Obituary of Charles R. Pegan

Charles R. Pegan, 78, a long time resident of Bemus Point, NY passed away Sunday, November 18, at the Beechwood Continuing Care Facility in Getzville, NY. Born January 31, 1940, the son of the late Harold and Marion Pegan of Meadville Pa. He had been married to his high school sweetheart, the late Carole Kesby, and enjoyed 51 years together until her passing in 2011. He was a 1958 graduate of Bemus Point High School, attended JCC, and graduated from Albany State in 1963 with a BA and MA in Education. He went on to earn advanced certifications in School Administration and Supervision, as well as District Administration. Over his career he served as a Teacher, Principal, Superintendent, in full-time or interim capacities at: Fredonia, Panama, Letchworth, Clymer, and Westfield Central School systems. Upon retiring he served as Executive Director of the Chautauqua County School Boards Association and prepared a merger study for the consolidation and creation of the Chautauqua Lake Central School Above all he enjoyed organizing and supporting groups and activities that were for the betterment of others. He loved being active in his community and that included: the Boy Scouts attaining Eagle Scout recognition, 4-H: Camp Director, County Chair, Cooperative Extension, Community Helping Hands, United Methodist Church; Choir, District Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Advisor and leading the seniors group "New Beginnings" planning day trips and functions for area seniors. He was an avid Tennis and Ping Pong player and water skier and enjoyed singing in various church choirs as well as the Chautauqua Institution Choir and with the Jamestown Harmony Express Choir, traveling with them to Washington, DC. He enjoyed traveling, especially RVing with his wife and family all over the country. He visited Hawaii and Ireland after retiring. His love for history, politics and social justice found him at battlefields, museums and other historic landmarks. He also had wonderful friendships throughout his life and cherished all of them. He was a devoted Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. He is survived by his sister Rev. Nancy Pegan Rice and brother-in-law Rev. Max Rice of Albuquerque NM, daughter Terrie (Andy) Johnson of Ashville, NY, sons Robert (Paula) Pegan of Lockport, NY, Rev. James (Susi) Pegan of Havelock, NC, Randall Pegan of Lockport NY, grandchildren; Kati (Jon) Park of Midway, GA, Jimm Pegan of Alpharetta, GA., Kristin and Ashley Johnson of Ashville, NY, Mitchell and Mary Pegan of Lockport, NY, Tomme and Andy Pegan of Amherst, NY, step grandchildren and great grandchildren; Josh (Jessica) Grace, Ruth and Raymond Walker of Middleport, NY, Jennifer (Michael) Bailey of Colorado Springs, CO., Beth Christy, Ransomville, NY, Eric Koepke, Seneca Falls, NY, Ryan and Elise Koepke of Amherst, NY. A Memorial of Life Service will be held at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church at 1:00 on Saturday, December 1, 2018. The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the Bemus Point United Methodist Church. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.