Charles Anthony Harold

He was the youngest of eight children: Mary Jane (SNJM), Anne Rose (SNJM), William Joseph, John Richard, Frances Patricia (SNJM), Robert Emmett, and Eleanor Joan.

He grew up in Portland, Oregon, on North Kerby Avenue, and attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School. He went on to attend Central Catholic High School and was in the graduating class of 1954. Regarding his years at Central Catholic, he loved to say, “If you’re looking for me in the yearbook, you won’t find me in the section of star athletes or on the honor roll. I made my mark being the drummer in the band”.

He then went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Social Science from the University of Portland in 1958. Regarding attending U of P, he loved to say that he spent his college days drumming, going to bonfires, and chasing girls!

He enlisted in the Navy in May of 1959, and was honorably discharged in 1963 after serving on the ‘General William Mitchell’ and the ‘Bayfield’ as LtJG Charles Harold. He often said his biggest regret was not staying in the Navy longer.

Chuck married Sharon Daley in California in 1960 and they had seven children together: Charlie, John, Jenifer, Angel, Robert, Amy, and Joie. They divorced in 1972 and he married Violet Barnett in 1974. Vi brought three children into the marriage: Deborah, Donnie, and Dennis. In 1979 Chuck and Vi had Harmony. Vi died in 1985 and by this time Chuck had moved his family back to Portland, Oregon and they were members of the Holy Redeemer Parish and also the ‘Folk Group’, who sang at the Sunday masses.

This is where he met his 3rd wife, Julie Miesen-Harold, and they were married 36 years. Julie brought three daughters into the marriage: Joanne, Jalene, and Janis. Julie preceded his death on June 1, 2024.

Chuck lived a life filled with music, singing and adventure and loved to spend his time traveling, camping, and sailing. In his later years he was a dedicated volunteer and camp-hosted with Julie for the National Parks for 15 years. He also headed up food deliveries, via Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, for St. Vincent De Paul.

Chuck was an amazing Father and Grandfather and FAMILY meant the most to him. He was also an amazing teacher! He dedicated so much time making sure his children and grandchildren were educated on ‘life’, he taught many lessons, loved unconditionally, offered advice … which was always followed with an ‘I Love You’ and a hug, in tow. He was an avid reader and accomplished writer. Chuck actually compiled a book with a collection of his writings, poems and stories of his life. He was so proud of it! If you knew Chuck, you might have been asked once or twice … “have you read my book?”

Below is one of his favorite poems and one he read during Julie’s Eulogy, during her ‘Celebration of Life’ Mass, on June 12, 2024:

“ You’re looking pretty good, my dear, on your first day of sixty-five

Things aren’t perfect, but what the heck, it’s great just to be alive.

Think of all the sights we’ve seen and all the places we’ve been

Thousands of miles and millions of smiles, a story too long to begin.

A story of life unfolding anew, each day a gift to behold

Of family and friends, of chapter and verse, each waiting its turn to be told

Time hurries on, always one step behind, just relax and enjoy the ride. I’ll love you tomorrow, more than today, I’ll be right there by your side

I’m looking forward to bedtime tonight, there’s excitement in the air. You see, I’ve never shared my bed with a hotty on Medi-Care.”

Chuck … YOU ARE LOVED!

If you have a story you would love to share, please share below. We also welcome any photos that celebrate the life of Chuck!