Charles (Chuck) Kalev Ehin II

Charles (Chuck) Kalev Ehin II obituary, Naples, FL

Charles (Chuck) Kalev Ehin II

Charles (Chuck) Ehin II Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 21, 2025.
Born in Marysville, California on July 1, 1961 to Charles and Elizabeth (Betty) Ehin, Charles Kalev Ehin II passed away peacefully at home in Naples, Florida on April 29, 2025 following a courageous three-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63.

Chuck spent his early years moving frequently with his military family before settling in Layton, Utah, in 1975. There, he became a standout football player for the Layton Lancers, eventually earning recognition as one of the National Top 100 High School Athletes.

He was heavily recruited in 1979 by scores of top programs across the country before choosing to play defensive tackle for Brigham Young University under legendary head coach LaVell Edwards. Known on the field as "The Hammer," Chuck earned the nickname for his signature move-bringing his powerful arm down like a sledgehammer on opposing linemen at the snap. It became a defining part of his tough, no-nonsense playing style and left a lasting impression on teammates and rivals alike. During his time with the Cougars, Chuck played alongside future football greats such as Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Andy Reid, and Kyle Whittingham. Those years were some of the most competitive and memorable in BYU football history, and Chuck was proud to have been part of that era.

In 1983, Chuck was drafted into the NFL by the San Diego Chargers where he played for 5 years. He later played a short time for the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys at the end of his career. He was proud to be the first Estonian-American to play in the NFL-a distinction that reflected not only his athletic talent, but the enduring legacy of his father, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child after war broke out in Estonia. His professional football career spanned several years before retiring in 1989 to focus on family and a quieter life in Orem, Utah with his wife Barb and their two children, Ryan and Sarah.

Chuck is survived by his parents, Charles and Betty; his sister, Linda Sampson (Mike), and their children, Holly and Matt; his wife, Leslie "Elle"; his children, Ryan Ehin (Heather) and their four children, Addisyn, Harper, Harper, and Reid; Sarah Buck (Tyson) and their sons, Jackson and Carson; and his stepdaughter, Danielle Nobbe, and her child, Braeme. He shared a close bond with Elle's parents, Mike and Bunny, and enjoyed an extended circle of dear friends from church, pickleball, and all walks of life.

Those who knew Chuck across all chapters of his life-from junior high to his final days-remember him as a gentle giant. He was kind, strong, humble, and fiercely loyal. Faith and family were cornerstones of his life. Though he led a private and simple life, Chuck's passions were many. He loved building and flying model airplanes, a reflection of his lifelong fascination with aviation. Van Halen became a favorite band during his senior year of high school and remained a constant throughout his life-he treasured being able to attend a few of their concerts with his kids.

Chuck married Elle, his beloved wife and partner in adventure, on June 1, 2000. Together they moved frequently and although he loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle, he upgraded it for an amazing RV to travel the country with their beloved Sphynx cat, Parkour. Of all the places he lived and traveled, it was the ocean he loved most.

They eventually settled in Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the coastal serenity. He spent his final months surrounded by the people he loved, including a short time with family in Utah before returning to spend his final days peacefully at home by the beach in Naples.

In his final act of generosity, Chuck donated his brain and spine to the NFL research center at Boston University to support ongoing CTE research. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. His ashes will be privately scattered at sea by his family.

We will forever miss his presence at life's milestones, big and small. His steady strength, unwavering kindness, and enduring love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

-Written with love by his daughter, Sarah Buck, with gratitude for the support and memories shared by family and loved ones.

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May 23, 2025

Mike ONeil posted to the memorial.

May 23, 2025

David B Mills posted to the memorial.

May 22, 2025

Jeanie posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Mike ONeil

May 23, 2025

Friends Forever!

David B Mills

May 23, 2025

Chuck was one of the many great memories I have from BYU. He lead by actions and not words. When he spoke you listened! As a fellow Utah Prep athlete I always hoped to live up to the standards he set on the field and in life. Years later in life I got the chance to coach a couple of Estonian players in high school. They heard a lot about Chuck. God Bless Chuck and his family.

Jeanie

May 22, 2025

Such a touching and lovely obituary it was such a pleasure to know and to love Chuck and his beautiful wife . We all miss him.
Jeanie

Carl Leota

May 22, 2025

I remembered Chuck in high school, he was a sophmore at the time and I was a senior. Both were on the track and field discus and shot put...there was this time we were at a high school meet. And I remembered how nervous Chuck was throwing first time in the Weber State College stadium..it was a college at that time and it was Chuck first time at discus throwing..His size and height gave him the natural leverage needed to throw the discus. His first throw had great distance. However his release was to early and so his disc ended up landing in the bleachers. Ive never seen packed spectators scramble so fast..it was like a slow motion reel..we all stood there along with Chuck watch that thing fly so straight, with good height and distance..was pretty cool..God Bless You Chuck...

Mike Green

May 22, 2025

RIP my Brother!

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May 23, 2025

Mike ONeil posted to the memorial.

May 23, 2025

David B Mills posted to the memorial.

May 22, 2025

Jeanie posted to the memorial.