Charles "Chuck" Pate passed away on August 7th, 2026 at the age of 72. He had fought a 14-year battle with bladder cancer. He was born on June 16th, 1954 in Denver, Colorado to Thomas Pate and Dorene Gentzler. Chuck was the eldest of five children, the sole brother to his four sisters Laura, Lynda, Lee and Louisa.

Having worked as a bouncer, line cook, limo driver and bartender throughout his twenties, Chuck graduated from San José State University in 1985 with a degree in Communications, before marrying the love of his life Sandra Clayton in April of 1987. He and Sandra moved to Portland, Oregon in 1989 where he established himself as a 'rainmaker' technology salesman. Charles retired in 2024 at age 70, after a career spanning almost forty years.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, and his cherished wife, Sandra. Charles is survived by his mother, sisters, eldest son and daughter-in-law Wyatt Pate and Meghan Syvrud, daughter Morgan Pate, and youngest son Weston Pate.

From his first summer spent shucking car parts in his grandfather's auto-shop, Chuck developed a life-long passion for cars, with a special appreciation reserved for the temperamental but rewarding Volvo. He carried a deep love for body detailing and restoration, with his cars frequently winning top honors at auto shows. Forming lifelong friendships within the Pacific Northwest's Volvo community, Chuck could be found in the group drives along the Pacific Gorge or parked alongside his fellow afficionados at local meet-ups. He helped to mentor young enthusiasts just as often as he enjoyed talking shop with his peers.

Charles was possessed of a deep and unabashed love for music. With much the same care that he placed into his beloved Volvos, Chuck spent much of his later years on the careful crafting of his ideal audio theatre. Speakers, amps, stereos, a treasured turntable, Chuck relished every opportunity he had to settle in with an album new or old. Charles cultivated an extensive and eclectic collection of vinyl records stretching all the way back to the 60s. He never flinched away from finding fresh additions across every genre, frequently scanning college radio stations for new sounds to follow.

Chuck will be remembered for his wit, kindness, depth of knowledge, and a bone-deep work ethic. May his memory bring comfort and laughter to those who knew him, whether new companions or old.