Name: Visitation for David H. Champoux
Start: 2017-03-02T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-03-03T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton and Low Country Memorial Gardens

David H. Champoux 1948 - 2017
Started Radio-Television Broadcasting Program at HCCC
BLUFFTON, SC - David H. Champoux, age 68, of Bluffton, SC, and formerly from the Mohawk Valley in Upstate, NY, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, in Hilton Head Hospital.
David was born November 7, 1948, in Syracuse, NY, the son of the late Homer David and Jacqueline Champoux. He was a graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, and went on to earn his Master's Degree from Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He started the Radio-Television Broadcasting program at Herkimer County Community College in 1972, shepherded it through its first thirty years and continues to be an influence on those colleagues who carry on in his path. Mr. C, as he was known by his students, was an outstanding teacher, mentor and educator whose lessons went beyond the classroom. In 1976, he received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1994, he received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He retired as Dean of Academic Affairs in 2003 and was later awarded Dean Emeritus status. Recently, he was awarded the Torchbearer Award which recognizes those who have given of themselves through their vision and commitment to light the way for future generations.
Since moving to Bluffton in 2004, David enjoyed gathering with his friends and family on and off the links, actively participating in his community and volunteering in the Media Center at the Heritage Classic Golf Tournament.
David is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Maureen (Mo) Champoux; sons, John David Champoux and Michael Patrick Champoux (wife Lois); siblings, Jacqueline Champoux O'Neil, Larry Champoux (Rick Millard) and Lauri Champoux Bilak; grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob and Kallista Champoux; in-law siblings, Patrick (Jennifer) Brophy, Sheila (Dick) Deuel, Anne Slack, Mollie (Tom) Lotrecchiano and Neil (Jeanne) Brophy; also, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and dog, Babe.
The family will be receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2017, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Telegram from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for David Champoux

Sponsored by Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton and Low Country Memorial Gardens.

18 Entries

Steve Newvine

February 23, 2021

Remembering those late winter days ar HCCC when it would get unseasonably warm. After Mr. C'S class my friends and I would chill out with a bottle of beer and the music of the Beach Boys. To an endless summer Mr. C.

Steven Newvine

February 22, 2020

I just read a letter he wrote to my father-in-law H.David Trautlein regarding the Alumni Wall of Honor; I appreciated his kind words about me in that letter. It was like getting another gift from this beloved professor. Rest easy Mr. C.

Steve Newvine

June 19, 2019

Reflections on Daffodils and Mr. C
Steve Newvine

This spring, the American Cancer Society will distribute millions of daffodils and raise over sixteen million dollars through Daffodil Days. If you want to donate to the cause or help the Cancer Society deliver the flowers and raise the funds, you can go to their website.

I have a memory involving daffodils that takes me back to my sophomore year in college at Herkimer County Community College (now known as Herkimer College).

Our television broadcasting professor arranged for a local television station to help students produce public service announcements to air on the station.

Public Service Announcements or PSAs were commercials for non-profit organizations. Stations still air them for free, but usually in the overnight hours when the available airtime has not been sold.

Each week during the spring semester, wed go to station WUTR-TV and use their equipment and tap into their expertise.

For the students, this was a unique opportunity to actually get some experience working in a real television station.

Our class was divided into pairs of producers; we had to identify a non-profit, determine whether there was a need for a PSA, and work with the agency to be sure they approved of the messages we were producing. Students would rotate roles such as camera operator, video switcher, and director.

When it was our turn to produce, my classmate Matt and I went to the local office of the American Cancer Society in nearby Utica.

We were there initially there to talk about producing an anti-smoking ad, but the Executive Director of the agency had other ideas.

Daffodil days are coming up, he told us. It would be great if we could stir up some interest in this years campaign.

Matt and I had our mission. We worked on a concept, selected music, and ran our ideas past our professor Dave Champoux, who we would frequently refer to as Mr. C, and our client at the Cancer Society.

I still remember some of the lines from the script:

The daffodil is the first flower of spring, and it stands for hope.

Hope is the message from the American Cancer Society.

Your dollars support outreach, services, and research.

Be generous when your Cancer Society volunteer comes calling.

A public service message from Herkimer County Community College and W-U-T-R TV.

Actually, this is pretty good,

I recall Mr. C telling us after we presented our plan to produce a thirty-second PSA.

At the very least, you are focusing on the positive rather than harp on about the dangers of smoking.

