Charles T. Urquhart

Charles Thornton Urquhart, 86, of Traverse City, formerly of Brighton, Michigan passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Charles was born on March 15, 1937, in Detroit to Thornton and Clare (Stahl) Urquhart. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1955. Chuck married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Carol in 1958. In 1959, he graduated from The University of Michigan, BBA and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of the ROTC program of Ann Arbor. Later that summer, Chuck joined the U.S. Army Training Center Armor at Fort Knox, KY as a 2nd Lieutenant. He later served as a company commander. Chuck and Carol’s first child was born there. In 1961, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant while at Fort Knox. After that, he was honorably discharged. Chuck and Carol returned to Michigan, where he joined the two-year management training program and continued a successful career with Ford Motor Company for 34 years. Within that time, Chuck completed the Advanced Management Master’s program through Michigan State University. During Chuck’s years at Ford, the family enjoyed immensely their cabin on Lake Huron. When Chuck retired, he especially appreciated the gift of time at their beloved cabin as he designed additions and improvements to his favorite place on earth, the cabin. Chuck’s family was his greatest joy. Providing this retreat was one of his proudest achievements where family could gather often. In addition to his wife Carol, he is survived by three children: Susan (Ed), Kim (Joe) and Scott. Also surviving are grandchildren: Ashley (Thomaz), Jordan, Matt (Justine), Stephanie (Jeff), Jack (Katie), Kiley, Shelby, Eddie, Elizabeth (Matt), Zach, great-grandchildren, Liam, Lexi and Sawyer, sister Lois (Tom), brother Thornton (Gloria) sister-in-law Cora and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thornton Urquhart and Clare Stahl, brother, Gerald and niece, Jennifer Urquhart and grandson Kirk Stevens. Chuck’s family appreciates the tender loving care and friendship he received from MediLodge GTC over the past four years as an Alzheimer’s patient. They would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of ProMedica Heartland Hospice. In accordance with Chuck’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home, 706 W. Main Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Chuck’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Charles T. Urquhart

March 15, 1937 - April 27, 2023