Chuck Bahn

Charles William Bahn, 90, was born in Wilmar, aka San Gabriel, California to Allen and Gertrude Bahn.   In high school his favorite activity was the band, playing trumpet and tuba.  After graduation from Alhambra High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard June 4, 1952.  He was stationed on Bjorka Island west of Juneau, Alaska, manning a Loran signal station during the Korean War.  After isolated duty, he was transferred to San Pedro, California.

Upon returning home, he worked for Southern California Gas Company, and in August of 1956 married Ruth Landrus.  Their son, Paul, was born in July 1957, and daughter Pari in April 1960.  That year he joined the West Covina Fire Department.   He loved being a firefighter and engineer.

He and Ruth divorced in 1972 and June 7, 1974, he married Judy deVries Haystead and her daughter, Karen.   And in September 1975 they welcomed their son, Michael.  In 1993 Karen located Judy’s birth son, and they added Trent Kyes to their family.

Chuck and Judy moved to Grants Pass in 1976 when Chuck was hired by Grants Pass City Fire Department.   He initially worked with the GPFD volunteers and as a Captain was Public Information Officer.  His family worked with the annual Fireman’s Toy Drive.   This was fun yet challenging for a young Michael as he saw toys he wanted pass through, especially a Star Wars Millennial Falcon.

One memorable experience was the Grants pass grandstand fire in September of 1988.  Chuck was between the Heater-Newman gym and bleachers hosing down the gym wall when he heard a loud creaking sound.  He dropped the hose and ran toward the school just clearing the fire when the grandstand began to collapse.  This was witnessed by Principal Greg Ross and then reported to Judy.   He loved the fire service and all his crews.  He retired in 1992.

Not one to be idle in retirement, Chuck took the job of Maintenance Manager for Parkway Christian Center, which he enjoyed helping folks and loved those he worked with for years.   His family has always been involved in music, those before him and those after him.  He loved playing his trumpet and the tuba, especially for worship.  At one time in his southern California history, he was in a Banjo Band that actually played at Disneyland.

Through the years, Chuck has been involved in the community in many ways.  When moving to Grants Pass, the Bahn family brought along an antique fire engine.  Chuck dreamed of restoring it; however, since it would have cost too much, it was sold to its original home, the Mountain View, California fire department.  However, he was able to have his dream here as he was instrumental in the restoration of the Grants Pass 1927 LaFrance fire engine which now lives in the fire museum at the Parkway GPFD station. He and Brian Robinson put together replica fire uniforms and had fun driving it in the Merlin Parade, and it was included in the parade for the 100^th anniversary of the GPFD.

Daughter Pari managed a food bank in southern California for about 20 years.  The family always worked with her on GAP days (meaning God Always Provides) when visiting.  This type of ministry was near to Chuck’s heart.  Locally, he along with Pastor Wes Winn of First Christian Church and other volunteers, established the ROC Food Bank, which continues to serve our community.   He painted the interior of the donated building, recruited friends to install a restroom, and served on the board for several years.  He was a volunteer for Concerned Fathers Against Crime in support of the Grants Pass Public Safety Department.  They patrolled the city and reported any problems they saw to the police.  He painted the Caretakers Cottage in Riverside Park which at that time housed the headquarters of CFAC (white with blue trim).

Chuck and Judy were actively involved in parental support at Fort Vannoy Elementary, Fleming Middle School, and North Valley High School.  Highlights were chaperoning the Class of 1985 to Disneyland for Grad Night, escorting daughter, Karen, as Homecoming Queen, and loving the performances of son Michael and the music department’s choir Free Design.

As members of Parkway Christian Center in the early 1980s, Chuck produced the Easter Drama “He is Risen, Indeed!” with Judy directing the actors, and 70+ church members providing the actors, set designers, makeup and costumes, choir, etc.—all aspects of the presentation to the community.  Through all these responsibilities and adventures, he always had a great sense of humor.

Chuck enjoyed remodeling and landscaping each home they bought.  And showed his love by helping their children and others with their projects.   He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons Paul Bahn (Wini), Michael Bahn (Jannelle), and Trent Kyes (Linda), and daughters Pari Blackman (Dan) and Karen Haystead-Duzy (Dave); nephew Walter Bahn (Toni) and sister, Linda deVries; grandchildren Justin Bahn (Rachel), Caitlin Groll (Jason), Wesley Blackman (Erin), Chad Blackman (Rachel), Brandon Blackman (Sammi), Megan Tanner (Scott), Samantha Duzy, Abigail Duzy, Penni Duzy, Austin Bahn, Adriana Bahn and Alesia Bahn; 12 great-grandchildren Liam Bahn, Brock and baby Blackman due 9/2/24, Isaac, McLaine and, Brooks Blackman, London and Brynn Blackman, Ryan, Emma, Marshall, Brynn and James Tanner.

He was predeceased by his parents, Allen and Gertrude Bahn and brother Allen Bahn, Jr and his wife Millie.

A celebration of life will be at 1:00 p.m., June 29, 2024 at Parkway Christian Center, 229 NE Beacon Drive, Grants Pass.

Private interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.