Obituary of Harry E. Barkham

Harry E. Barkham, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, surrounded by his family. A longtime resident of Bemus Point, New York, he is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 54 years; his daughter Jennifer (Joe) Klimchak, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his daughter Ann (Matthew) Gasser, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; his sister, Ann Karsh, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren; and a large extended family. Born on July 15, 1939, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Carl and Ruth McKeehan Barkham, Harry attended North East High School in North East, Pennsylvania, and Fredonia Delaware High School in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1957. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the aircraft carriers U.S.S. Intrepid and U.S.S. Tarawa. He met Kathleen while attending Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1965 and a Master's Degree in 1968. In 1965, Harry began his career in public education, working first as a social studies teacher, and later as a guidance counselor at Maple Grove Jr.-Sr. High School in Bemus Point, New York, for 30 years until his retirement in 1998. His interactions with students – both in and out of school – continued to bring him happiness and fulfillment long into his retirement. During his 51 years living in Bemus Point, Harry joyfully served his community and church. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union; as a member, usher and volunteer at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church; as a donor and driver for the American Red Cross; and spent a decade of summers working at the Chautauqua Boys' and Girls' Club. An avid reader and sports enthusiast, he most enjoyed sailing his Flying Scot on Chautauqua Lake – a passion he shared generously with both his children and grandchildren. Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. this Friday, December 6, at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church, located at 4954 Bemus-Ellery Road in Bemus Point, New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 12:00 p.m. at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care at 716-338-0033 or https://chpc.care/donate.