Charles Bailey Judson

Charles B. “Chuck” Judson died peacefully at home on July 24, 2017 in Traverse City, at the age of 66. Chuck was born in Big Rapids on June 17, 1951 to the late Thomas and Marilyn (Reinig) Judson. He graduated from Albion College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. He married Susan (Chapelle) Judson in 1977 and graduated cum laude from University of Detroit Law School in 1980 with a Juris Doctorate degree. Following law school, Chuck and Sue moved to Traverse City in 1980, where Chuck began his career as an attorney. In Traverse City, Chuck dedicated himself to his family, friends, church and community. First and foremost, he was a loving loving husband and father, giving support, advice and counsel to his two girls and son-in-law. On weekends, he could be found with his family boating on Torch Lake, biking to downtown or volunteering with a local organization. Throughout his life he carried on his family’s legacy of loving golf as a member of his high school and college golf teams; and later spending countless summers golfing with friends, colleagues and his daughters. Professionally, he worked over 35 years as an attorney in Traverse City, most recently as a shareholder with Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge. Chuck prided himself on helping his clients solve complex problems, readily supported the growing field of mediation and represented municipalities and nonprofits throughout the region including the Northwestern Regional Airport Commission and the Traverse City Area District Library. He received many local and national recognitions including being named the 1999 Lyle DeYoung Downtown Achievement Award winner, the recipient of the 2015 Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award and the 2016 Northwestern Michigan College Fellow. He was often listed in Best Lawyers for Government Relations and Leading Lawyers in multiple fields. Chuck was passionate about the growth and development of a strong Traverse City region. Through his volunteer work he sought to bring people together to define a vibrant vision for the area, and spent countless hours helping make that vision a reality. He helped lead numerous organizations including Northwestern Michigan College, The National Cherry Festival, Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce, The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region and Central United Methodist Church. Beyond board service and leadership, Chuck spent time supporting and mentoring community members, where he shared institutional knowledge of the community to ensure the preservation of a strong Northern Michigan for generations to come. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of nearly forty years, Sue; daughters Allie (David) Walker of Grand Rapids and Bailey Judson of East Lansing. granddaughter Reiley; sister Polly (Joe Powers) Judson of New York, NY; and nephews Mark (Courtney) Powers and Patrick Powers of New York, NY. A visitation with the family will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 12pm - 2pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. (305 Sixth St., Traverse City) A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at Central United Methodist Church (222 Cass St., Traverse City) on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or online at www.tccentralumc.org and Northwestern Michigan College Foundation, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686 or online at www.nmc.edu/foundation.

Charles Bailey Judson

June 17, 1951 - July 24, 2017