Charles Patrick Law

Charles Patrick “Chuck” Law, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend, passed away on October 17, 2026.

Chuck was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 3, 1945, to Carolyn Alice (Nason) Law and Charles Edward Law. At the age of eight, he moved with his parents to Yakima, Washington, where his father had accepted a position with Pacific Northwest Bell, which later became AT&T.

That summer, Chuck worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad. During his senior year, he attended Eisenhower High School in Yakima, graduating in 1963. He then attended college for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California, during the Vietnam War.

Chuck served as a Quartermaster Fifth Class and navigator aboard the USS Firedrake (AE-14), an ammunition ship that provided vital combat support and replenishment to U.S. Navy forces in the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea. During his service in 1968 and 1969, the ship received a new helicopter landing platform and completed numerous underway replenishments for aircraft carriers, auxiliary vessels, and smaller combatants, supporting major warships, including the USS New Jersey. Chuck was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1971.

Following his military service, Chuck moved to Seattle to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad, later known as Burlington Northern, as a switchman and brakeman. He subsequently transferred to Spokane, Washington, where he worked in the railroad’s security and damage prevention division.

In 1978, Chuck earned his commercial pilot’s license, adding another accomplishment to a life filled with adventure, skill, and a love of navigation. Whether on the railroad, aboard a boat, or in the cockpit of an airplane, Chuck enjoyed the knowledge and confidence that came with knowing what he was doing and doing it well.

His career took him to Minnesota in 1982, Kansas City in 1983, and Fort Worth, Texas, in 1993. During his time in Texas, the railroad became known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). Chuck retired in 2008 as a BNSF Director of Load and Ride, having dedicated 43 years of service to the railroad.

Chuck loved the thrill of open water. He possessed the true grit, navigational skills, and confidence needed to guide a vessel through the rough swells, dense fog, and fierce winds of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, always finding calmer waters on the other side.

Seattle held a special place in his heart. Every summer after retiring, Chuck docked his boat in Bremerton, Washington, and spent countless hours on the water fishing, exploring the beautiful San Juan Islands, and enjoying cherished time with his father on Bainbridge Island. He especially loved taking his boat through the waters of the Pacific Northwest, creating lasting memories along the way.

Retirement gave Chuck more time to pursue the activities he loved. He continued playing golf, hunting, and fishing, began flying RC airplanes, and returned to one of his longtime passions: bowling.

Chuck also had a few personal standards that were every bit as consistent as his navigational skills. He believed in keeping things organized, clean, and in their proper place—and he always made sure he was dressed to impress. You could say Chuck liked everything shipshape, whether it was his boat, his home, or his wardrobe. Wrinkles, clutter, and things out of place probably never stood a chance around him! If there had been a job title for Director of Organization and Personal Appearance, Chuck would have been a natural. His attention to detail was part of what made him uniquely Chuck, and those who knew him will smile remembering his unmistakable way of doing things.

Chuck also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for telling stories—long stories! If Chuck started telling you about something that happened years ago, you might want to get comfortable, because you knew you were in for the full version, complete with every detail, side story, and occasional detour along the way. He had a way of keeping people listening, laughing, and wondering just how many more chapters there might be. His stories were part of his charm, and whether you had heard them before or were hearing them for the first time, Chuck had a way of making the moment memorable. His humor, his storytelling brought laughter to family and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his former wife, Margaret Carol Law; his mother, Carolyn Alice Law; his father, Charles Edward Law; his grandmother, Alice Claribel Tibbetts; his uncle Bob and aunt Sally; his aunts Helen and Jean; and his uncle Norman and aunt Dorothy.

Chuck will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Minge, whom he met in 2007 and married in 2009, as well as by his family and friends. He leaves behind his stepmother, Beverly Law; his daughters, Cami Law and Jodi LaMarche (Garrison); his son, Charles Brandon Law (Laura and Lulu); his daughter, Lindsay Findley (Nathan); and his daughter, Caira Law. He is also survived by his stepson, Zhen Suo; his stepdaughter, Lu Suo; and his brother, Stewart Law.

Chuck was a proud grandfather to Grant, Turner, Carter, Weston, Akeeli (Lorin), Talaya, Rachel (Mark), Sarah, and Vernon. He was a great-grandfather to Zao, Huxli, Poppy, and Sheppard.

He leaves behind many cherished cousins, including Steve Wisner, his childhood best friend, Julie Hansen, Norm Nason, Nancy Nason, Jim Hiley, David Hiley, and Rev. Alon White.

Chuck also leaves behind lifelong friends he made throughout the years at the railroad, on the golf course, at the flying field, and in the bowling alley. The memories, friendships, and experiences he shared with those around him will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Chuck lived a life of hard work, adventure, dedication, and love. From navigating ships and flying airplanes to exploring the Pacific Northwest waters, he followed his own course with confidence. He took pride in his work, his appearance, and the people he loved, leaving behind a legacy of wonderful memories, lasting friendships, and a family who will carry his spirit forward.

Fly high, Dad. Enjoy the open skies and open waters. May your flights be smooth and your seas be calm. Fair winds and following seas. We love you and will miss you dearly. We will especially miss all of your stories.

Funeral Service - Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.

Final resting place - Monday, November 9, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. (Lane #2) at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.