Kasey Crandall, a 2022 graduate who earned a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies in environmental sciences, with a minor in biology, shows students different types of field equipment that are used for water quality monitoring, including what tools are used in the field to collect samples and information.

Losing a child creates an unfillable void in one’s life. For some families, establishing a legacy that keeps their child’s name present can help their grieving process.

This was what led Gayle and Barry Wilcox to establish a fund to remember their son, Bearach, after his sudden passing in 2003 at the age of 13.

“Bear loved the outdoors, especially hunting, and had a special passion for junior drag racing,” said Gayle Wilcox, Bearach’s mother. For this reason, they established a scholarship for a Cassadaga Valley Central School graduating senior who possesses the same passion that made Bear special.

The Wilcox family transferred the fund to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in 2016 to ensure it would be maintained forever in Bearach’s name.

Since then, it has impacted the lives of seven students pursuing higher education.

The 2017 recipient, Kasey Crandall, has now completed his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies — environmental science and is pursuing a master’s degree in biology there as well. His research is supervised by Dr. Courtney Wigdahl-Perry, highly respected faculty member known for her work studying Chautauqua Lake.

“I am interested in understanding the factors that impact harmful algal blooms,” Crandall said. “I look forward to pursuing a Ph. D so that I can eventually teach and continue my research. It would be great if I could live in this area.”

Crandall credits Gayle Wilcox with helping him discover this love for environmental science and biology.

“Mrs. Wilcox was my high school biology teacher and that is what got me passionate about it,” Crandall said. “I want to thank her family for turning a bad situation into something positive that gives opportunities to students like me.”

For the Wilcox family, seeing the fund grow over time has been important.

“We appreciate the way the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation manages the fund,” Gayle Wilcox said. “It has received gifts of all sizes, but some that are particularly generous. That combined with the investment approach allows it to make an annual award that has a significant impact on the recipients. Most importantly, we have peace of mind knowing that it will exist permanently to remember our son.”

To make a gift to the Bearach Wilcox Scholarship Fund, or any of the named endowments managed by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, visit crcfonline.org