Milton Charles Obituary: It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we come together to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Milton Charles Bunch, affectionately known to many as “Charlie.” A son of Portland, Oregon, Charlie was a vibrant spirit, a man of many gifts and boundless joy—a Disc Jockey at Palo Entertainment, a talented cook at The Bay Pullman Restaurant, and most importantly, a beacon of positivity to everyone who crossed his path.
The world is quieter now. The beat of your music, the rhythm of your laughter, the warmth of your voice—we miss it all, Charlie. You were truly one of a kind. No one could ever replace the energy you brought to this earth. Your presence was powerful, your joy infectious, and your kindness unwavering. It is no exaggeration to say that you were the happiest person many of us have ever met. You made the tough days bearable and the good days even brighter, always showing up with a smile, a song, and an open heart.
You had a way of lighting up every room. Whether you were behind the DJ booth spinning tracks that got everyone dancing, or working in the kitchen crafting meals with love, you gave your all. You lived with passion, you loved out loud, and you reminded us to find joy in the little things. Your voice, both singing and speaking, was full of life. You always had a tune on your lips, a joke ready to share, and a hug to offer. You were music in human form—always humming, always lifting spirits.
We are heartbroken, Charlie. We miss the way you called out your friends’ names with love and laughter, the way you teased and joked, the way you carried yourself with grace and joy even on the hardest days. You made people feel seen, heard, and loved, and that is a rare gift. You were a constant source of positivity, and now that you’re gone, the world feels just a little dimmer.
Your memories live on so vividly. Many of us remember the church events, the community functions, and of course, the infamous talent shows—where your voice soared and your personality took center stage. You always found a way to bring fun and levity to any gathering. You didn’t just perform—you connected. You made us feel like we were part of something bigger, part of your joy.
And oh, how you loved to sing. I still hear your voice in my memory—so full of soul and sincerity. I remember our friendly banter—when you’d yell “Kelly Clarkson!” in the hallway, and I’d shout back, “Whitney Houston!” That’s who you were—playful, joyful, full of love. And now, I smile through my tears, imagining that you’ve finally gotten that duet with Whitney in the great beyond.
This loss cuts deep—not just for your immediate family, but for every single person whose life you touched. You had a way of making everyone feel like family. Whether it was through your music, your cooking, your service, or just your big, bold presence, you gave us so much of yourself. You celebrated life in a way that inspired others to do the same. You didn’t just live—you loved living. And that spirit will remain in us forever.
This morning, when the call came with the news of your passing, it felt unreal. It’s the kind of news you never expect, never want, and never truly know how to respond to. How do we say goodbye to someone like you? Someone whose joy was so immense it filled up every space, someone whose laughter could heal, someone whose voice could calm storms and raise spirits?
As we grieve, we also remember. We remember the cookouts and late-night jam sessions. We remember your epic DJ sets and the times you made us laugh until we cried. We remember the hugs, the music, the teasing, the prayers. We remember your compassion, your strength, and your unshakable faith. You gave us so much to hold on to—and now those memories will be the light we carry forward.
To your family—your loved ones, your siblings, your extended family—we offer our deepest condolences and our prayers. We know that no words can take away this pain, but we hope you find comfort in knowing just how deeply Milton was loved. The entire community mourns with you. His absence is felt in every corner of our hearts. And to your friends, the ones who laughed with you, leaned on you, and shared life with you—we are forever changed because of Charlie. Let us hold each other close in this time of loss. Let us cry together, laugh together, and remember him in all the ways he brought joy to our lives. Let us honor him by being the light he always was.
Charlie, you were so much more than your titles. Yes, you were a DJ. Yes, you were a cook. But more than that, you were a peacemaker, a joy-bringer, a true servant of love. Your work was meaningful, your friendships were sacred, and your life was a masterpiece of music, heart, and grace. Rest well, dear friend. You’ve run your race. You’ve lifted us all, and now it’s time for your spirit to rest in peace and power. We imagine you smiling, maybe with a mic in hand, singing that beautiful tune that only you could sing. The world may be a lesser place without you, but heaven just gained a voice like no other. We miss you deeply. We love you fiercely. And we promise to carry your light forward. Fly high, Milton Charles Bunch. You will be forever remembered, forever missed, and forever loved.
