Charles (Chuck) Paine passed away peacefully at the VA Medical Center on Jan. 10, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born May 1, 1922, in Eugene, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. He lived in Eugene until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps the day after Pearl Harbor. He flew the B-24 Liberator bomber and his 492nd squadron BG received a Unit Citation as a Croix de Guerre with palm from the French Government at the squadron reunion in England many years ago. Mr. Paine enjoyed and felt great pride in his 34-year career as a pilot with Northwest Airlines. He retired as a captain flying Boeing 747s. His love of aviation inspired several young men to choose flying as their livelihood as well. He retired in 1982 and enjoyed 24 years of a happy retirement. He was a member of QB and the Retired NW Pilots Association. He liked to travel in his retirement and was an enthusiastic photographer, “just one more for insurance,” the family often heard him say.

Mr. Paine and his wife, B. J. Paine, have been long time Islanders. Their three children all graduated from Mercer Island High School. When they downsized from their South end house, they decided the Island was “home” and moved to a condo at the North end, where they have lived since 1992.

Mr. Paine was preceded in death by his only sister, Phyllis, five years ago. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, B.J.; son, Tom (Marlien), Kirkland; a daughter, Katie of Valley Village, Calif.; and son, Randy (Kelly) of Billings, Mont.; and a ‘proxy’ daughter, Susan Kelly (Glen) of Waldport, Ore. Mr. Paine is also survived by nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Mr. Paine was a “gentle man” and a true gentleman and will be missed by his family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 8, at the Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club, 9927 Meydenbauer Way S.E., Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the charity of your choice.