Charles L. Schramm
June 3, 1953 - September 15, 2007
Obituary
Charles Schramm
Our loving husband, father, and son, died in the comforting presence of his family and friends on September 15, 2007, following a brief, nasty and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Chuck was born on June 3, 1953, in Madison, South Dakota, to Howard and Gertrude Schramm. Chuck and Mary met in 1974, and they married in 1981, which began a wonderful journey. The highlight was the birth of their son, Spencer, in 1992. Life revolved around family weekends and gatherings with friends at his home on Lake Burien, boating on the Puget Sound, and cross country road trips. He had a passion for computer and mechanical tinkering. Chuck was always available to help a friend, and was a generous and selfless person. He volunteered for many different activities, including the St. Francis of Assisi School, Boy Scout Troop #392, and he eagerly looked forward to participating in activities at Aviation High School, where his son had just started attending. Unfortunately, his health did not permit it. When he was a child, he participated in the Madison, Wisconsin Boy Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps for 3 years. A leader in computer data base management, Chuck enjoyed being on the cutting edge of the computer revolution, beginning at Oracle Corporation and then on to work as a pioneering employee at Amazon.com developing their data base systems. In the three months before his death, Chuck took advantage of the opportunity as best he could to meet with family and friends who gathered to talk with him about their abundant good memories. The conversations were cheerful and uplifting, and he always encouraged family and friends to carry through with the passion he planted in their hearts. Chuck demonstrated this passion by learning to play the piano as an adult, enjoying the preparation of gourmet meals, and sharing the love of technology with others. He loved all avenues of knowledge available in the world around him. Preceded in death by his father, Howard, in 1999, Chuck is survived by his wife Mary and son Spencer, mother Trudy, brother John Tim, nieces Thalia and Leda Schramm, and Katy Cocker Chad, and nephew Kent Bettendorf. His family also included Miguel Amengual Mallorca and Lucia Battistin Italy. Chuck’s circle of friends extends around the world through involvement with numerous foreign exchange students, as well as colleagues in the computer industry. At home, Chuck leaves an expansive group of dear people he revered. He was loved by all those he touched and supported. This splendid man contributed greatly to making life in the communities of Seahurst and Burien a better place. The family is grateful to the fine medical care he received from doctors Dominick Toulouse, Mike Kramer, John Hersman, Russell Speez, Pankaj Sharma, and Ichiro Otsu, and the kind nursing staff at Valley Medical Center. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, September 21st from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th Street, Burien 206 244-2320, with a memorial service on Saturday, September 22nd at 10:00 AM at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 134 S. 206th Street, Des Moines. Please sign his online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com. The family prefers memorials to the Aviation High School, 615 S. 200th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198, 206-716-0006. I am connected to everything; therefore I received the miracle of being.
Our thoughts are with you and your family as we send our sincere condolences. As you continue to lean on Almighty God for strength Ps.34:18 and friends you will be helped to cope each day with such a deep loss. Our loved ones may leave the world but never do they leave the special place they hold in our heart. Mr. Schramm touched the lives of others and will be sadly missed.
Dear Mary and Spencer, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Even though you may not remember us as we haven’t spoken since our sons were together at Teacher Linda’s preschool, we wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to you. We remember Chuck as being so kind and so cheerful. He always had a smile on his face and went out of his way to make us feel welcome and at ease. Our prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. We mourn his passing and this terrible loss to your family. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Richard, Connie, Charlotte and Ryan Sanders
Dear Mary and Spencer: I am so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. I met Chuck when I started for Oracle in 92. I was green and looking for direction. Chuck’s example and direction were instrumental in my life. I wish I had told him. I took out the yellow bike Chuck sold me for a long ride tonight to remember. There were rare times Chuck would be frustrated with work, yet he always greeted me with warmth and an open heart. In honor of Chuck, a Weinberg quote from the Secrets of Consulting: “Words are often useful, but it always pays to listen to the music especially your own internal music”
Big cosmic hug to you.
