Charles Bransford

Charles (Chuck) Duane Bransford died October 16, 2015, at Ocean Beach Hospital in Illwaco, WA. He was born to Alvin G. and Berneice M. Bransford on January 20, 1941, in Yakima, WA. He was raised and educated in Yakima, attended Castlevale School and graduated from Naches High School in 1959. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He trained in the medical corps, becoming an X-ray technician. He continued his education, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University, followed by his officers commission. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Systems Management from USC. Duty stations took him to all four corners of the country, including two tours each in Hawaii and the Philippines. He served aboard the aircraft carriers U.S.S. Yorktown and U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. Besides his commission, he was most proud of his tours of duty during the cold war era aboard the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Ulysses S. Grant, and his final duty station as Commander , Medical Service Officer, Naval Surface Group MIDPAC at Pearl Harbor. Following retirement from the military in 1983, he remained in Hawaii for several years before moving to San Jose, CA. Following a passion for home improvement, he worked briefly for Color Tile. He later worked in administration for Kaiser Permanente in San Jose. He did volunteer work for local hospitals, as well as income tax preparation for seniors for which he earned numerous awards. He was a dog lover and advocate for animal welfare. In 1997, he moved to his "dream home" in the forest by the sea in Ocean Park, WA. Three days after arriving, he suffered a debilitating stroke. The next 18 years were a courageous battle to maintain his independence. Witty, humorous, kind-hearted, caring, compassionate, generous to a fault, optimistic, determined, driven, goal oriented, stubborn, obstinate, and sometimes just plain ornery is only a brief description of the man. Through it all and often with many miles between us and our brother, we always were and always will be in each other's hearts. He is survived by his sister, Joyce (Paul) Matson of Selah, WA, and brothers James Bransford and Steven Bransford, both from Yakima, WA. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his wife Dottie, sister Joan Smith/Kautzman, nephew David Matson, and niece Jeanne Matson. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at Circle of Life in Long Beach, WA, with special thanks to Andrea and Michelle. We also want to thank all the medical and fire department personnel from the Long Beach area that helped our brother in his struggle to remain independent. A graveside service and interment with full military honors will be held in the veterans section at Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima, WA at 10:00am on Saturday, November 14, 2015. In lieu of flowers, Duane (Chuck) requested donations be made to the South Bend Humane Society, or the animal shelter of your choice. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Bransford, please visit our flower store.