Charles Windham Kleekamp

Charles was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 20, 1936, to Dr. Herbert G. Kleekamp and Irene Kurth Kleekamp and was the youngest of three brothers. While still in his youth, he developed a love for woodworking and metal cutting lathes. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1954 with B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and two M.S. degrees in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. His skills were recognized by two of his professors who offered him a partnership in their startup company, Applied Dynamics, designing and manufacturing computers.

He enjoyed an early passion for sailing and met his wife through their association with the University of Michigan Sail Club. He married Kathryn Hudock on May 29, 1971. They enjoyed their early married years sailing on Michigan waters in his Tartan 27-foot sailboat. In 1974, Charles and Kathryn moved to Massachusetts when he gained work at the MITRE Corporation in Bedford, Massachusetts. His work entailed developing fiber optic technology for military applications and brought him to many countries abroad. Charles and Kathryn raised three children in Bedford, Massachusetts; Elizabeth, Scott, and Russell.

After many family vacations there, Charles and Kathryn retired to Cape Cod, enjoying 25 years in the town of Sandwich. He loved science and all things technical. As a strong advocate for a healthy environment he was a founding member of Cape Clean Air. He also served as president for the advocacy group Clean Power Now, fighting to support wind power off the shores of Cape Cod. His hobbies were writing his family history, listening to classical music, reading, and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Charles truly gifted a greater appreciation of this world to all he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Herbert and Jim. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, children Elizabeth Kleekamp White (Josh), Scott Kleekamp (Ellen Haslinger), Russell Kleekamp and grandchildren Eli, Jackson, Jackie, Reggie, Livi and Owen. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Sandwich, MA.