Charles W. Pinkham ’47 died on October 9, 2019, in Norwood, Massachusetts.
(The following was published in The Canton Citizen on November 11, 2019:)
Charles W. Pinkham, 93, of Canton, passed away peacefully on October 9 surrounded by family at Norwood Hospital after several months of battling failing health.
Born in Bangor, Maine, Charlie lived in Canton with his high school sweetheart, Lynn, until her death in 2011. Recently, by his own wishes, he continued to stay in his home, aided by his family and wonderful caregivers from Visiting Angels. His sense of humor, gentle kindness, and respect for others were noticed by everyone who came in contact with him right up until his passing.
Charlie graduated from Taunton High School, attended Bowdoin College for one year until he enlisted and served in the Army during World War II as a medical technician, and completed his degree at UNH in 1949. In 1953, he and Lynn moved to Canton and began their long and dedicated association with the town. Charlie was a longtime member of the Milton Hoosic Club, he attended the Congregational Church of Canton, and with great pleasure, he served as a member and then chairman of the board of directors of the Bank of Canton from 1962 until 2007. Charlie worked for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance for 36 years in several capacities of group marketing, retiring in 1986 as director of group operations marketing. Along with his service to the bank, he also served on and chaired the board of directors of Norwood Hospital for many years. In his retirement, he truly enjoyed his work as he dedicated his expertise and energy to helping local organizations he valued.
Charlie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Beloved husband and companion of 63 years to Marilyn Robbins Pinkham, he leaves siblings Paul Pinkham and his wife, Connie, of Center Conway, NH, and Doris Collins of Duxbury; sons Christopher W. Pinkham and his wife, Deb, of Freeport, Maine, and Lindsey R. Pinkham and his wife, Deb, of Simsbury, Connecticut; grandchildren Emilie, Matt and Katie, Alec, Ben, and Dave and Kelly; great-grandchildren Heidi, Jack, Britta, and Brooke; a niece and nephews.