Charles E. Damp, III

Chuck Damp had a heart that loved deeply and gave freely, he rarely sat still and never met a stranger. He always made room for one more story, one more laugh and one more dance. On June 13th his generous heart found its rest, leaving behind a legacy.

Charles E. Damp III was born on April 18, 1957 to Ed and Anne Damp, the first of four children. He graduated from Northwood School in 1975. Chuck became class president and captain of the football team. After a brief stint in college, Chuck went to work in the family insurance office. Ed told him about the derelict schoolhouse for sale in Ray Brook which he later purchased.

Chuck Married the love of his life Ruth Ellen VanWie on September 5th, 1987. Ruth shared in the many improvements to the old schoolhouse. Together they grew their life in this home where they later welcomed the biggest accomplishment and joy of their lives, their son Chase (Charles IV).

Chuck worked hard at the business, eventually becoming owner of The Wilkins Agency which he and Ruth ran together for more than 30 years. In 1986 he was the chairman of the year for the education committee. He served as the regional coordinator of the Young Professionals. Later, the PIA awarded him professional insurance agent of the year 1992.

The family trips of Chuck’s youth instilled in him a love of sailing which he continued to enjoy with family and friends. He lived his life by the quote “Sail fast, live slow.” Every summer for many years, he sailed his father’s old blue boat at camp – Chucks favorite place on earth to be, where he spent his childhood with his beloved siblings Ray, Mary and Michael. Chucks love for sailing went on to inspire his son Chases career in the Coast guard. He worked his way up to achieve 1st Class Boatswain’s Mate and received his 100-ton Captains license. Chuck later unintentionally set the hill behind their schoolhouse on fire, which then inspired his son to become a firefighter.

Chuck was a devoted grandfather whose greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. Whether it was vacations shared, reading stories at bedtime, or simply spending time together, he was always present and involved in their lives. His grandchildren knew they could count on him for unconditional love, support, and encouragement. He took immense pride in each of their accomplishments and treasured every moment spent with them. The memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared will remain in their hearts forever. His legacy lives on through Sutton and Sawyer who he loved so deeply

Chuck enjoyed life. He liked to cook and plan parties, much like his dad. Chuck was the life of the party, if he was there, you knew it. He took pride in the annual company parties which he and Ruth put on for employees and friends. He was a chef and especially liked to grill at home and at the VanWie farm. Chuck especially loved helping with his grandchildren’s birthday parties, even if it meant dressing up as a pirate. Chuck was an incredible dancer and never met a dance floor he didn’t like. If there was music playing, Chuck was dancing. His moves were unforgettable, his enthusiasm unmatched and he brought joy wherever he went.

Craft brews were his favorite thirst quencher, and Chuck could always be counted on to discover great brew pubs while travelling.

A yearly weekend trip to Bolton Landing with his friends, “The Clay Island Ten,” was one of Chuck’s treasured traditions. There, his culinary and raconteuring skills were on full show.

Chuck served as North Elba Town Councilman, helping to develop the lacrosse fields near the airport. Both Chuck and Chase enjoyed playing lacrosse in school.

Chuck was part of the team that won Saranac Lake the designation of All American City in 1998. Allstate Insurance was a major sponsor of the National Civic League, and Chuck became aware of the competition through his work at Wilkins Agency. He encouraged fellow board members of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce to get working on the lengthy application. His knack for getting people to do things they otherwise wouldn’t do was on further display in Mobile, Alabama where the competition was held. Chuck got the Saranac Lakers to eat mudbugs – red swamp crayfish – one of his favorites.

For over twenty years, Chuck was a strong advocate for the rail trail, joining with his friend Tim Holmes whose consulting work at the start was a significant contribution. Chuck and Tim spent many hours walking the corridor with DOT, engineering consultants and wetland specialists to fully exhaust all the options, until achieving the one we enjoy today. Chuck helped convince residents, bureaucrats and politicians to tear-up the RR tracks, an example of Chuck’s willingness to put in the work to reach consensus rather than spending time arguing about it. He then became a trail steward, getting out to ride and inspect his section regularly.

Chuck’s kindness extended to being “Santa’s helper” for nearly twenty years, appearing along with Ruth in their own wonderful costumes as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sharing Christmas wishes and distributing gifts to hundreds of area children at the Harrietstown Hall. He was always adamant about keeping his identity a secret.

He recently completed training and volunteered with Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, helping elders to age in place with friendship and love.

Caretaking at the Methodist Church became another of Chuck’s pleasures in retirement, trimming trees or assisting Ruth with the church events and the food bank.

Chuck was a prolific letter writer, driven by his sense of morality and compassion. His letters appeared regularly in local papers and online.

Chuck held his parents, Ed and Anne Damp, in dear memory. Now, the family cherishes Chuck in memory as well. He will be forever missed by his wife Ruth, his son Chase, his daughter-in-law Olivia, and his grandchildren Sutton and Sawyer who Chuck doted over. Chuck’s siblings will hold him always in their hearts: Ray Damp (Patricia), Mary Hoyt (Michael) and Michael Damp (Dana). Chuck was surrounded by nieces and nephews who he loved very much and who loved him back.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. There are no calling hours. There will be a service at the Methodist Church in Saranac Lake on Saturday June 27th, 2026, at 10:30 am.

In Honor of Chucks vibrant spirt and love of fun, we welcome guests to wear Hawaiian Attire to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake Placid Historical society of which Chuck was a member. Family and friends can share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuenralhome.com.