Charles Sarhan Karam

Charles Sarhan Karam passed away suddenly on February 23, 2021. He was born in Bahzina, Syria on September 17, 1952 to his parents, Sarhan Karam and Wardy Faris. He immigrated to the United States in 1971 in search of a better future for his whole family, where he eventually met and married his sweetheart, Patricia Isse, on October 16, 1977. Most people know that they loved each other on sight, even though his Patsy played hard to get. Together they poured love into their three children, Rosemarie (42), Teresa (40), and Jason (38), as well as their children by marriage, George (43) and Rouah (29). Those children brought him 10 grandchildren that were his pride and joy: Gabriel (16), Lucas (15), Thomas (15), Matthew (15), Zachary (13), Anabella (9), Raya (7), Sofia (5), Daniella (3), and Charles Jason, his namesake, born just 8 months ago. Charlie lived in Portland, Oregon close to his children and grandchildren.

Charlie is preceded in death by his mother and father, his eldest brother, John Karam (m. Nawal Karam), and many dear cousins and friends. He is survived by his wife, whom he affectionately called Patsy, his children and their spouses, his brothers, Norman (m. Badia), Issa (m. Ragheda), Abe (m. Barbara), Marwan (m. Amina), Chafik (m. Anisa), Akel (m. Selwa), and Faris (m. Roula), and his sisters Hannan (m. Moussa), Chafika (m. Jamal), Salam (m. Chahady), and Ganet (m. Fadi). He had a deep faith in God, and a deep and pure love for his family. He always had a kind word, a big smile, and open arms for everyone he met. If you met him once, you were his friend, twice and you were his best friend – beyond that, you were his family.

He worked at the paper mill for 25 years, but his real love was C & J Nursery, which he originally built with his brother John and then later rebuilt with his son, Jason, in 2009. Charlie and his son Jason worked hand in hand, side by side, starting with one greenhouse and no water, and finally leaving a legacy that is 40 greenhouses strong. He was a true nurseryman – anything he touched flourished, whether it be his precious bonsai trees, his starters, his grafts, his garden, or every heart he ever left his mark on. Charlie was beloved by all who ever had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be deeply missed.

His favorite pass-times included laughing and playing with his grandkids, telling them stories about Johnny Boy and growing up “back home”, teasing his wife, giving incredible advice to his kids, watching wrestling and CNN, fixing things, being in nature, and tending his garden. He loved finding new things to grow, and new ways to grow them; his obsession last summer was growing yaqtin and he was ecstatic when they grew to full size. The next obsession was discovering all the ways he could cook it, which he shared with anyone who would listen, the signature Charlie Karam smile lighting up his face. He loved his siblings, his cousins, his nieces and nephews, his great-nieces and nephews, his fellow nurserymen, and his best friends, and he shared with all the bounty of his garden each year. He gave everything, every day, without hesitation, malice, or expectation. He loved with his whole heart, forgave with his whole heart, and lived with his whole heart.

Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh, Lord.

Let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Please join us for a funeral Mass on Saturday March 6th at St. Therese Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. for the repose of his beautiful soul. Because of COVID restrictions, masks and social distancing will be required. Please arrive early and in family groups for quick seating, and to maximize capacity. Due to these same safety requirements, committal will take place in a private ceremony at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, but anyone is welcome to pay their respects at his final resting place beginning at 4 p.m.

As per his wishes, he will be resting near his beloved bother, John.