Charles (Mac) Mcgurk

Many obituaries discuss passing on peacefully. But, while he was surrounded by family on October 16th, 2024, it seems more likely that Mac did not go gently into that good night, but rather rode his motorcycle away at full tilt, with the wind at his back, and a wide open grin on his face.

Charles (Mac) McGurk was born on October 15th, 1942. He spent most of his childhood in Ithaca, NY, along with his siblings, Harriet (Frank) Stella, Bruce (Jan) McGurk, and Betsy (Ed) Mensah. He was driven by challenge and adventure from a very young age. Buying his first car at age 12, he would hitchhike to the local car shop, to get advice and parts until he was able to get it running. He would then take his siblings out to rattle around in the fields, and cruise along the curvy roads of Enfield.

This was just the beginning of a long life of learning, pushing his limits, and pursuing the need for speed. He was restless through college, and was always multitasking in a variety of business ventures, including a moving company and paint-striping with his brother. When he eventually decided to attend medical school, he landed in Belgium, where he did not speak a word of Flemish. He graduated medical school by sitting with a Dutch-English dictionary to translate each word of his lecture notes, using a stopwatch to keep his pace. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Nicole (née Segers). His moonlighting job when they met was motorcycle road racing. So, soon after meeting, they set off to travel around all of Europe in a small van, along with a collection of motorcycle parts and a mechanic. Racing and tinkering with cars and motorcycles were lifelong passions, though he had many more. He believed that a person could learn anything, as long as you had the manual (no matter how heavy a tome it was). He was curious about any subject, and would be swept away by a variety of hobbies. He raised farm animals, as his parents had before him, tenderly caring for each animal and crying over their slaughter. He started a potted banana tree grove. He managed bee hives, and collected honey. He found skiing and parachuting thrilling. He studied chess, and would stay up late practicing against computer masters. He wished to excel in everything he did, and his curiosity made that list endless.

He approached his work with the same fervor. His psychiatric career spanned decades, and included work in private practice, at Tompkins County Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Robert Packer Hospital. He would also help with Veterans Affairs and residential facilities for incarcerated youth. Often gone before sunrise, and back late at night, he was driven to keep the units running as smoothly as possible, and to be sure that people were getting the care they needed, despite an often over-flowing caseload. He genuinely respected people from all walks of life, and continued to hold that respect for them, even when they were in their darkest times.

Mac is survived by his wife, Nicole (Nicky) and their children, Kelda, Kegan, Lisa, Mark, and Alia (in spirit), along with one granddaughter, Anneke. They will remember him for his strong will and strong support. His dogs, Zeke and Jack, will dearly miss him and his sneaking food to them after every meal.

Many thanks to the caring staff at Oak Hill Manor for their loving care, during his final few days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of Tompkins County.

“Please join us for a Celebration of Remembrance, to share a drink and a story or two.

November 16th, 12pm-3pm at Garrett’s Brewing Company (the former Rongo building) in Trumansburg, NY.

The venue offers a variety of food and drink options available for purchase.”