Charles R. Pandolph

As an only child, Chuck grew up treasuring his friends. He had fond memories of their adventures together and loved to share them. Chuck was a lifelong resident of Saranac Lake, graduating from St. Pius X in 1966 and, after college, returning home, joining the New York National Guard and starting a family. He worked at the Trudeau Institute and then went on to become a registered nurse. Chuck spent many years working the night shift in the ER, where he was persuaded to volunteer for North Country Life Flight. He became a member of Life Flight’s board of directors and eventually stepped down to become the chief flight nurse, a position he fully committed himself to for 30 years. He was a mentor, teacher and dedicated nurse/paramedic who felt privileged to work with the many Life Flight volunteers who flew by his side, as well as the first responders and hospital personnel he worked with on the ground. Even with 3,000 missions under his name, Chuck continued to care. He helped people because he firmly believed it was the right thing to do. Even when he was tired, or it was Christmas day … he jumped into action when someone needed help.

Outside the aircraft, Chuck loved to teach himself new songs on the banjo or guitar, paint a picture, share a meal with others, play a round of golf, or even just meet at the Saranac Inn caddy shack to play a few holes with family as the sun set. An athlete himself, he loved watching all sports at any level — particularly if he was cheering on a family member or a friend. Make no mistake: if you were friend or family, or even a friend of a friend, he was your biggest cheerleader in life and nothing made him happier than seeing you succeed.

Chuck was immensely proud of his father and made sure his children and grandchildren knew him well despite his passing before they were born. His mother was extremely dear to him, and he took excellent care of her — even Life Flighting her to the heavens on her last day here. Chuck was also predeceased by a son, Michael, as well as many adored pets — with special emphasis on his orange cat, AWOL, who lovingly called him “Mel” when he wanted his breakfast or dinner.

Loving him forever here on earth are his beloved life partner, Mary Jane Connors; his children, Corey and Kristen (MacIntire) Pandolph, Kara (Pandolph) and Bryan “Buddha” Munn; his grandchildren, Madelynn (Munn) and Philip (PJ) Buck, Benjamin Munn, Nicholas Munn and Brayden Munn; as well the most recent apple of his eye, great-granddaughter Kathryn (Ryn) Buck, and many cherished brother and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. There will be no calling hours. Please join us at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake on Friday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. to send him home with love and gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, may we suggest donations to Adirondack Health for all their care and caring or Tri-Lakes Humane Society for his love of animals. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories online at fortunekeoughfuenralhome.com.