Victor R. Despard III, veteran, family man
Victor “Turk” R. Despard III, 83, of Lancaster, Pa., passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, surrounded by his family at Mennonite Home. He was born in Lancaster, Pa., 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 bachelor’s degree in history from William and Mary College and his master’s degree 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 U.S. 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 the National Housewares Manufacturers 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.
Turk was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he volunteered and sang in the choir. He felt privileged to have played golf at Pine Valley and Lancaster County Country Club, and devoted many weekends with his brothers-in-law and friends perfecting his skill. He was also a weekend farmer, raising sheep right off the fourth golf hole at LCC.
Family was Turk’s greatest joy. He is survived by his son, Victor “Boyd” Despard (Megan O’Brien Despard); his two daughters, Elizabeth Louise Despard Guida (Steve Caldwell) and Mary Allison Despard (David Ratner); and eight grandchildren, Lindsey Nicole Guida, Natalie Meredith Guida, Kai Despard Ratner, Keegan Despard Ratner, McCaffery “Mack” O’Brien Despard (Rossana Elizabeth Despard), Bridget Kerwick Despard, Joseph “Jeb” Boyd Despard and Hill Patrick Despard. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Eshelman Despard. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Turk was preceded in death by his brother, William Roy Despard.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Turk’s Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, Pa., with Father Olkowski officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service. A private family interment will take place immediately following the service in the family plot at Lititz Moravian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial contribution in Turk’s name to Pecos Benedictine Monastery, Pecos, N.M., where Turk often participated in spiritual retreats.
Visit Turk’s Memorial webpage at TheGroffs.com.
