Daniel K. Lincoln
On Sunday, April 11, 2021, Daniel Kennedy Lincoln sauntered down the road less travelled one last time surrounded by nature following a warm sun shower. While he may have left this earth, he has gone on to hike many more mountains, fish many more streams, and paddle over many more ponds.
Daniel was born in Schenectady, New York on November 9, 1937 to the late Powell Rogers Lincoln and Margaret Kennedy Lincoln. Soon after his birth his family moved to begin their life in Fairfield, Connecticut along with his brother, Herb Lincoln, who preceded him in passing. His love of learning sprouted at an early age. His love for alternative learning and thinking outside of the box began in his early days at The Unquowa School and carried on with him to Fairfield Country Day School. He attended Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire where he developed a love of boat building and fostered his love for the mountains working the winters on ski patrol. He went on to graduate with the class of 1958. He then attended Emory and Henry College, where he became known for his infamous Angel Food Cake with sprinkles and his love of honey. He graduated from Emory and Henry with a teaching degree and began his teaching career in Staunton River, Virginia where he taught and fought for integration of the school system. During his years in Virginia, he was an active fighter for civil rights, participating in many Civil Rights Movement marches. He later returned to his home of Fairfield, Connecticut with his first wife and two children to build their life and continue his teaching journey in the Fairfield Public School System. Alongside fellow innovative educatorsPhil, Peter, Arnold and Joanne - he founded the Whole Earth Learning program for high school juniors at Roger Ludlowe High School to get students to think critically, question the status quo, and get outside to appreciate nature and all its lessons. After years teaching high school students, he transitioned to Tomlinson Middle School where he taught geography and developed lessons that integrated all subjects from Math to English to Social Studies. He became famous for his “Red Writing”, which challenged students to utilize both rightand left- brain thinking. Students always remembered him for this, but also the detailed maps that they drew. Weekends were filled with grading poster- sized maps or globes drawn on beach balls. His love of nature was shared with his students during their yearly hikes on the Appalachian Trail.
During his summers off from teaching, early in his career, he worked at Camp ICC in Westport, Connecticut for innercity children teaching film and photography. He fell in love with the arts and crafts counselor, Kathleen, who later became his second wife. They shared their love of art, learning, and culture. They went on to adopt two daughters from the Dominican Republic. Kathleen and Daniel were married for 30 years before her passing in April 2009.
After retirement he enjoyed more time at his family’s home in the Adirondacks. He spent his summers there hiking, canoeing, and fly fishing. He enjoyed the solitude of the North Country and its beautiful landscapes. He made great friendships with fly fishermen, learning to tie flies; foresters, learning about trees and logging; and many more Adirondack characters. The Adirondacks held a special place in his heart as the family home had been passed down for four generations.
He is survived by his four children, Bartlett Lincoln Gowen ( Chris) of Lynchburg, VA, Olivia Powell Lincoln of New York, NY, Daniel Dodge Lincoln, of Lynchburg, VA, and Marta “Erika”
Lincoln of Pennsville, New Jersey, and five grandchildren – Evelyn, Jane, Gabe, Mary Kate, and Markhel.
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. It was Daniel’s wish that everyone celebrates his life in their own way, whether it be yoga, planting a tree or a saunter in the woods.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local public- school PTA/ PTO, the Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, or The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P. O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.