Chuck, Mary and Spencer;
I do not have the history so many of you were blessed to have with Chuck. I knew him briefly, however I could tell how special he was just by being around him, and all of you! Also, my husband shared his thoughts and memories and often talked about Chuck. We cry often for the loss, yet look at those wonderful pictures showing a man full of life and love, you cannot help but smile. He lived such a fulfilling and purposeful life, balanced in every way. Something many of us strive toward achieving. This seems to be the “essence of Chuck”.
When Pankaj and I were re-united it was notes of love and support from Chuck and Mary that made me feel at home, like I was where I always should have been. The Strength with which he lived will be in my thoughts; the Happiness he carried and spread our sweetest memory. God Bless you all who knew and loved him. Hugs to you Mary and Spencer Love, Laurie Sharma
Chuck, Mary and Spencer;
I do not have the history so many of you were blessed to have with Chuck. I knew him briefly, however I could tell how special he was just by being around him, and all of you! Also, my husband shared his thoughts and memories and often talked about Chuck. We cry often for the loss, yet look at those wonderful pictures showing a man full of life and love, you cannot help but smile. He lived such a fulfilling and purposeful life, balanced in every way. Something many of us strive toward achieving. This seems to be the “essence of Chuck”.
When Pankaj and I were re-united it was notes of love and support from Chuck and Mary that made me feel at home, like I was where I always should have been. The Strength with which he lived will be in my thoughts; the Happiness he carried and spread our sweetest memory. God Bless you all who knew and loved him. Hugs to you Mary and Spencer Love, Laurie Sharma
Each year I looked forward to seeing Chuck at Ft. Worden. He always had some new gadget that would amaze or entertain. Once he showed up with a rocket and shot it off on the parade ground. Another year he had some “thing” he put on the table and the radio played out of it. I don’t know. I explained geocaching to him and that there were some hidden around Ft. Worden and he was all about that. Off we went, searching. It was like hanging out with Mr. Wizard. I will alway be able to call Chuck vividly to mind, one of a kind, incomparable. Love, Marilyn
I was struck by Mike and Claire’s words this weekend about the loss to the rest of the world in not knowing Chuck, as I am one of those who lost out in not knowing him better. Mary and Spencer – your family will continue to be in my mind and I will keep you close in my heart. I pray that the love that is pouring out from this community of people who care so much about you will give you strength and comfort.
Chuck was one of my first mentors and certainly the most balanced in his outlook on life and work. I was a newly minted college grad very wet behind the ears, when I met Chuck. Chuck gave me early career direction and motivation at Oracle. He has half mentor, half boss. I wish I had spent more time with him over the years. He was so grounded and wise to the world. I learned a lot from him as so many have who have had a moment with him.
Chuckie, my dearest Chuckie.
How could I ever thank you for all that you did for me?
I know you wouldn’t like to see your loved ones crying, or suffering, and that’s why I just want to think of you as the wonderful guy you have always shown to be.
I want to close my eyes and still be able to see you while driving along Maple Wild Ave and loudly sing together “It ain’t me babe”;
I still want to be able to feel the warmth of your morning hugs oh yeah, you used to hug me every morning in the kitchen while preparing breakfast;
I think of you trying to teach me how to ski, with a surprising amount of patience… what a messy learner I was!;
I think of our crazy journey up to Vancouver B.C. looking for good Chinese food!; I think of you and Mary taking me to that funny TV show downtown;
I think of you playing the piano in the livingroom, helping me to rehearse for my drama recital;
I think of the many silly things we loved to do together, to our passion for cooking gourmet meals, to your contagious laughter…
Mary, Spencer and you truly opened the door of your house and of your hearts to me, the luckiest exchange student in the world.
Our relationship, Chuckie, was very special and I will never have thanked God enough for letting me meet you along the way. Thanks to you, I learnt what the greatest quality of a man can be: the willing to concretely help out those who are in need and I guess we all are, just for the pleasure of being helpful and nothing more.
