Charles B. King

Chuck or Charlie, as he was fondly known (he wasn’t picky), was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), brother and uncle.

Chuck was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Katherine (Bisdee) and Oren King on April 11, 1933. He spent much of his youth in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, specifically in Wells and St Ignace, from where he graduated High School. He then attended Ferris State University and earned a degree in Pharmacy in 1955.

During his studies at Ferris State, he met his future wife, Gwyneth Edwards while working on the ferry between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula, prior to the Mackinac Bridge. Apparently their first date, smelting, sealed the deal and Gwyneth (from the outskirts of London, England) ended up staying in St. Ignace until Chuck finished Pharmacy School. Chuck and Gwen were married in 1955 in South Croydon, Surry, England. They had a son, David in 1958 and a daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) in 1960.

Chuck and Gwen moved to Marquette in 1955 and Chuck worked for the historic Pendill Pharmacy in downtown Marquette until he took a job with Parke Davis in Detroit as a research pharmacist in 1961.

Chuck and Gwen were not fond of Detroit and moved their family back to Marquette after about 2 years. Chuck went to work as a pharmacist at St. Luke’s Hospital until he purchased Pendill’s Pharmacy in 1969. He ran a successful business and founded Campus Pharmacy on Third Street in 1974.

Chuck knew many of his customers by name and developed a loyal customer base. He even learned some basic Finnish to greet his older Finnish customers in their home language. He always took time to chat with customers and emulated the very best in customer service. He closed Pendill’s Pharmacy in 1979 and sold Campus Pharmacy in 1991. He then worked as a pharmacist in St Croix, US Virgin Islands for approximately 2 years.

Chuck’s passion for sailing began in the early 70s, when he met Bruce Micklow who introduced him to the sport and quickly became his long-time sailing partner. He then purchased his first sailboat and sailing became a family activity and passion. He sailed to the Virgin Islands from Marquette multiple times and loved the experience. One of Chuck’s greatest memories was taking his boat, “Cariad”, from Marquette to the Caribbean in 1984! He had many adventures and made great friends during his sailing experiences.

Chuck and Gwen travelled widely throughout the US and to other places, such as Great Britain, Europe, Greece, Egypt, China (for the adoption of their granddaughter), Jamaica, Mexico, the US and British Virgin Islands.

Chuck continued to work well into his 70s as a pharmacist. He loved to garden and took care of his Landscape into his 90s. Chuck will be sorely missed by many, but we will think of him fondly sailing in a warm, Caribbean breeze, his spinnaker flying, toward yet another shore.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Katherine King.

Chuck is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Gwyneth (Gwen), Gwyneth (Gwen), his son, David (Jeanne) Coeur d ‘Alene, ID and grandchildren, Connor and Chandler; Daughter, Elizabeth Marquette, MI and granddaughter Zoe; Sister, Judy Britton (Robert); multiple nieces and nephews in the US and the UK.

A memorial for Chuck is planned for July 13, 2024 at the Presque Isle Pavilion with more details to be provided.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations be sent to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855, where Chuck received the most loving and competent care they could have wished for.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.