Erik Richard Van de Bogart

Erik Richard Van de Bogart, 86, of 103 Santee Circle, Hertford, NC, died Saturday, August 9, 2014 in Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation, Elizabeth City. Erik was born in Cortland, NY on September 15, 1927. A veteran, he had served in the judge advocate branch of the Air Force during World War II. Following his graduation in 1951 from Clarkson University where he earned a B.S. degree in business and accounting, he worked for Corning Glass Works in Corning, NY where he was in charge of accounts receivable. After earning a master's degree in education, he was employed as a science teacher in the public schools in the Corning area and taught by way of television through a cable hook up made possible through a grant from the Corning Glass Foundation. He developed a science curriculum taught entirely on television and became the program director for ten television program series. Later he became the director of Educational Television in Schenectady, NY and then in 1970 the State of Maine employed him to run the University of Maine's seven television and ten radio station networks. Erik retired in 1986 and relocated to Hertford in 1994. After retirement he developed a passion for wood carving, and he was known in the area for donating his carvings to many non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts, as well as sharing his carving skills on a gratis basis with local adults. A member of Hertford United Methodist Church, he also enjoyed membership in The Rotary Club of Hertford, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Eda; and two sons, Mark and his wife Lee Etta, and Erik, II. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church by the Rev. Jane Leechford, the Rev. John Bonner, III and Chaplain Corbin Cherry. Friends may join the family in the social hall of the church immediately following the service, and all other times at the residence. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to either the scholarship fund of Hertford United Methodist Church, 200 Dobbs St., Hertford, NC 27944 or The Rotary Club of Hertford, PO Box 155, Hertford, NC 27944 to be designated for The Rotary Foundation or Polio Plus, or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.