“Be you hopeful with regard to death, for to the good man, neither in life nor in death is there anything that can harm him.” Socrates of Athens
Love, Lucy
Our thought’s and prayers are with you.
Von and Ron Combs
Chuck was a gentle soul who will be greatly missed. He opened his home to myself and my family with generosity and warmth. His kindness was evident daily with his supportive words, patience and sincerity. My children new they would be greated with his warm hugs and a caring attitude. We will all miss him.
Mary L.
His friendship was always felt by our family.
We are so sorry to have a true gentleman leave our lives, with his humor, smiles and always a warm wave as we passed by.
His love for the Brat pack, a party to not forget!
We will miss you Chuck.
Mary and Spencer you are in our prayers
Love Trey Jennifer and Kaelin
The easy sparkle in your eyes, the boyish upturn of your smile, and the quick wit of your mind. These are the things I remember. You will be missed but not forgotten.
I will never forget the sparkle in Chuck’s eyes and his huge smile when he told me that Spencer had decided to go to Aviation High School and would some day become a helicopter pilot. He was one proud Papa!
Chuck loved all the kids in our community family. From the time they were small through young adulthood, Chuck was like an Uncle to many. He knew that what they said, what they were doing at the time and their plans for the future were the most important thing. Chuck was a teddy bear.
He was comfort, he was a teacher. Chuck lived a good life showing us how to care. His family–his pride and joy–his huge circle of friends, his involvement in the community. How to have a good time. Thank you, Chuck!
We love you, and we will miss you.
I worked with Chuck years ago at Oracle. He was such a great person to work around and learn from. I remember that he was so happy to have become a father and felt transformed by it even back then. He was a true Renaissance man and I’m glad to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Vicky Chenn
Chuck would greet us with a hearty smile as we walked the lawn for a Lake Burien swim . . his humor, warmth and interest was always a delight. Spencer and our son Daniel played soccer together and got to know Chuck too briefly . .
Our love and memories to Mary and Spencer and family
Greg and I did not know Chuck or his family well but we knew “of him” through those he touched so deeply in his life. As I read the many remembrances of him in this guestbook I was struck by the impact his work, friendship and generosity have had on so many. He became in his professional life what many of us strive to become; an expert, an innovator and a teacher. His personal life was filled with friends and family who loved and honored him beyond measure. I cannot think of a better legacy to leave of one’s life. He is truly an example for us all.
When I think of Chuck, I think of his smile, his warmth, his love of and for Mary and Spencer, his laughter, his kindness, his generosity, his wisdom, his willingness to take risks. The stories of our favorite times with Chucky have to be some of the best times of all!!!! His legacy will live on in all of us that he touched.
Lynn
Dear Chuck . . .
Your enduring smile will remain in our hearts and minds forever.
We miss you big guy.
Doug & Penny Whisler
In Memory of Chuck: In the last few months you have asked what you have done in your life to deserve such love and admiration from your countless friends; for us, the answer is simple. We love you for your generous spirit, huge smile and cheery disposition. The wonderful times at the lake have left us with such unbelievable memories, which we will always cherish. The 4th of July and spur of the moment parties, you were always ready. You always welcomed us at your door. Cheers to you Chuck! “The long and winding road that leads to your door / Will never disappear, / I’ve seen that road before it always leads me here, / Leads me to your door.” Your favorite artist, Paul McCartney
Mary, Spencer & Family: We share in your sorrow of the loss of Chuck, a man worth celebrating. Life is a journey without end! Chuck will continue this journey with all of us. You are in our hearts and souls forever. God Bless & Love Always.
I will never forget my half hostdad. He had done so much for me and lucy while we were in the us! I never really got to thank him for all those wonderfull things i’ve experienced thanks to him. But he will always be in my heart,and remember that those who live in the hearts of others never die…
Dear Mary, dear spencer,
I just want to say that my thoughts, although I am at the other side of the world, are with you, the family and all his loved ones.
