College mourns passing of art professor Kenneth Burge

It is with sadness that SUNY New Paltz shares the news of the passing of Kenneth A. Burge, Jr., 86, on Nov. 14.

Burge was a beloved art professor who taught at the College from 1965 until his retirement in 2000. He was a painter and natural educator whose legacy includes major contributions to the founding and early operations of the Women’s Studio Workshop in Rosendale, N.Y.

Burge was also a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1955-1956. He was politically conscious and active as a member of multiple non-profit advocacy organizations and a participant in protests across the country.

Surviving are his sister, Barbara McLellen of Grants Pass, Oregon; his brother, William Burge of Portland, Oregon; niece, Jenny Tuillier of Eugene, Oregon, nephews, Robert Walker of Grants Pass, Oregon, Stephen Walker of Alton, Illinois and David Walker of Troy, Missouri He is also survived by Ethel Michelson of New Paltz, Beth Michelson of Gainesville, Florida, Amy Michelson of Acton, Massachusetts, and Barbara Leoff-Burge of New Paltz.

A Graveside Service for the burial of his cremains will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ulster County Veteran’s Cemetery, 81 Plains Road, New Paltz, N.Y., with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y. 12561.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.copelandfhnp.com.