Charles B Carter

Charles "Chuck" BoDine Carter, 78, of Vancouver, WA, died Tues., Oct. 2, 2012 at PeaceHealth SW Washington Hospital after suffering an aortic dissection. He was born and raised in Portland, OR, graduating from Grant High School.

Chuck received his undergraduate degree from Willamette University, where he met Joyce, his "sweetheart" from that moment on. They married at Portland First United Methodist Church in 1958 and lived in Portland while he finished his training at University of Oregon Medical School. They moved to Hanover, NH for his internship year at Dartmouth College, followed by a four year residency at University of Minnesota.

In 1965, Chuck and Joyce moved to Vancouver, WA to start his practice at Vancouver Eye Clinic where he spent 30 years working with patients. For him the joy came from helping people with their vision care. He was known for taking time to listen to each patient as if they were his only one.

At age 40, Chuck traveled to Haiti to volunteer at a clinic in the mountains, where he enjoyed sharing his gift of eye care to the many people that had no such services. That trip was life changing and led to many more medical missions in Haiti, Sierra Leone and the Czech Republic.

He was active at First United Methodist Church for 47 years, serving as lay leader and on numerous committees. He served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, ARC and Red Cross, and was an active supporter of the YWCA and Share House.

Chuck had the "travel bug" and journeyed to every continent, savoring experiences rich and new, yet his favorite places remained close to home.

He was happiest when at the Oregon Coast, or sharing a meal in the company of his family or one of his many close friends.

Chuck leaves his wife of 54 years, Joyce (Ambler) Carter; daughter, Karen (Jim) Hutchison; sons, Steve (Nancy) Carter and Mark (Amelia) Carter, six grandchildren; sister, Susie (Carter) Riley of Lancaster, CA; and Sandi (Les) Weis Taylor and their son, who are like family to Chuck. He was preceded in death by brother, Peter Carter.

A "Celebration of an Amazing Life" service will be held Fri., Oct. 12th, 2p.m., at First United Methodist Church on Main Street and 33rd Street in Vancouver, WA.

Donations in Chuck's memory can be made to any of the organizations listed above.