Charles David Bitz

Charles D. “Charlie” Bitz (born February 10, 1945) passed away February 24 2022, just a couple weeks past his 77th birthday near his hometown of Tigard, Oregon. He fought bravely to overcome a series of medical issues in recent years. Despite the pain, Charlie always kept his sharp sense of humor and stayed strong until the end. Had they let him, he would have been on the roof of the care facility cleaning the leaves out of the gutters.

Charlie and his siblings were avid theater-goers, as their fellow season ticket holders to Broadway Across America at the Keller will tell you. He also loved the outdoors, particularly fishing, which was mostly just a quiet, scenic spot to drink beer - although a loud tavern didn’t bother him either. His many years as a longshoreman kept him outdoors but always knowing that Slim’s would greet him inside with a cold Heidelberg at the end of a long day (or sometimes even a short one). He always saved his quarters in beer change for his three “little darlins” who he was constantly bragging about and loved when they visited him at his house in the woods.

Charlie is survived by his daughter Tammy, son Bennie and his wife Kimmy, grandchildren Courtney, Casey, Charlee and her partner Irvin, his loving siblings Jerry, Wanda, Rich, Rosie, and Lynn, and numerous other dear nieces, nephews, relatives, his favorite son-in-law Steve and many friends from the Wigwam Tavern.

Charlie will be honored at the ILWU Hall in Portland (2435 NW Front Ave) on March 19, 2022 from 1-3pm followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion in Tigard (8635 SW Scoffins St).