Charles T. Bolden

May 13, 1928 - November 4, 2017

Charles (Charlie) Tulloch Bolden (Sr.) Born in Cheyenne Wyoming to Ernest Francis Bolden and Hanna Maude (White) Bolden on May 13, 1929. Charles had two brothers, Jim and John and one sister, Gail. Charles was raised on the family ranch in Wyoming. The family moved to Oregon in the 1940’s, and Charlie joined the US Navy at the end of World War II. He spent 2 years in the Navy where he served in the South Pacific. After his honorable discharge in 1948 Charlie went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad where he served an apprenticeship as an electrician, his lifelong trade. In 1948 Charles met and married Genevieve Barbara Merrick. They had 3 sons together, Charles Jr., Steven and Mark, but later divorced. In 1966, Charles met and married Rachel Malinda Naylor in Portland. The two remained happily married for 51 years and devoted to each other until his death. Rachel had 4 daughters, Patricia, Rebeca, Donna and Vicky. Charles loved the girls like his own and adopted Vicky Dawn (Naylor) Bolden who preceded him in death. After more than 20 years at the Railroad, Charles accepted an electricians job with Publishers Paper Company in Oregon City. He later accepted a position with Publishers in Newberg and Charles and Rachel moved from Portland to Newberg where they lived happily together until his death. Charlie was an avid hunter and fisherman and instilled that same love into his three sons. He and Rachel enjoyed traveling and taking cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, they toured the Czech Republic together, and made several trips to Hawaii. Charlie enjoyed golf with friends and his sons. Charlie was a lifelong creative craftsman who never quit tinkering and creating. Following his retirement at 68, Charles repaired police impounded bicycles for underprivileged children, built golf clubs for friends and family, rocking horses for his grandchildren and could always be found building something in his shop. When anyone had a problem, Charlie would always be there to help regardless of the time of day or night. Charles is survived by his wife Rachel, sons Charles Jr, Steven and Mark, stepdaughters Patricia, Rebecca, and Donna, brother John and18 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.