Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in February, 1942, serving overseas in the Mediterranean area as a bombardier. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
Bill (as he was known by in California) obtained a job with the Los Angeles County Probation Department, serving as a juvenile probation officer.
In 1958, he moved to the territory of Alaska to help establish a probation program in the greater Anchorage area. In 1959 when Alaska was admitted to statehood, Chuck (as he was known in Alaska) was appointed to the new position of Director of the new State Division of Youth and Adult Authority. He was charged with the development of the correctional system for the state of Alaska. The forestry camp for youth and adults, which Chuck developed, are still operating today.
Chuck had this position in Juneau for eight years, until a change in the political landscape prompted him to move to Oregon in 1966. In November of 1967, he was assigned to the Hillcrest School of Oregon and later became the permanent superintendent of Hillcrest.
Chuck loved the Calvary Chapel and his minister, Rich Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, of 49 years; four children Trayce Hansen of Evans, Georgia; Jill Spackman of Salem, Ore.; Lynn Kirkham of Juneau, Alaska; and Cody Pfeiffer of Beaverton, Ore. A son, Wayne Kirkham, preceded him in death in 2007. Til we meet again, my dear husband.
A private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. Memorial contributions may be made to hospice. Services are under the direction of Pegg, Paxson and Springer Funeral Chapel.
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