Obituaries

Charles John Lankester

Published 2 years ago2y ago • Bookmarks: 49

January 21, 2023

Charles John Lankester, “Chuck”, born in England, a joint Canadian-US citizen, and a resident of Sleepy Hollow, passed away at home on January 17, 2023 at the age of 84. Chuck obtained a degree in Forestry from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He worked at the United Nations Development Programme for three decades to maintain forests and habitats around the world. Among his career appointments, he served as the Executive of the Mekong River Commission, helping countries of that river basin collaborate on water management. Chuck advocated as early as the late 1980’s of the global risk of a changing climate. The world’s laggardly response was a constant source of frustration. Finally, in the 1990’s, his work with the UN established the international goal for equitable internet access by 2005, and he helped coin the term “digital divide.” This last was a longstanding source of chagrin amongst children and grandchildren, who never convinced him to carry a smartphone. Upon fully retiring, he never again wore a watch and instead dedicated himself to his garden, his golf game, and his local community, both in Sleepy Hollow and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Son of Dr. John Lankester and Janet Morris Lankester, he is survived and sorely missed by his spouse, Kristen Timothy Lankester; his brother Dr. Ted Lankester; his four children Peter, Marisa, Heather and Kathryn; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Briarcliff on February 25 at 11:30 am ET. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org)

Read or leave a comment on this story...

Support our Sponsors