Celebrating the life of
Horace S. "Bo" Van Voast, III
April 22, 1927 - November 12, 2008
HORACE S. VAN VOAST, III "BO"
1927-2008
Shellman Bluff, Ga. – Horace S. VanVoast, III, 81, passed away on November 12, 2008 at St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital in Savannah, Ga., following sudden complications related to aplastic anemia.
"Bo," as he was called by all who knew him, was born on April 22, 1927 in Schenectady, N.Y. He was the son of Mary L. and Horace S. Van Voast II and lived in Schenectady for more than seven decades. With his wife Sheila he moved to Saratoga Springs in 1996, where the couple lived until moving to Shellman Bluff, Ga. in 2007.
Bo was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School, where he was active in student government and played on the varsity football team. He had a great love for his country and proudly served with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard CV31 until 1945.
Bo graduated from Union College in Schenectady in 1952. At Union he was on the editorial staff of The Concordiensis, was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity, and served as 1952 class president. He continued a lifelong association with Union College as a devoted fundraiser, became a member of the Union College Garnet Guard Society, and was awarded the esteemed Union College Alumni Gold Medal in 2002.
Bo enjoyed a 40-year career in the insurance industry, first as an associate of his father's in the Van Voast Agency in Schenectady, and then continuing until retirement as a vice president with the Lawrence Group in Albany.
While living in Saratoga Springs, Bo served his community as president of the Birch Run Association, as a volunteer for the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and by delivering meals to needy citizens for the Meals on Wheels organization. He was a member of St. George's Lodge No. 6, F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite of Schenectady. Bo's lifelong hobby was reading with keen interest in all things related to American history, a subject in which he developed a real expertise. After recently moving to Shellman Bluff, he became an active member of the Lower Altamaha Historical Society of Darien, Ga.
Bo also enjoyed kayaking, taking walks and engaging in lively conversation. He was a kind, gentle man who loved life. These qualities – as well as Bo's quiet sense of humor – will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; his son Peter S. Van Voast of Queensbury, NY; his daughters, Margaret W. Van Voast of Falls Church, Va., Amy Raimo of South Glens Falls, N.Y., and Holly Anne Van Voast of Bronx, N.Y.; and his grandson, Thomas A. Raimo of South Glens Falls, N.Y. He is predeceased by his son, David Van Voast. Bo is also survived by Sheila's children, who all played a special part in his life: Alan J. Kuntze II of Mt. Vernon, Wash.; Christopher D. Kuntze of Whitefield, N.H.; and Megan Kuntze of North Adams, Mass.; as well Sheila's grandson, Davin Kuntze of Brooklyn, N.Y. Bo is predeceased by Sheila's son, Seth Colin Kuntze.
A memorial service will be held at the Union College Memorial Chapel on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 at 4 P.M., with a reception to follow at the Union College Old Chapel.
Donations in Bo's memory may be gifted to the Union College Annual Fund, 808 Union St., Schenectady, N.Y. 12308-3107 or to a charity of your choice.
I am very sorry to hear of 'Bo''s passing. I remember him from my time at United Community Insurance Co. My most memorable time there was the 6 week Broker licensing class I took from 'Bo'. I learned so much from him, not only about insurance but about being a good business person. He was a gentleman through and through. Please know that your family is in my prayers.
- Mikki Brassard, Schenectady, NY
His daughter Amy is one of my very best friends and although we did not have a chance to meet, he must have been a wonderful man to have such an amazing daughter. My deepest condolences to the family.
- Deneen Palmateer, Schenectady, NY
Dear, dear Sheila, I was shocked and saddened beyond words to learn of Bo's sudden and unexpected passing. As a relative newcomer to Birch Run, I hadn't known you and Bo for very long but our work together on the Birch Run Board did at least bring us together a bit and I will not be able to repay your and Bo's many kindnesses to me personally. Knowing that Bo is at peace, I can only hope and pray that time may ease while it will never erase, the pain of his going. My love to you, Seth
- Seth Rosner, Saratoga Springs, NY
Sorry hear about Bo ... I know there are many folks that have looked up to him as a mentor in the insurance business over the years. He will be missed that is for sure. God Bless during this difficult time. P.S. I am grateful and glad Thomas got to spend some time with only surviving grand father at the time. Jim
- james raimo, Ballston Spa, NY
I am very sorry to hear of 'Bo''s passing. I remember him from my time at United Community Insurance Co. My most memorable time there was the 6 week Broker licensing class I took from 'Bo'. I learned so much from him, not only about insurance but about being a good business person. He was a gentleman through and through. Please know that your family is in my prayers.
- Mikki Brassard, Schenectady, NY
His daughter Amy is one of my very best friends and although we did not have a chance to meet, he must have been a wonderful man to have such an amazing daughter. My deepest condolences to the family.
- Deneen Palmateer, Schenectady, NY
Dear, dear Sheila, I was shocked and saddened beyond words to learn of Bo's sudden and unexpected passing. As a relative newcomer to Birch Run, I hadn't known you and Bo for very long but our work together on the Birch Run Board did at least bring us together a bit and I will not be able to repay your and Bo's many kindnesses to me personally. Knowing that Bo is at peace, I can only hope and pray that time may ease while it will never erase, the pain of his going. My love to you, Seth
- Seth Rosner, Saratoga Springs, NY
Sorry hear about Bo ... I know there are many folks that have looked up to him as a mentor in the insurance business over the years. He will be missed that is for sure. God Bless during this difficult time. P.S. I am grateful and glad Thomas got to spend some time with only surviving grand father at the time. Jim
- james raimo, Ballston Spa, NY
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
