Obituary of Charles Edward Link

Charles “Chuck” Edward Link, 83, passed away on July 29, 2004. He was born in Maitland, Missouri on March 1, 1921 to Charles M. and Adeline Link. The family moved to Sterling, Colorado during his early childhood, and subsequently, to Boise, Idaho where they lived for many years. He has resided in Olympia since 1976. He graduated from Boise High School and attended college in Boise. In 1942 he married his high school sweetheart, Alice Ruth Mielecke. They were blessed with two sons and one daughter. During World War II he entered the service of the Army Air Corps and rose to the rank of Captain, serving in both North Africa and Italy. During his business career, he served as a principal in an insurance firm, followed by 19 years with Boise Cascade Corp. in Boise in various management capacities, and 15 years as Executive Director of Western Building Material Assoc. in Olympia, retiring in 1991. He was an avid reader, had many interests and had been active in many civic, State and national affairs and was voted “Young Man of the Year” in Idaho in 1956. The WBMA Educational Link Scholarship Fund was founded in 1990 by members of Western Building Material Assoc. in Chuck’s honor in recognition of his contributions to the industry and the Association. This perpetual fund was established to assist members and their employees in their quest for higher education. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth; two sons, Charles “Chad” E. Jr., (Robin) of Yachats, Oregon, John (Ann) of Grangeville, Idaho; one daughter, Jennifer Tunnell (Scott) of Boise, Idaho; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Ella) of Seattle, as well as six nieces and nephews. A sister, Joanne “Josie” Dinnison of Cheney preceded him in death. Chuck’s family expresses their deep appreciation to the staff of Mother Joseph’s Care Center and Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2004 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Rd. SE, Olympia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the WBMA Educational Link Scholarship Fund, c/o WBMA, PO Box 1699, Olympia, Washington, 98507. Arrangements with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, 360-753-1065.