Kenneth Scott Volk

Kenneth Scott Volk, 72, died unexpectedly but peacefully on April 21, 2026. He was an ever-present husband, father, scholar, and truly a lover of life. Born and raised in North Tonawanda, NY, for the past 5 years he and his wife Michelle had been living at Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

The young Ken graduated from SUNY Oswego with two degrees and taught high school in Middletown, New York. He obtained a M.S. degree in Industrial Science from Colorado State University, where he met Michelle, his future wife, best friend, and life partner. Ken had a passion for education and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Industrial, Technical and Occupational Education from the University of Maryland. Born a natural teacher, he became a professor at East Carolina University.

While he loved his job, he was given the rare opportunity to be a senior lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. Ken and his wife and children were thrilled at the possibility of living overseas, as it was initially only a 2-year contract. Ken was later promoted to the position of department chair, and the family remained in Hong Kong for 12 years. Ken and his family savored the myriad experiences of living abroad, as they travelled extensively, enjoying the cultures of the world. He took up scuba diving with the exuberant enthusiasm that he had toward all his interests and hobbies. He became quite the underwater photographer/videographer, sharing his insightful and often hilarious home movies and photos with family and friends. While in Hong Kong, Ken was recruited for a prominent position in United Arab Emirates at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Remaining in the UAE for 13 years, he held other educational roles at the Masdar Institute, and the UAE Ministry of Education. Ken was highly respected for his in-depth research, and he presented and published widely in his fields.

After a full 25 years overseas, Ken and Michelle returned to the USA in 2020. They made Pawleys Island their home and opened a beautiful nature store together. Ken touched the hearts of all he met throughout the world and created an international network of friends, professionals, and students. Ken found joy in life every day. He was a skilled and creative craftsman. He saw potential in everyone and fostered their growth. His engaging presence charmed all who knew him, either intimately or even in passing, as he shared his energy, spontaneity, stories, humor, and generosity.

Ken is survived by his wife Michelle; their daughters Katherine and Lauren and their respective husbands Conor and Levi; his siblings Tyler, Thomas, Lauren, Janice, Nancy, Sandra, James, and his twin sister Kristin; his 11 nieces and nephews and 14 grandnieces and grandnephews. He is, and will be, sorely missed and long remembered as a true seeker of life. Those who were fortunate enough to experience his warmth, kindness and love, will never forget him.

A private ceremony has been held and a celebration of Ken’s life is being planned for later in 2026.

In lieu flowers or gifts to the family, a contribution to the following in memory of Kenneth Volk would be welcomed, enthusiastically:

South Carolina Environmental Law Project: Phone: (843) 527-0078; Postal: P.O. Box 1380; Pawleys Island, SC 29585; https://www.scelp.org/ways-to-give

Keep It Green Advocacy, Inc.; P.O. Box 1922; Pawleys Island, SC 29585; 843-325- 7795; https://www.keepitgreeninsc.com/fund-the-mission

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