Honor Charles C. Kark Sr.

Senate Resolution No. 1988 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of The Honorable Charles C. Kark Sr., distinguished public servant, devoted clergyman and dedicated member of his community WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication, command the respect and admiration of their community for their exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly those distinguished citizens who demonstrated great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body records the passing of Charles C. Kark Sr., who died on Monday, June 10,

2019, at the age of 81; and WHEREAS, Charles C. Kark Sr. was born to Raymond and Christine Kark on February 6, 1938; an industrious young man, he raised his own chickens and delivered their eggs to hundreds of customers throughout Binghamton, New York; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Practical Bible School and Youth for Christ Director Training School in 1958, Charles C. Kark Sr. held the position of Area Youth for Christ Director for three years; he then took over the helm of the family farm and drove a school bus for the Chenango Valley School District for 42 years; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Charles C. Kark Sr. served as the Town of Fenton Supervisor, a Broome County Legislator, and Broome County Contracts Officer; in 1970, he co-founded the Path of Life Camp, and was a member of several boards of directors including Gideons International, Child Evangelism Fellowship and the New York State Fish and Wildlife Service; and WHEREAS, Charles C. Kark Sr. helped organize the annual Legislative Day for the New York State Legislature and the National Day of Prayer in Broome County, and supported the New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms; and WHEREAS, In 2012, Charles C. Kark Sr. became the Pastor of Park Terrace Baptist Church; in this capacity, he brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, Charles C. Kark Sr. is survived by two daughters, Christel and Debbie (Charlie); four sons, Charles Jr. (Nancy), Jon (Pattie), Phillip (Flossie) and Joe (Jean); one brother, David; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and special friends; and WHEREAS, A man of great compassion and determination, Charles C. Kark Sr.'s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful public servant; his sincere concern for others; his integrity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself, will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of The Honorable Charles C. Kark Sr., distinguished public servant, devoted clergyman and dedicated member of his community recognizing the significance of his exemplary record of civic service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of The Honorable Charles C. Kark Sr.