VINALHAVEN — Charles Burke Lynch, 76, died on Monday, November 18, 2019 at his home. 

Born on March 13, 1943 in Boston, he was the son of George M. and Mary Catherine (Mahon) Lynch.

After a brief time in college, Burke enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October of 1961, where he served until 1983, completing two tours in Viet Nam as a proud member of the First Force Reconnaissance Company. Gunnery Sergeant Lynch was awarded many honors and citations including a bronze star with combat “V”, Presidential unit commendation, humanitarian service medal, gallantry cross, Navy/Marine Corps parachutist insignia, Navy scuba divers insignia, and Meritorious Mast.

On November 18, 1979, he married Linda Conary on Vinalhaven.

After retirement from the Marine Corps, Burke worked in many positions, but found his niche as chief of the Vinalhaven Ambulance. He worked tirelessly advocating for expansion of the program in order to meet the community’s growing needs, including recruiting and training volunteers to serve. 

In his free time, Burke enjoyed a physical challenge and sharing that love with others. Over the years he played rugby, ran and organized many races, started Vinalhaven’s first gym, Aerofit, became a Maine Guide for recreation and kayaking, and founded SeaEscape Kayak, which he ran with Linda. He also enjoyed woodworking, birdwatching, Bible study, meditation, and spending time with his dogs.

Burke was very involved in Vinahaven’s church community. After finding his spirit renewed and coming closer to God in his 30s, he threw him himself into sharing that love with others. He became an Elder in the Community of Christ Church and helped build the Pleasant River Chapel. His gentle and personal approach led to many requests to officiate weddings, christenings, baptisms, funerals, and even the Baccalaureate for Vinalhaven’s Class of 1989. 

In recent years, Burke found pleasure continuing to serve the community serving individuals. He visited shut-ins, played spiritual videos with residents at Eldercare, gave people rides to appointments, and read to children, all while quietly struggling with his own diminishing health.

Humble and warmhearted, Burke was a hard worker with great integrity. The question was never whether something could be done, but how. His sense of humor was dry and, with children, goofy. He was often serious and contemplative.

Predeceased by his son, Michael Lynch and brother, Peter Lynch, Burke is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda Lynch of Vinalhaven; daughter, Christie Lynch Michaud and her companion, Jay Hoyt of East Granby, CT; sons, William Lynch and his wife, Idys of Norwich, CT; Lyford Alley and his wife, Sandy, Brad Alley and his wife, Kristin all of Vinalhaven; grandchildren, Charlotte Michaud, McRea Michaud, Sarinia Alley and Trenton Alley; sister-in-law, Hazel Smith and her husband, Malcolm of Vinalhaven; niece, Maureen Keo and her husband, Leap, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., at the Union Church of Vinalhaven with the Rev. John Potter and friend, Elder Robert Candage, co-officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Vinalhaven Ambulance Service, Vinalhaven, ME 04864, or to Vinalhaven Eldercare Medical Alert Services, P.O. Box 624, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. 

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.