QUEENSBURY-- Lincoln "Linc" Cathers, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Linc, a self proclaimed "Mesothelioma Warrior", was steadfastly committed to helping find a cure for this tragic cancer caused by asbestos exposure and to that end he courageously participated in numerous clinical research trials at the National Institute of Health, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Columbia University. He was also cared for locally by his deeply committed and compassionate Oncologist, Dr. Eric Pillemer.

Born in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late Lincoln B. Cathers and Dorothy (Drury) Cathers. He married Nancy M. Fletcher on August 2, 1958 and was looking forward to celebrating 55 years of marriage to his beloved wife this August.

Linc graduated from Gouvenour High School, NY in 1952. Always up for a challenge, Linc chose to attend Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Glen Cove, NY on full scholarship after reading an article in the Saturday Evening Post claiming Webb to be "America's Toughest School". He graduated in 1956.

Shortly after graduation from Webb Institute, Linc went on to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. After a short tour at sea, Linc was assigned to the Preliminary Design Branch of the Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C. during which time he attended George Washington School of Law and obtained his J.D. in 1961 and became a member of the Maryland Bar.

Upon leaving active duty in 1960, Linc turned his hat around and used his analytical and creative talents to become a civilian naval architect with the Bureau of Ships. Shortly thereafter he was recruited to one of the Navy's top priority programs, Polaris. After the loss of the "Thresher" in 1963 off the coast of New England, Linc became the naval architect assigned to develop two new Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles, which continue to stand ready today to rescue submarines and crews trapped on the ocean bottom.

The mid point of Linc's career was highlighted with two one-year Presidential assignments. The first was with the Stratton Commission where he served as Senior Technical Staff Member supporting 12 Presidential appointees and studied ocean mining, offshore oil production, fisheries, weather prediction and offshore legal issues. Serving an additional year, this knowledge was incorporated into the formation of our current National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In 1975 Linc was selected to attend a one-year MBA program at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He returned to Naval Sea Systems Command as Design Manager for the design of a new attack submarine that was later named "Seawolf". For his leadership effort, Linc was awarded the Navy Department's second highest civilian service award, the Superior Civilian Service Award.

Linc finished his 33-year career at the David Taylor Model Basin in Bethesda, MD working on concepts for future attack submarines. Upon his retirement in 1989, Linc moved from the Washington, DC area to the Adirondacks to be close to his beloved Lake George.

Upon moving to Queensbury, NY, Linc turned his efforts to a second career as a financial counselor and was able to spend more of his time at his camp, "Shagbark Lodge" on beautiful Lake George sailing his O'Day 22 and cruising in his classic Lyman wooden boat. He also enjoyed the extended winter months that allowed him more time to enjoy curling at the Schenectady Curling Club.

For the last 24 years, Linc found time to be active with Rotary International as well as Boy Scouts of America. As a Rotarian, Linc proudly served as the Glens Falls Rotary Club president in 2003-2004, Assistant Area Governor in 2010-2011. Additionally he was honored as the club's Rotarian of the year in 2001 and as District Rotarian of the year in 2008.

Linc's Boy Scout roots go back 1949 when as a 14-year-old Eagle Scout he represented NY and NJ on a one-week trip to NYC and Washington, D.C. where he had the privilege to meet President Truman. He also cherished his time serving the BSA as a board member of the Twin River Council for over 15 years. Linc was awarded the BSA Silver Beaver award in 2005.

Linc was an active member at Harrisena Community Church and enjoyed serving his community as an off-ice official for the Adirondack Phantoms and as a community driver for the American Cancer Society. Linc was passionate about protecting Lake George and served as an active member of the Pilot Knob Association, the Lake George Association, and the local chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

Linc's hobbies included curling, classic wooden boats, sailing, running and relaxing on his dock at Lake George savoring beautiful sunsets and spending time with his cherished family.

Linc was looking forward to enjoying the family's new summer camp currently under construction, replacing the 70-year-old camp built by his father-in-law. This new camp will be Linc's legacy to his beloved wife, daughters, son-in-laws and 10 grandchildren.

Linc is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Nancy Fletcher Cathers, his four daughters, Caren Hurley (Bill) of Anchorage, AK, Jennifer Keninitz (Don) of Germantown, MD, Courtney Rowe (Charlie) of Advance, NC, Lynsey Fitzgerald (John) of Queensbury, NY and his sister Marcia Allen of Hickory, NC. Ten grandchildren also survive him: Nick, Nate and A.J. Keninitz, Kendall and Lyndyn Hurley, Wilson and Christi Rowe, and Hayden, Sullivan and Carlyn Fitzgerald.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held in early August. Burial will be at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery with full military honors.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 6th from 1:30-3:00 pm and 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, NY.

At Linc's request, the family suggests donations in his name to:

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
http://www.curemeso.org/fundraising/linccathers

1317 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-0399

Boy Scouts of America Twin Rivers Council
http://www.trcscouting.org
253 Washington Avenue Extension
Albany, NY 12205

Rotary International - Clean Water Project

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.