Victor “Turk” R. Despard III, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, surrounded by his family at Mennonite Home. Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of the late Victor R., Jr. and Helen Louise (Eshleman) Despard. Turk was the loving husband to Barbara Brubaker Despard for 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2023.
Turk was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School; he received his B.A. in History from William and Mary College and his M.A. in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology at Loyola University in Baltimore. Turk was an Airborne Ranger (Fort Bragg and Fort Gordon) as an officer in the United States Army.
Turk’s professional career was well rounded. He first worked for Univac before spending 22 years as the Founder of Kaadan Ltd, which enabled him to travel frequently. He served on the Board of Directors of National Houseware Manufacturer’s Association. Turk founded the Therapy Company to be a counselor and to provide services specializing in addiction, interventions and PTSD. He was blessed to have encountered so many interesting and incredible souls…