Colonel Charles Thomas Urquhart, Jr. Ret.
August 30, 1920 - November 4, 2006
Obituary
Colonel Charles T Urquhart Jr. Ret. 86, died peacefully at home November 4, 2006. Born Aug 30th, 1920 to Charles T Urquhart and Mamie Bet in Norfolk, VA. Preceeded in death by his wife, Betty Jo in 1998 and his brother Bill in 2006. Graduated with a B.S. Degree Virginia Military Institute 1942. Attended cavalry school at Fort Riley, Kansas. Charlie traded his horse for an airplane and, after earning wings, served with distinction in the China-Burma-India Theater with the “Flying Tigers” of the 23rd Fighter Group. He flew P40 and P51 aircraft during more than 65 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Through the Air Force Institute of Technology, Col. Urquhart earned his master’s of science degree in advanced management. He first served in the Minuteman program in 1960 as chief of deployment and was responsible for the successful flight test and deployment of the Minuteman I missile. He served as Chief of the Ballistic Missile and Space Systems Division at the Pentagon until 1968. He received the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and the Legion of Merit medal with two oak leaf clusters. Upon his retirement in 1971, Charlie began a career with Boeing. Served as vice president, general manager of Boeing Services International Assignments in Ankara, Turkey, and AWACS project manager, director in Iran, Germany, and Holland.
Charlie married his precious Betty Jo on January 4, 1947. They shared 51 wonderful years of love, laughter, and family. Charlie enjoyed golf, dancing, travel and spending time with friends. He touched everyone he met with his smile, friendliness, and quick wit. He is survived by his sons: Tom Joanne Urquhart and Bill Urquhart; daughters: Bonnie Jeff Lindula, Kathy Al Hicks, Terri Don Parrott; 16 grandchildren: Adrian, Melissa, Heather, Kaitlyn, Michelle, Mark, Kevin, Christopher, Matthew, Sonya, Lisa, Karla, Stephen, Bryan, Jessica, and Daniel; great-grandchildren: Alissa and Isaac.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all of Dad’s wonderful caregivers. We are grateful for your excellent care and loving attention.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2:00 pm until the Rosary at 7:00 pm, BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 253 839-7317. Funeral Mass on Friday, Nov.10 at 11:00 am at St Theresa Catholic Church, 3939 SW 331st ST, Federal Way followed by a reception at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club,3583 SW 320th St. Federal Way. Family prefers memorial contributions be made to Parkinson’s Association. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Bill – Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I am sure your father appreciated all you did for him.
Keith and Mary
Charlie & Betty Jo were very kind to us when we lived in Twin Lakes and enjoyed some great moments. Charlie remained a friend from the early 70’s to his days in Foundation House. we were fortunate to meet most of the family & we know he was proud of you all! May he now rest in peace.
We will miss Charlie’s wonderful sense of humor and love of life. The world is a much sadder place without him. Fly high, Charlie.
To Charlie’s family:
I worked very briefly with Charlie after he returned from Europe and then shortly thereafter retired from Boeing. He was such a delight and kept me entertained, a really nice man. After his retirement, I called him on his birthdays to chat with him and wish him a happy BD. After my retirement five years ago, I stopped most of my happy birthday greetings to Boeing friends so haven’t kept up with his adventures. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Granddad,
We miss you so much. Please say “hi” to Grandmother, Cleo and other special friends. Thank you for always keeping our spirits up.
We love you. ;
Terri and Family ~
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of need.
God Bless, Lorrie
Granddad, you are a hero to me and I will never forget about you. You’re always going to be on my mind and in my heart. Thank you for being a huge part of my life. You will be forever loved and missed.
I love you.
Say hello to Grandmother for me =