Obituary of Charles-W Watkins

Charles W. WatkinsMOHAWKCharles Walter Watkins, age 64, of State Highway #28, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2013 in Faxton-St. Lukes Medical Center, New Hartford. He had the peace and comfort of knowing his family was at his side.He was born on April 3, 1949, in Canandaigua, son of the late John F. and Helen Rhodes Watkins. Charley was raised in Canandaigua, and was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy. He furthered his educated at Hartwick College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He continued his education at the College of St. Rose where his received his Master's Degree in Education. On August 3, 1985 he was united in marriage to the former Linda P. Sinnamon in the Van Hornesville United Methodist Church. For more than thirty years he was employed as both an elementary and high school teacher with Owen D. Young and Mt. Markham school systems. He was the original developer of the Robert B. Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center at VanHornesville. A true educator in and out of the classroom; along with his own love of learning and willingness to take on new challenges, he improved the lives of all those around him, especially the young minds. He retired in 2009. Mr. Watkins had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs. Charley was the consummate giver; always there to donate his artistic talent or bake pies for church gatherings.In his leisure time he enjoyed the outdoors, playing tennis, golf, working in his garden, skiing or walking his dogs. Indoors he was a woodcarver, painter and sketcher as well as a reader and baker.To all who knew him he was a loving, caring and helpful man who enjoyed doing for others while seeking nothing in return. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Linda; three sons, Joshua T. Watkins, of Brooklyn, John S. Watkins and James I. Watkins, both of Mohawk; four brothers and their wives, Mark and Patti Watkins, of Rochester, Paul and Peggy Watkins, of Watertown,WI, Brian and Debby Watkins, of Voorheesville, John and Debbie Watkins, of Warsaw, IN; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.A Memorial Service for Mr. Watkins will be held on Saturday September 28, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs. The Reverend Mark Ioset, Pastor will officiate.Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to The Kelberman Autism Institute, 1601 Armory Drive, Utica, NY or at www.kelbermancenter.org.