Charlie R Blaine

Charlie R. Blaine 96, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 21st, 2024. Born during the Dust Bowl, in McAlester, Oklahoma on November 15th, 1928, to Mattie Foster Blaine and Charley R. Blaine, Charlie had to grow up fast. At the age of 17, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army and was soon sent for Active Duty in Korea. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal for his service. 

Charlie met his wife of 75 years, Vanessa Wilkinson, in China Lake, California in 1948. They soon moved to Moscow, Idaho where Charlie attended the University of Idaho, Moscow. Here, the couple welcomed Charlotte in 1950 and Rebecca in 1951. After graduating with his undergrad degree in engineering, Charlie moved the family to Schenectady, New York, where he was employed by General Electric. They welcomed their third daughter, Claudia, soon after in 1953. In the pursuit of further education, Charlie and Van moved their family back to Moscow, where Charlie earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering. They then welcomed another baby, Tom in 1955. 

In June of 1956, Charlie and Van found the place they’d call home for the next 68 years. Charlie had applied to many places after graduating and Van decided, due to the mild weather, Albuquerque, New Mexico was it! This was the place they raised their children and spoiled their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlie and Van were dedicated servants to the Lord. They served at First United Methodist Church of Albuquerque for over 60 years. Here Charlie sat on many committees, taught Sunday School, and chaperoned many youth group trips. 

Charlie worked at Sandia Labs for over 30 years. He started in the advanced radar group, developing an advanced warning system for the defense against ballistic missiles. Charlie often woke his family in the middle of the night to watch the glow of missile re-entries to White Sands Missile Range, as part of his radar projects for his Guidance and Control Division. His division was also responsible for developing one of the first parallel processing guidance systems used for offensive Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems (SANDAC). 

Charlie and Vanessa developed many memories at Elephant Butte Lake, starting with the construction of a lake house, commonly known as “the cabin.” It started as a modest one-story house with necessities, and was upgraded to a two-story cabin, just big enough to fit their kids. Charlie would take his kids and grandkids water skiing and for day trips on the lake. 

When each of the kids built their homes, Charlie was there. With all of his tools in tote, he spent countless hours helping with the framing, plumbing and electrical. He was a man of many talents. 

Charlie and Van enjoyed traveling. They were world travelers, visiting places such as Czech Republic, Israel, Australia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Each trip yielded many photos and hours of stories. Charlie is proceeded in death by his loving wife, Vanessa, both parents, and many siblings. 

Charlie is survived by his children; Charlotte Lovett and husband Alan of Dripping Springs, TX, Rebecca Blaine and husband Paul of Albuquerque, NM, Claudia Blaine and Jimmy of Edgewood, NM, and son Tom Blaine and wife Sandy of Jarales, NM. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses, and nine great-grandchildren.

Charlie will be greatly missed by his family. His quick wit, “dad” jokes, and unsolicited science facts will leave a void in the lives of all who knew him.