Guestbook for Albert Kerck Van Boskerck Kelsey
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April 28, 2020 | Dawn Leland - Portland, Maine -- US

I was fortunate to know Kerck through a history discussion group at OLLI/USM, and will miss his wit and good company. My condolences to all.

April 17, 2020 | Patricia Bruhn - Windsor, CT -- USA

HI I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing recently, I am researching my Washburn roots and came across Norlands and the book your father wrote. I was hoping to meet him at some point or at least touch base, I see he worked with Bank of Boston, my mom did as well. I am sending you condolences and prayers for healing during this sad time. I hope you find comfort in this unprecedented time during our lifetime. I wish I could have met him, he sounds amazing. Sincerely, Patricia

April 17, 2020 | Claudia Bell - Farmington, Maine -- USA

Kerck was a wonderful friend and advisor to me as we worked together at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore. His knowledge of the Washburn family was invaluable as I compiled the revised Washburn Genealogy for the Washburn Reunion in 2015. His cheerful smile and twinkle in his eye will always be in my heart. A generous and caring human being. We will miss him.

April 17, 2020 | Steven Washburn - Tucson, Arizona -- United States

RIP - our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. We are so very sorry for your loss! - Steven and Jeanette Washburn

April 17, 2020 | Kity Washburne - Owngs Mills, Md. -- USA

Tom and I met Kerck and Susan later in life and it became one of our happiest family associations. Tom will be greeting Kerck, but I am saddened to hear he has gone. Such a lovely dedicated man, and a warm couple. I know he was deeply troubled by Susan'r passing and hope they are now at peace together.

For all the family I pray for your comfort in this really double loss. Fondly Kitty


(Please, no need to respond)

April 17, 2020 | Judy Bielecki - Belgrade, Maine -- USA

I had the pleasure of meeting Kerck when I worked at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center. He was a devoted and generous Trustee, who lent his considerable talents and experience to many projects to benefit this historical treasure. Kerck was a true Yankee gentleman-intellectual, inquisitive, civic-minded, no-nonsense, generous, adventurous, and with a wry wit. Not many people have the talent and gumption to earn a master’s degree from Harvard at 70 and also write a first-class biography of their illustrious ancestor. The photo you chose perfectly captured his essence. It seems fitting that he shared a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, a close political ally of the Washburns. I’m honored to have known him.

April 16, 2020 | Laurence Gross - Portland, ME -- United States

I was sad to learn of Kerck's recent passing. My condolences go out to the extended family on the loss of their patriarch.

I too met Kerck through the Portland Rotary Club where shared an interest in community service, travel and history. At one point, Kerck had me considering a trip with him to Kyrgyzstan, before the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory that put an end to a potentially wonderful adventure!

Thanks to Kerck's research and discussions at Rotary meetings, I learned about Maine's Washburn family and their historic contributions to Minneapolis and and the state of Minnesota. He was a fascinating man and always generous with his advice and time. That he will be missed by so many is a testament to his legacy.

His

April 15, 2020 | Shirley Alexander - Standish, Maine -- USA

I am so sorry for your loss. So difficult coming so soon after the loss of your mum.
I met Merck when we attended rehab together, and enjoyed talking history and genealogy with him. I am so glad that I bought an autographed copy of his book. He was a fun funny person and I am glad I got to meet him. Shirley

April 15, 2020 | Kathleen C Hewins - Falmouth, ME -- United States

My heart sank and tears shed when I heard of Kerck's passing. I had the honor of helping him and his lovely wife Susan during 2019. What a wonderful colorful couple they were and how I adored them both. Kerck was a gentle giant full of adventure and always a joy to be with. My sincere condolences to Patrick, his brothers and their families. May the wonderful memories you have of your wonderful parents help you all through this sad time. RIP Kerck & Susan XXOO

April 15, 2020 | Sam Cady - Portland, Maine -- USA

I am very sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Kelsey. I have come to know both he and his wife over the past decade. Most recently in March, we spent time together and he shared with me the recent loss of Susan.

He was most disappointed that his upcoming cruise was cancelled. A 60 day adventure from Singapore to Tahiti. I believe there was to be a stop in Dili, East Timor, a place where my wife and I had spent a week working. He spoke longingly of seeing Tahiti and the South Pacific.

We parted with smiles and optimism. ‘Book it for 2021’ we said. I hope he is now taking that cruise together with Susan.

I will miss seeing him. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

With sadness,

Sam Cady
Maine Eye

April 15, 2020 | Erik C. Jorgensen - Portland, Maine -- United States

I was saddened to read that Kerck had died - what a wonderful, fun, generous, kind, thoughtful man. He and I both were in Rotary together, quite a few years ago, and thought the world of him. I loved his intellectual curiosity - we worked together for a time on the weekly Rotary newsletter, which arguably reached its zenith under his editorial guidance. I also appreciated his book about the Washburns, who were indeed one of the most remarkable families in US History.

I am so sorry for your loss, but am confident that you will have more than a few wonderful memories of Kerck to keep into the future.