Charles Robur Hughson

Charles R. Hughson passed away peacefully after 99 years living most of his life in the Milwaukie, Oregon area. He was born in Portland, Oregon, to Robur and Tirzah Hughson and graduated from Grant High School in 1940. He spent his early years near the present day Lloyd Center and one of his first jobs as a teen was custodial work for nearby Hyster Company. His first two college years were spent at Oregon State College and in 1943, he transferred to the University of Colorado, Boulder, entering the V-12 Navy College Training Program earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was there that he met Betty Oliver, another alumnus of the University. On graduation and with the war ending, he and Betty married in Boulder on March 11, 1945 and once honorably discharged from the Navy, they moved to Portland, Oregon.

Charles then spent the rest of his working life in the Industrial Lift Truck Division of Hyster Company retiring after a total of 43 years. Betty remained the love of his life and “good buddy” until her passing in 2004.

Chuck was the epitome of an engineer. He loved figuring out and repairing mechanical things and doing so in a meticulous manner much to the seeming agony of any of his adolescent children who might be cajoled into holding the light while he worked. He loved the outdoors: fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, backpacking, and exploring old mines and structures. Having survived all that, he was a great friend to his neighbors and work associates always looking for ways to just naturally help out without having to be asked. He was known for his unassuming dry wit and could light up a room with a clever phrase.

Chuck is survived by his four children Larry, Stephen, Daniel, and Peggy Zarosinski who have remained in the surrounding area. He enjoyed eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Jeanne Oliver. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Hughson.

Charles will be interred alongside his wife in the City View Estates of Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Oregon.