Charles D. Palmer

1931 - 2014

Charles D. Palmer

Major General (AUS Ret.)

"I am sure there are those who feel it is presumptuous of me to write my own obituary but who better to chronicle my triumphs and foibles? I stuck my tent, stood my last retreat formation and listened to Taps for the last time a few days ago (Jan. 7th) as a result of natural causes (Jack Daniels, 3 star Asian food, garlic pizza and good cigars). I have included the picture above because I could not get clearance to use the one that did me the most justice (Clint Eastwood at the age of 45).

My earliest triumph was being born to my wonderful parents, Kitty and Vance Palmer on Jan. 5th 1931 in Sioux City, IA. They had to contend with my foibles for the next 18 years. My next triumph started upon enlisting in the US Navy Reserve on my 17th birthday, and continued through a 43 year career of active and reserve military service, which culminated in my retirement from the US Army Reserve as a Major General in 1991.

My greatest triumph was meeting Lyn, the love of my life and best friend, in Boston in 1953 and marrying her in 1955. The 54 years that we had together, like good wine, did get better with age.

The military career was coupled with a 33 year career with the Boeing Company, which included highly gratifying assignments on the Bomarc, Minuteman, Apollo Integration, 747, and Boeing Computer Services programs.

In both of these endeavors I had the good fortune to be associated with many good friends. A number of them have already passed beyond. When Charon has ferried me to the other side of the River Styx, I'm sure they will be waiting on the far shore with a double JD on the rocks.

Well, like all other good things, this too should come to an end. There will be no services but those of you who are still on this shore of the River Styx can gather together for a libation and swap a few remembrances as those of us on the other shore will be doing. As I read back through this I find that not much time was spent on foibles. Hopefully they were minor and did no great disservice to others."

Chuck is survived by his Son, Steve Palmer; Daughter, Melinda (Gil) Erickson; Grandchildren: Catherine, Michelle & Ruben; Cousin: Connie Post and former Daughter-in-Law: Mona Zuill. The Gathering for Chuck will be held at a later date. The family asks that donations in his memory be made to First Place School, PO Box 22536, Seattle, WA 98122.

"In closing I am reminded of a quote from Sir Winston Churchill: I have taken more out of whiskey than whiskey has taken out of me." - Charles D. Palmer