Obituary of Charles J. Bridges
Charles was born in Milford, Utah to Claire and Dee Bridges October 1949. First boy in the family he was forth in line out of eight children. The family moved every year, and by age of 12 the family moved to Oregon. We moved to McMinnville and the next year moved to Sheridan, Oregon. Then the following year moved to Oregon City where the family finally put down roots.
Charles held the title for pole vaulting in school and graduated from Oregon City High School in 1967.
He joined the Army in 1968. He trained in Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Carson and eventually off to Vietnam War. He didn’t talk a lot about the war. We know he was a gunner, mechanic and co-pilot on the ITU I helicopter. During his tour he got sick with appendicitis and was hospitalized in Japan and then he got to come home. While in the Army, Charles was a Sargent, received several notorious metals and was an infantry leader.
He met Susan McCartney (through her friend Floyd). They started dating and they got married January 1976.
Charles loved to work on Cars. One month before they got married the engine blew in their Camaro. Dad and Chuck worked on it for a couple of weeks and they got it fixed and it purred like a kitten. He also loved motorcycles, car races at PIR and the Woodburn Drag Strip. Chuck and Sue went to Sidewinders every Friday for 2-3 years. They were also on a bowling league.
Charles proudest moment was February 1978 when his son Christopher was born. He loved being a dad. He couldn’t wait for Christopher to be old enough to do sports. I believe he bought skies for Chris before he could even walk!
Charles did construction work for many years before retiring. He worked with several family members off and on. He did siding on his parents’ house and he painted his sister’s house. He also helped Trev and Debbie and kids move to New Mexico.
When Chuck was diagnosed with dementia his sisters took turns taking care of him. He finally moved from Canby to Oregon City and lived with his sisters. We had some very precious (but few) moments with him until the dementia worsened. In February he was diagnosed with stage four cancer. He ended up in the hospital and from there to Marquis where he was on hospice and later passed away.
There are many stores but to many to write down. He was very caring and would help anybody. He was quite the jokester and dare devil. He definitely new how to charm the ladies. He loved his cars, swap meets, Nascar, motorcycles, football and good movies.
Chuck passed away May 13, 2021. He is survived by his sisters; Elora, Shauna, Sherri, D’Ann; Nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by; mom, dad, son Christopher, Eraina, Deeon, Trevelyon and Lisa.
He will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery on June 11th at 10:00am. Ice crema memorial at Rivercrest Park in Oregon City 11am-3pm June 11, 2021. Please RSCP by June 4th, 2021 to Shauan 503-348-5951, Sherri 503-704-4365 or D’Ann 503-310-0626.
In lieu of flowers in Chuck’s honor, please make donations to The American Cancer Society or Wounded Warriors.
There are not enough words to express our gratitude for the out pouring of love, prayers and support. We deeply appreciate each and every one of you.
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