Charles 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. A celebration of

remembrance will be held at a future date.