Charles R. Sorweide, Jr.

Charles R. Sorweide, Jr.
November 14, 1961 - November 19, 2003

Charles R. "Chuck" Sorweide of La Grande, Oregon died November 19, 2003, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He passed at home surrounded by friends and family.

His service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at the La Grande Church of the Nazarene on Gekeler and 18th. Committal and interment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery.
Viewing will be from 2:00 until 5:00 on Sunday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Chuck was born November 14, 1961 in Kirkland, Washington to Rollie and Sandy (LaBrie) Sorweide. He graduated from Camas High School and then attended Central Washington University from 1980-1982. In the summer of 1990 he adopted his daughter, Kalean Sorweide. He married Carla Carinci of La Grande on August 21, 1999, adding to his family Stephanie, Tara and Heath Horn.

Chuck worked for Kiewit Pacific Company from 1981-1988, as a laborer, labor foreman and heavy equipment operator. From 1988-1995 he was a career truck driver and worked for several different companies before finding his true calling as a firefighter/EMT for the La Grande Fire Department. In addition to serving the community as a firefighter, in November 2002, Chuck and his wife, Carla, also successfully established Carinci's Coils, a local footwear store.

He is survived by his parents; wife; children, Kalean Sorweide, Tara & Heath Horn of La Grande and Stephanie Volle (Ty) of North Dakota; grandson, Damien Sorweide of La Grande; sister, Shelby Zepernick (Chris) of Puyallup, Washington; grandfather, Euclid LaBrie and aunt Bessie Sorweide, both of Redmond, Washington; nephews, T.J. Sorweide and Jordan Zepernick; niece, Haley Zepernick; and many other family members and friends. Chuck is preceded in death by his brother, Troy; grandmothers, Loretta LaBrie and Mae Sorweide, uncle, Art, and grandfather, Charles "Pappy" Sorweide.

Chuck Sorweide was a wonderful son and exceptional husband and father. He was a true friend to anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path. He will be loved and remembered by all as a gracious, kind and caring man. Chuck had a true passion for music and as a celebration of his life, there has been a Music Scholarship fund set up in his name. If anyone would like to make donations towards this scholarship you can do so through Community Bank and Klamath First, both in La Grande or in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

Many special thanks to Hospice, the Fire Department, Jim & Jan Mattes, Debbie Cornford and John Mann, Chuck's good friend who never left his side the last few days of his life. He met Chuck's every need, was a true blessing from God, and helped him to have a peaceful passing. Also a special thank-you to Pastor Brent Clapp and the La Grande Church of the Nazarene.