Chuck graduated from Pendleton High School and then went on to Mississippi State University, on an athletic scholarship, he returned to the northwest to Linfield College where he earned his Bachelor’s and then his Masters degree in Education. He was married to Linda Ann (Amis) Kearney on September 14, 1962.
Chuck had a career in education where he taught art and coached football, wrestling, and track at Perrydale High, Dallas High, then in the Portland Public Schools (Roosevelt, Franklin, Cleveland.) While teaching at Franklin High he received national attention for beginning the “Artist in Residence” program. He finished his career in education at Sandy Union High School: where in 1995 he was selected Mt. Hood Conference Teacher of the Year. Chuck coached during a golden era in the state of Oregon. He was involved in the sport of wrestling and was deeply involved with the Oregon Cultural Exchange program and with the USWF and its fight against the AAU. He loved the “International Styles”
of wrestling and coached numerous state, regional, national champions, and an Olympian. Highlighted by being selected to coach the 1982 Oregon-USA Team to Germany featuring Oregon’s best high school
wrestlers.
Chuck is a member of several Hall of Fames including Linfield University and Pendleton High School. He was selected All-State in Football and took great pride in being a 3 year two-way starter during his time at
PHS. He was the 1st wrestler to represent the Bucks at the OSAA State wrestling championships in both 1960 and 1961. Chuck was a Shiner All-Star playing on the State Team at Civic Stadium in 1961.
He was an avid photographer and in 1997 was selected Amateur Wrestling News photographer of the Year. Chuck loved riding his BMW motorcycle and participated in over 30 Oregon 500 Rally’s.
Chuck truly loved his family and is survived by his wife Linda, children Chuck, Brent, and Scott, grandchildren Zach, Chase, Justin. His brother Ron Kearney and sister Donna Blair and their families.
To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.advantagegateay./com
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