Charles Wayne “Chuck” Swecker, 55, a resident of Valley Head, passed from this life Friday, July 31, 2015 at home.On Tuesday, May 3, 1960 George and Carolyn Swecker welcomed Charles ‘Chuck’ Wayne Swecker as the newest member of their family, their second child. He was born in Elkins and they took him home to Valley Head where he would remain until his unexpected death on July 30th 2015, 55 years later. His sister Penny, his mother and his father have already passed from this earth. He leaves his sister Pam (Mark) Kinder of Martinsburg two beloved nieces: AJ (Nicholas Maitland) Sharp of Valley Head, Blair (Charlan) Campbell, of Hillsboro, two beloved nephews: Frederick and Fletcher Kinder of Martinsburg, great nieces and nephews: Penelope (Tinkerbell), and Oliver Campbell both of Hillsboro, Shelldon Maitland of Valley Head and brother in-law Eugene Clark of Valley Bend. Chuck lived in Valley Head his entire life. He attended Valley Head Elementary and in 1978 he graduated from Tygarts Valley High School. After high school he attended WVU in Morgantown and obtained a teaching degree in 1984. In 1981 he got his first position at Camp Tygart as cook. This would begin a 15 year relationship with the Catholic based camp. From 1980-1987 he would serve as camp counselor. Given this opportunity he would be able to utilize his knowledge of fishing and camping on Cheat Mountain and Windy Run in Valley Head. He has spent his formidable youth in these remote areas with his father and uncles. For the next 5 summers he would hike, fish, swim, camp, call owls and explore the region he held dear to his heart, all the while sharing it with campers and staff alike. In 1988 he became program director of Camp Tygart. He remained in this position until 1990 when would become co-director for the next 6 summers. When Camp Tygart was not in session he would spend his time teaching at Valley Head Elementary. He became the kindergarten teacher in 1984 and in 1985 found his true calling as the 5th grade science teacher. He brought his love of science to his students teaching about the moon, the stars, the rain forest and all things nature. In 2001 he became the 6th grade science teacher at Tygart Valley Middle school. For the last 14 years his employment at TVMS gave his great happiness as he continued to share his love for education, sports and science. He dedicated his life to the education and well-being of his students. He was a football coach, track coach and the Athletic Director to TVHS for 10 years. To say that Chuck Swecker loved his home, his family, his students and his friends would not be a true statement. He lived for them. His entire life was dedicated to teaching all of us how to be in the world. To take the time to stop and listen to the wild, call in a coyote. He wanted us all to look at the stars at night, make a wish on a falling flame. Chuck was an avid music lover. He enjoyed working in his yard, his garden and landscaping his patio where he spent many summer nights with close friends telling stories and reminiscing on his humorous adventures on this earth. WVU football was close to his heart and he spent many fall days driving to Morgantown to watch the beloved Mountaineers or watching from home with friends and family. Chuck dedicated the last 55 years to bringing education and joy to peoples hearts. His family will forever hold his memory, his joy for the outdoors, his dedication to his community and his love for the great state he called home; West Virginia in our hearts. Our fond memories of Chuck Swecker will stand the test of time and be remembered at every hoot of an owl, every starry night, every time David Attenborough’s voice comes on a nature video and every time the Mountaineers take the field. May he rest in Peace. On Saturday, December 5th, 2015 at noon, friends and family will gather at the Valley Head Cemetery in their full ‘flying WVU blue and gold’ for his final pre-game celebration. This joyous event is to reminisce and honor his wonderful life. Everyone is welcome. Please come if you can and join us after for a pot luck style dinner at the Valley Head Community Building.
