Charles Winston Raiborn III

Charles Winston Raiborn III passed away peacefully after a valiantly fought 12-year battle with cancer. Charlie’s passing occurred on March 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at his home in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family. Charlie was 60 years old at the time of passing. The length of Charlie’s life had no correlation to the fullness of it. His commitment to experiencing each day allowed him to enjoy more than a life’s worth of adventures, relationships, and laughs.

Charlie was born at Northshore Hospital in Houston, Texas on January 5, 1957. Early on in his life his father’s work took him and his family from Texas to California. His youth was spent riding bicycles throughout the canyons in and around his home. His love of riding and being outdoors never left him, and they became pastimes he cherished throughout his life. At the age of 16, his father’s work again saw him and his family moving. They moved to the small town of Rusk, Texas. Charlie and his brother Sam quickly realized that the attire and long hair they brought from San Diego would not be met with high praise. Over time he acclimated, but he didn’t come to see Rusk as his home until he met the love of his life and wife, Lou Raiborn.

Charlie started his career in the oil field by working offshore on the rigs. He was considered a good hand, but he quickly realized that he needed to grow in the field. Charlie always aspired to have the quintessential American life for him, his wife, and his forthcoming children. He achieved his Associates in Petroleum Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Using the degree, his work ethic, and passion for fostering relationships, Charlie progressed in his professional life farther than he could have ever dreamed. Eventually becoming the General Manager for Enbridge. Charlie always had a great passion for being a valued member of any company he worked for. This never held more true than with his work with the people of Enbridge. People whom he came to see not as associates, but as family. As an employee of Enbridge, he was most proud of his time spent in Canada and his selection as a board member for a petroleum technologies company.

Charlie considered mentorship a key component of his job. As he grew, he believed that it was important for him to find those that shared his passion and to assist them in their professional journeys as well. Even as his condition deteriorated, Charlie found solace and purpose by surrounding himself with work and the friendships he had made. When he was no longer able to make it to work, he was comforted by his friend’s generous visitations with him in his home.

His family will remember him for his quick wit, compassion, and devotion to friends and family. Charlie was a man who would always find the spirit and joy in those around him. His heart was open to all, and big enough for everyone he met. A man that took great joy in debating anything, mostly just for the sake of debate. We could not have asked for a better Son, Husband, or Father. We are forever in your debt for the time you gave us, and we will remember you always.