Charles L. “Chuck” Harrington of Hermiston died on Aug. 25, 2025 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 80.
He was born on May 6, 1945 in Portland to Orley and Carna Watson Harrington.
Growing up in the Willamette Valley, the family worked crop harvest to support themselves. Chuck, along with his brother, had a fascination for hot rods and they owned several during their younger years. Chuck enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964 and served during Vietnam, honing his mechanical skills on Midway Island and eventually running the power plant. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and returned to the Willamette Valley, where he met his first wife, Margie, via a blind date. The couple started their family in Springfield before moving to Eugene. They welcomed Pam in 1969 and Robert in 1973 before moving to Hermiston in 1977. He and Margie divorced in 1980. He later married Patricia, spending many years together, then divorcing in 2011.
Chuck spent the majority of his career at Campbell Motors, retiring in 2003 as an ASE certified master mechanic. If it was broke, he could fix it. He went on to work for the Oregon Department of Agriculture to fill much of his time until his health started to decline in 2018 and he retired.
He enjoyed hunting birds, chasing big game with archery, and fishing. Chuck slayed more fish on the Columbia River and harvested more game in the Blue Mountains than most people could ever dream of. He was a heck of a shot while hunting and could tie his own fishing equipment, mastering all species.
He is survived by his daughter, Pam Harrington, Hermiston; son, Robert Harrington and wife Jessica, Hermiston; grandson, Zach Harrington and his wife Mary, Benton City, Wash.; three great-grandchildren; and niece, Kristi Harrington and her boyfriend, Rene Jabouin.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard and his wife, Donna.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, where you will have an opportunity to share a memory or story of Chuck’s impact on your life.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Chuck’s memory to Dementia Society of America.
Please share memories of Chuck with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
