A memorial gathering of remembrance for 90-year old Mr. Charles K. Birckhead of South Colton will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the BPOE Elk’s Lodge in Potsdam from noon to 2:00 p.m. An urn burial will be held at a later date in the South Colton Cemetery. Mr. Birckhead died May 25, 2011 at the Whiteford Adult Home in Hermon, where he had been staying for a short time.

Survivors include his wife Anna Neil Birckhead of South Colton; two sons, James J. and his wife Carol Birckhead of Great Falls, MT, and Hunter K. and his wife Karen Birckhead of Warren, NJ; two step-sons, William R. Swafford and his wife Lyn of S. Colton, and Benjamin C. Swafford and his wife "Pat" of Raleigh, NC; and eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, J. Gordon Birckhead; and a sister, Helene B. Hartley.

Mr. Birckhead was born April 18, 1921 in Schenectady, the son of James and Helena (Bilodeau) Birckhead. He was a plumber employed at Clarkson University for over 30 years. He married Anna Neil in Potsdam, on October 2, 1964.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Charlie’s memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 6805 U. S. Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, or to the Potsdam BPOE Elk’s Lodge.

Arrangements are with the Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.