WA - Chuck knew from an early age that he wanted to be a pilot. His father served in the Air Force and Chuck spent his formative years around military aircraft. Upon graduation from college Chuck was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force and entered pilot training in 1968 with a goal of being assigned to combat aircraft duty in Southeast Asia. Instead Chuck was assigned to the 1868th Flight Check Squadron at Wiesbaden AB in Germany. So instead of firing guns and dropping bombs Chuck's mission was evaluating air traffic control operations and navigation facilities. Always the professional Chuck excelled at the mission and was subsequently transferred to Richards Gebauer AFB, MO to serve at the headquarters level.

Chuck hired on with the Federal Aviation Administration and moved to Anchorage, AK. He enjoyed flying with the FAA but also missed the Air Force mission and camaraderie so he joined the Alaska Air National Guard, flying C-130 aircraft. Chuck's professionalism and people skills were recognized and rewarded as he eventually rose to the rank of Colonel and the position of 176th Wing Vice Commander.

While living in Anchorage Chuck had the opportunity to join Alaska Airlines. His son, Ben, followed in Chuck's footsteps, also joining the Alaska ANG and Alaska Airlines. On Chuck's final flight as Alaska Airline captain on the eve of his 60th birthday (the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots in 2006) Ben served as his First Officer. This was one of Chuck's proudest moments and most enjoyable flights.

Being retired from both the airlines and the ANG Chuck thought he had finished flying but was soon recruited to fly a privately-owned Eclipse 500 twin jet aircraft. Flying a single pilot aircraft was a new experience for Chuck but he mastered every system in the Eclipse because he was a professional. His attention to detail was rewarded during a flight into Chicago's Midway Airport, IL when the fuel controller on one engine locked in the cruise power setting. Chuck declared an emergency and managed to land the aircraft safely after some extraordinary maneuvering. The lead FAA investigator told Chuck this was the first such aircraft malfunction where he was able to interview the pilot because Chuck was the first to survive.

Chuck loved flying the Eclipse but in Nov 2018 he completed a routine trip and declared that he was no longer at the top of his game and made that his final flight, the mark of true integrity.

Chuck confronted Parkinson's disease in his final years with unwavering professionalism, just as he had faced every other challenge in his life. He mastered every exercise as instructed by his physical therapist to keep his limbs nimble and retained a great attitude. When the end came Chuck went out with dignity.

We were blessed to have Chuck in our lives and are left now with the sweet memories and moments we shared together.

Chuck is survived by his wife Karon; son Ben; loving families and many friends.

God bless Chuck.