As our night approached to produce the PSA, Matt and I were nervous. The thoughts I recall from some forty plus years ago were along the lines of: will it be effective, will we get it done in the amount of studio time we had, with the Cancer Society like it, will Mr. C like it.

Well, our mix of slides, camera cards, instrumental music, and voiceover (mine, as I was working at a radio station on weekends and had access to a good audio studio) all came together. The spot was well received. Im sure Matt and I got a good grade, but I honestly dont recall. I do remember the sense of accomplishment we felt when the project was finished and how that feeling continued over the next several weeks when the PSA aired.

Later that spring, the broadcasting department held an awards ceremony for all the students. The daffodil days PSA picked up a couple of awards.

That night was special. Everyone in the class treated it like the Academy Awards. Our music professor recruited Matt, another singer named Irene, and me to provide some song and dance interludes throughout the evening. A week later, we would graduate from our two-year program.

I remained in contact with Mr. C over the years. He sent me a couple of notes during my broadcasting career congratulating me and offering advice on adjusting in my chosen career.

I spoke to him by phone shortly after accepting a job as an adjunct college lecturer many years ago. He remained one of my favorite teachers.

Flash forward to about three years ago when Mr. C tagged me on Facebook one spring day. It was about a year before he lost his battle with cancer.

Then retired in North Carolina, he called my attention to a photograph he shared. The photo was of a daffodil. The message from my professor was to the point- Hey Steve, does this look familiar?

It sure did look familiar. It took me back to a time when youth was in ample supply; where energy abounded and optimism filled the air around me.

Like the daffodil, it was a time of hope.

Steve Newvine

February 22, 2019

https://www.mercedcountyevents.com/steve-newvine-1/reflections-on-daffodils-and-mr-c

Jones

March 4, 2017

My deepest sympathy to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Acts24:15)

Sandra Frankel

March 3, 2017

Larry, I'm so sorry to learn of your brother's passing. I hope that fond memories will help to ease your sadness in the days and months ahead. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandy Frankel

March 1, 2017

MO, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DAVE. MANY GREAT MEMORIES WITH U GUYS--GOLFING, BAHAMAS, ETC.TAKE CARE, THINKING OF YOU. XOO, MARILYN AND BILL.

Lynn and Eileen Henry

March 1, 2017

We are sorry to learn of Dave's passing and want to express our sympathy for your loss. Dave had many friends and we are certain they will miss him. His memory and the affect he had on peoples live as a teacher will not be soon forgotten.

Ron and Lynn Kenneally

March 1, 2017

Mo and Family,

May the lord be with you, and keep you in his loving care during this
difficult time.

Marion Huyck

February 28, 2017

My condolences to you Maureen and family.

February 28, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family at this very difficult time.

O'Neil

February 28, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Champoux family.

The O'Neils
Patty, Dave and Chris

Joey Klein

February 28, 2017

Dear Maureen so sorry to hear about Dave Judy and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family

Dan Zitoli

February 28, 2017

Condolences to the Champoux Family. I was in the Radio/TV program at Herkimer, and thankful for being able to participate. "Mr C" was a great presence and often enjoyed the music we played at the radio station! It was a great program and facility at Herkimer, which put all of us in it, ahead of the game in our continued education. I like to think that without finding the Radio/TV program, I wouldn't have gone on to get my my job here in Atlanta at CNN.

February 28, 2017

Dear Maureen,
We are so terribly sorry to hear this new. Mr. Champoux was a great person and a great patient in our dental practice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Wooster Dental Care

Paul Cataldo

February 28, 2017

Lauri so sorry about the passing of your brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Steve Newvine

February 27, 2017

Many people cross our path and we are touched in some way by each one. Mr. C crossed my path in the radio class at Herkimer County Community College in 1975. He loved his job, cared for his students, and shared his enthusiasm with everyone. His advice carried on after graduation. I remember getting a note from him after landing my first TV reporting job. "Learn the names, the pronunciations, and what makes the community tick," was his advice. 20 years later, he offered pointers when I called to tell him I was trying my hand at adjunct teaching for a local college. About a year ago, he sent me a photo of daffodils, reminding me of a PSA I produced at HCCC for the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day. Thank you Mr. C.

DANIEL LABARGE

February 27, 2017

Maureen and family, So sorry to hear of David's passing , always enjoyed our dealing on cars and thru the bank with you our prayers are with you at this time Dan LaBarge

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