Chuck Furr is seen with Padre Pio resources and memorabilia in his Kailua home. Furr was the caregiver of his uncle, William Carrigan, who was the saint’s “best American friend.” (HCH file photo)
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Charles “Chuck” E. Furr lived life with “one foot in heaven,” said Bishop Larry Silva, in describing the exceptional layman who died Oct. 8 at his home in Kailua at age 86.
Bishop Silva presided at Furr’s funeral Oct. 17 at St. Anthony Church, Furr’s home parish.
“God blessed him with a full life” enriched by heavenly connections, explained Bishop Silva.
Those bonds included Marilyn, his beloved wife of 42 years who died in 2005; St. Junipero Serra, the inspiration for the Serra Club which promotes vocations to the ordained and vowed life; St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as Padre Pio, the 20th-century Italian mystic who was practically a member of the family; and a love for the daily Eucharist.
The bishop’s presence, in addition to that of dozens of priests, deacons, religious, diocesan staff, Knights of Columbus, Serra Club members and more, was a testimony to the impact this eternally optimistic layman had on the Catholic Church in Hawaii.
Before Mass started at 10:30 a.m., congregants took to the podium to weave a lei of remembrances.
Sacred Hearts Sister Helene Wood declared, “God has gained a saint in heaven.”
“Close friend” Lou Carnazzo said that “Chuck was always there willing to help.”
A Blood Bank of Hawaii representative said that Furr had given his last donation of blood the day before he died.
Serra Club chaplain Msgr. Gary Secor called him a “very active and vocal member of the organization … who in so many ways blessed our church and those who chose the religious life.”
Fred Hagen, a fellow Serra member and member of the Pearson Foundation for crisis pregnancies, said Furr was a man who had “purity of intention” in his advocacy for life and was passionate about ending abortion.
Deacon Clarence DeCaires thanked Furr for his support of the diaconate community.
Retired diocesan Director of Development Mark Clark described him as a “very generous donor” to diocesan fundraising efforts.
Deacon Ron Choo thanked Furr for bringing women into the Serra Club.
A Pearson Foundation volunteer lauded Furr’s “shared passion and love for the Catholic faith.”
Charles Everett Furr was born on May 23, 1938, to Loretta Marie and Charles Everett in Waseca, Minnesota. He was one of 17 children living on a dairy farm.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1959, he worked for 32 years at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, in sales and marketing.
He married Marilyn in 1962. They had two children, David and Janet.
Furr was the caregiver of his uncle, William Carrigan, who had met Padre Pio in Italy in 1943 and became his benefactor and “best American friend.” Furr later became the custodian of the memory and memorabilia of that relationship.
Chuck and Marilyn joined St. Anthony Church in Kailua in 1989 where they pursued an active life of voluntary parish service.
Furr was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, joining as a senior in high school, and he served for 68 years in a variety of positions.
He also served eight years on the board of trustees of Serra International.
Furr is survived by his son David (Mindy) and daughter Janet (Charlie Johnson), grandchildren Brent (Alex), Sierra, Troy, Spencer and Tristan, and great-grandson Henry.
He is also survived by sisters Margret, Ann and Laura, stepbrother Leo and stepsister Mary (Boucher) Brixius.
