Charles Thomas "Chuck" Ramsdell

Charles (Chuck) Thomas Ramsdell, The King of Fun, passed peacefully of complications from Parkinson's Disease on May 3, 2024, surrounded by family, his beloved dog, Pieper, and a view of the Columbia River.
Chuck's family's happiness and success was his ultimate life goal. He once said, "I just think about you every day." Chuck is survived by his overly patient and accepting wife of 57 years, Leslie, who was the love of his life (besides building, racing boats, pickleball and air-chairing). He is also survived by his son Lyle Ramsdell; daughter and son-in-law, Marisa & Matthew Bradley; grandchildren Raef and Kian Bradley; his older brother and sister, Delmar Ramsdell Junior, and Sandra Valerie Capps. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donni and Delmar Ramsdell Senior.
Chuck grew up in Salem, Oregon and graduated from South Salem High School, where his parents were both educators and surely kept an eye on their adventurous son. He excelled as an athlete, playing on the tennis team (where he was coached by his father), and later went on to play for the University of Oregon.
After high school, Chuck went to the University of Oregon where he met his future wife. Both Chuck and Leslie were loyal University of Oregon supporters. They met in the dining hall line (Chuck in his robe and slippers, Leslie dressed to the nines), and continued to support the Ducks throughout their years. Whether it was attending Ducks Football games or being dragged to college parties by their crazy children (even though one is a Beaver), they always wore their green and yellow and enjoyed what life served up.
Captain Charles Ramsdell was a decorated US Veteran, who was awarded the Purple Heart for his injury during his heroic actions in the Vietnam War, when the helicopter he was piloting in Vietnam was shot down. While sustaining a broken back and a punctured lung he valiantly saved his copilot and crew from the burning wreckage.
Following his service in Vietnam, Chuck and Leslie returned to her hometown, where they built Pieper-Ramsdell Insurance Agency alongside Leslie's father, Lyle Pieper. Chuck was an active community member, participating in the local Kiwanis chapter, serving on the school board, and coaching his children on their various sports teams.
In the 80s, he was an avid Racquetball player and competed mercilessly. With friends he built the Columbia City Racquetball Club (now known as the Pacific Athletic Club) and a sports-minded community with a tribe of his fellow Racquetball enthusiasts. He shared his love of racket sports with Leslie and went on to build a Pickleball Court at their home, which has become a hub for family and neighbors.
Chuck's life on the Columbia River was always exciting. As a self-taught innovator, he was often engineering new devices, discovering new games, or introducing a new friend to his playground. He shared his love with his children and grandchildren, teaching valuable life lessons, or making everyone laugh with his antics. Chuck's inventive spirit, coupled with Leslie's culinary prowess, created a paradise in Columbia County that was often shared with his friends and family. His infectious strive for fun will be missed dearly.
Heartfelt gratitude goes to those friends and medical professionals who have supported Chuck and our family through the years. The Parkinson's Foundation, Veterans Association and Hospice Nurses gave much comfort and support through the transition from this life to the next where he is surely riding a jet ski on the Columbia River with a smile so bright it lights up the water.
Memorial Donations go to the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.oregon.gov/odva/connect/pages/donations.aspx), to support those who have sacrificed a part of their life to make strides to help this global community more peaceful and communicate wisely. Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on June 8 from 1 pm-5 pm at the family residence in Columbia City. Bring your stories and wear your Aloha.