Charles "Chuck" Vandewark

Charles “Chuck” Vandewark , 74, of Alexandria Bay, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 29.

He was born June 27, 1949 in Orange, CA and grew up in Huntington Beach, CA where he enjoyed surfing and surf fishing. He was educated in Southern California, earning his B.A. in industrial arts at Cal State Long Beach and his M.A in photography at the University of Redlands.

Chuck had a full and satisfying life. He taught high school in Dana Point, CA at Dana Hills HS where he developed their student photography program. After an 8 year teaching career, he traveled the country in his Airstream for 3 years, taking photographs and buying antiques. Settling in the Seattle area, he opened an antique store, developed his skills as a pre-press stripper in the high end printing business, and owned & operated a favorite neighborhood tavern in Richmond Beach. Chuck was a talented drummer who played in and managed the original Charles White Band, a successful Seattle-based rhythm and blues band in the late 80’s and 90’s.

Chuck moved to Alexandria Bay from Seattle in 2006 to be with and assist his mother and step-father, JoAnn & Sam Massey, in their declining years.

He is survived by his life partner Susan Browning, his brother David Vandewark, both of Alexandria Bay, and by many lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

Donations can be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department 110 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.