Chuck, Mary, Spencer & Family, We love you dearly and always will. We lost a ture friend, you were always there for us no matter what. Your smile, love for life, and great friendship will be truly missed. We were the lucky ones who got to know you, to share many adventures and have you as our best friend. You will never be forgotten. Cousins forever. XOXOXO
Jean, Mike, Nick, Chris and Claire
You will be dearly missed, Chuck. Wish we could be there Saturday.
Chuck & Julie
Dear Chuck I “ll miss him dearly, he always called me cousin, he was alot more then that to me . He was like a brother, cousin, and a best friend. All the trips out here to Seattle will never be the same, he was always here for me . theres one time that well chuck gave me a ride to the airport and guess what? Well we got there late and i missed my flight. So from that time on I would always kid Chuck about giving me a ride to the airport. Always miss ya and love ya more then you”ll ever know DUCK
I was so happy to pass some exchange students your way. What a great host family you were. You opened your home to these students, and I got to know all of you better as a result, besides being good neighbors on the lake. You were an inspiration to Miguel and Lucy and the others who visited. Losing Chuck is impossible to bear, but Mary and Spencer can always count on their extended family and friends to be there for them. We love you.
On behalf of our pastor, Fr, Dick Hayatsu, and the St. Francis of Assisi parish staff, we all hold you in our hearts and prayers, Peace, John
It seems we meet people in odd places, for Chuck and I it was in front of the mail boxes!! I remember the day he baught the Lake Burien home…..he was all smiles, so very happy and felt like the luckiest man in the world. Through my daily walks I would watch him remodel the home of his dreams, build a designer fence and create a place for friends and family. I will miss those little chats and his wonderful spirit.
My love goes out to his family.
Sabrina Mandich
Living with Chuck and Mary for a couple of months in San Diego always brings back warm and happy memories. We had the routine of eating barbeque chicken and Strawberry Margaritas on a regular basis. I remember that they wanted to buy their wedding bands at Sears, and I was the credit manager. I made sure they got their approval, even though they didn’t have any credit background.Chuck was always easy going and fun to be with. He’ll be missed by many. Mary and Spencer will be in my prayers. Love Lynn
I loved Chucks smile and his laugh, he always seemed like he was totally engaged when he listened to you. He was full of zest and fun and full of life and I am truly sorry I did not know him for longer. He was one of the good ones. Take care Mary and Spencer, we are here for you. Love, Shawn
Dear Chuck,
You’ve left us much, much too soon. There is this awful void now in the lives of your friends where you should be. Mary & Spencer, Jack & I are thinking of you and sending you love during this most difficult time.
What I think about first when I think of you Chuck is your easy nature & your friendly smile. I remember how if ever I couldn’t find my husband, Jack, at one of Mike & Jean’s parties I need look no further then some quiet corner where you & he would be talking about some new tech stock. I remember the time we went skiing in Canada just a couple of years ago & every morning we would meet, you, Mike, Jean, Jack & myself, to enjoy a cup of coffee, a good conversation & especially each other’s company while we waited for the kids to wake up so we could all head out into the snow.
Your presence at future parties or skiing trips will be surely missed but I am comforted by knowing that when your friends join together for one reason or another we will still be able to have you with us as we share fond & loving memories of our wonderful friend Chuck.
So Chuck… the years passed too way too quickly and I will miss your smile, your warmth, your engaging conversation, and your excitement for life and learning. Our annual visit to Fort Worden will always be some of my favorite memories e.g., kite flying, poker, the hokey-pokey, etc.. Thank you for your friendship and your unconditional love… We will miss you and think of you often. Karendlu
Dad I miss you so incredibly much.
Dear Chuck:
Many years ago you helped to design a database at Boeing for a system called “BRIDGE”. BRIDGE is now celebrating their 20 year anniversary and I wanted you to know that your work is still being utilized by millions of people every year around the world and on virtually every Boeing airplane. We will not forget you.
Your friends on BRIDGE.