Chuck, as his friends and family called him, was born in Hoquiam, Washington. The son of Vernon John Wilson and Lucetta, the younger of their two children. Vernon Wilson was 23 when he succumbed to cancer, leaving Lucetta to raise Chuck and his sister Fran. Lucetta was remarried nine years later to Joseph LaLande, whom Chuck would know as "Dad".
In 1947 Chuck joined the Navy. He served five years in the Pacific and was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1952, after an honorable discharge, Chuck left the Navy and began employment with Boeing in San Diego, California. It was there that he met and married Carolyn Fournier. The couple had two children, Kathrine Jane Wilson and James Andrew Wilson. He left Boeing and joined Lockheed-Martin in White Sands, New Mexico. In 1963 he was transferred to Heidelberg, Germany. Divorcing in the same year, Chuck returned to San Diego. He then married his 2nd wife Doris, whom he happily shared life with until her death in 1971 after her battle with cancer. Soon after, Chuck married Patricia Ann from San Diego. Together the couple have one daughter Deirdre Ellen Wilson.
In 1980 Chuck and Patricia moved to Castle Rock, Colorado where Chuck was a production manager for Timberline Stoves. Chuck held numerous jobs throughout the years including, mailman, independent contractor for the Denver Post, elementary and junior high school bus driver for Acres Green School, and custodian for the Castle Rock Cemetery. He personally planted over 25 trees on the grounds. He and his wife also delivered phone books to Castle Rock and the surrounding community. Despite economic hard times Chuck always seemed to land on his feet, never needing assistance. He has been Santa Claus for the traditional Star lighting in Castle Rock for numerous years as well as a Santa at the mall, schools and local Senior Center.
Since retiring in 2001, he has dedicated his life to enhancing senior services in the Douglas County community. For four years he served as transportation director for the Castle Rock Senior Center and also served an equal duration as the president for the Douglas County Senior Council. He inspired fund raising via the Recycling Center for the Senior Foundation, of which he served on the executive board. Chuck located a music director at the request of many in the area, which resulted in the Castle Rock Chorale. This group still performs today. In his (very) few spare moments he delivered baked goods donated by the local Safeway on weekend mornings to assisted living facilities in the Castle Rock Area.
Chuck and Pat traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. They enjoyed backpacking, fishing, hiking and touring. Hiking was as shared passion for them both. Twice, hiking over 50 miles in Olympic National Park (often in the rain). He enjoyed photography, museums, literature, food, good wine, strong coffee and homemade apple pie. Up until late 2016 he kept their Castle Rock home warm with wood that he cut and split by hand.
Chuck is survived by his wife Patricia, two daughters: Kathrine Jane and Deirdre Wilson as well as numerous grand and great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Chuck was devoted to his friends and family. He was known for his kindness, generosity, humor and wit.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Senior Foundation.
Memorial Services will be held at Creekside Bible Church at 2180 S I 25 Castle Rock, Colorado.
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