Charles Laraway Pillsbury

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Laraway Pillsbury of Capistrano Beach, who went home to Jesus on July 7th, 2025, at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully in his sleep from a massive heart attack. Just a month prior, on June 8th, 2025, we celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Linda. Chuck truly lived a wonderful life. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Bob and Betty Anne Pillsbury, he graduated from Minnetonka High School and then earned a BA in Finance from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. A month after graduation and marrying Linda Jenner, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. Their journey began in Alameda, California, where Chuck served in the Special Services Department at the Training Base, teaching swimming and tennis and coaching basketball. In 1969, he continued his education at the University of San Francisco, earning his MBA in 1973. Chuck and Linda were blessed with their son, Brent, in 1971, followed by their daughter, Michelle, in 1972. A job opportunity led their family to Orange County, where Chuck held various sales positions, including account manager, loan officer, selling electronic components, Regional VP of loan production for Security Pacific Bank, and managing numerous branches. He also managed The Ladera Ranch Real Estate office, was a partner in selling semi-conductors, and later returned to real estate. Chuck and Linda resided in Lake Forest for 40 years, raising Brent and Michelle there. In 1977, Chuck embraced a personal relationship with Jesus, and his steadfast spiritual leadership profoundly shaped their family life in Christ. He deeply cherished attending Bible Study Fellowship, completing all the studies, and served in various leadership roles from deacon to elder to Church Chairman. His favorite ministry was working alongside Linda with the Junior High ministry for two years, and then progressing to the High School Ministry for another four years. They often remarked that they experienced the youth group they never had, and cherished the blessing of raising their family with the support of their church community. Their blessings continued in 2003 with the birth of their first grandchild, eventually leading to seven beloved grandchildren. Chuck led a Saddleback Church small group for 20 years. Through the Peace Plan at Saddleback Church, he and Linda spearheaded the Peace Preschools, a ministry providing preschool opportunities for the poorest children in Rwanda. They were blessed to travel, train, and lead teams seven times. More recently, they found a place to serve in the Salt & Light Ministry at Calvary SOC. Chuck's remarkable work ethic and energy have been inherited by Brent and Michelle. Those who knew Chuck recognized his genuine concern for his friends, colleagues, family, and grandchildren. He was incredibly kind, known as the “best hugger ever,” and had a deep love for coffee, travel, and sports. He never spoke a negative word about anyone. Chuck loved to laugh, was generous, humble, a genuine friend, a devoted husband, and a beloved grandfather who adored his grandchildren. He loved playing with them, whether swimming, golfing, basketball, ping pong, or hiking. He was a much-loved, faithful Christ Follower who demonstrated compassion and love to everyone he met. A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary South OC, located at 1311 Calle Batido, San Clemente, CA, 92673, on September 27, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.