Chuck Hitchcock

Charles "Chuck" E. Hitchcock, Jr., 68, of Glenns Ferry, died Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at his home, with his family at his side.

A celebration of Chuck's life will be held at the Three Island Senior Center on Sunday, June 22, at 1 p.m.

Chuck was born on Oct. 4, 1939, to Charles and Elsie (Berg) Hitchcock, Sr., in Jamestown, N.Y. In 1946 the family moved to southern California.

In 1957 Chuck graduated from Paramount Senior High School and then joined the US Air Force in October of that same year.

In 1961 Chuck was discharged and he joined the LA County Sheriff's Department.

After retirement in 1976, he moved to Reno in 1978, where he went to work for the MGM Grand. It was there he met Lydia Ann and they were married in September of 1985.

In 1991, they decided to retire when the Hilton bought out Bally's (formerly the MGM). They came to Glenns Ferry on June 14, 1991, and Chuck came out of retirement and went to work for the Bliss School District. He also worked for Magic West and then the Glenns Ferry School District as a bus driver until his illness.

Chuck was active in his ministry. "He especially loved going to the Idaho State Prison to share the word with the inmates. Bringing hope, love and comfort to them and seeing their changes was one of the highlights of his life," his family said.

"Another love was working with children and being 'Santa' during the annual 'Shop With A Cop Day' or handing out toys at the annual 'Breakfast With Santa' at the Senior Center, the schools or churches around in the area for the Christmas programs.

"Chuck was always willing to help out those in need. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, pastor, mentor and Santa and will be greatly missed."

Chuck is survived by: his wife, Lydia Ann; their children, Jessica and B.J.; his children, Kevin and Lory Lynn; several grandchildren and his sister, Connie, and her son and daughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles.

Memorials in Chuck's memory can be made to the Three Island Senior Center, 502 E. Cleveland, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, or Holiday Food Basket, c/o Cindy Wilde, P.O. Box 351, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623.