and teaching. He presented me with the Social Studies award at graduation. Thank you for sharing him with me. Fr. Don Muller
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