Charles Tigchon

A hardworking and devoted man, Charles Tigchon lived a life of purpose. He was a no frills sort of person who lived a simple life, and although he could be opinionated, he wasn’t one to offer his thoughts unless he was asked. For many years Charlie was a dedicated police officer in his lifelong community. Charles will be missed and forever remembered by those who loved him dearly.

The Roaring Twenties were a great time to be an American, and prosperity dominated cities and towns all across our great land. Radios, washing machines, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the time while Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb made baseball America’s favorite pastime. It was during this exciting time that Peter and Abbie (Moore) Tigchon were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on April 2, 1926. Charles was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was raised in the family home on the West side of the city alongside his brother, Louis. Sometimes known as Chuck or Charlie, Charles experienced a childhood that was a reflection of his generation. He attended local schools including Union High School.

Throughout his life Chuck was known for his strong work ethic. As a young man he worked a few odd jobs before becoming a police officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department. Charles spent his career there working his way up the ladder. He started as a beat cop and later became a patrolman, sergeant, detective, and head of detectives. By the time he retired Charlie was a captain. He always enjoyed his work as he liked helping people, and he was well respected by his peers. While on the police force he always worked hard, and he never missed a scheduled shift. For a few summers, he worked at Camp O’Malley, working as the pool director and providing a police presence. Although he was fully present in his work, he never talked about work in his time off as the things he saw stayed there.

While getting his career off the ground Charles met and married Lois Rogers. Together they were blessed with the births of four children: Rick, Ellen, Nancy, and Janice. Charlie took his role as provider in the family seriously as he was often working in order to support his bustling family, even if it meant finding extra jobs after his police shift was over. When he did have time off he enjoyed fishing in various local lakes for pan fish. As an excellent marksman, Charlie competed on the Grand Rapids Police Department Pistol Team for several years. He was neat, organized, and busy around the house, too, as he was a true do-it-yourselfer who would try his hand at fixing anything, usually with great success. As a father Chuck could be strict, and his children knew exactly where the line he set was and that it was certainly in their best interest not to cross that line. He was never one to watch much television, but he did love listening to the radio. Charles liked cooking and mastered many things in the kitchen. He loved trying new things and made his own spaghetti sauce as well as a fantastic lemon meringue pie.

Later on Charlie married Ramonia Baker, and together they raised Chadwick and Charlie. They spent several years together including the majority of his retirement years. With more free time Charles spent a short time working as a private investigator but soon discovered that he liked doing a variety of things. He did some work with the Salvation Army and later became known as Captain Charlie Tigchon while announcing live traffic reports on WOOD radio. He also had more time for fishing and enjoyed spending time at their place on Wabasis Lake. Charlie was deeply saddened with Ramonia’s death in 2007, and he was never really the same without her.

The last few years of Charlie’s life were met with some difficulty as he had various health struggles that kept him in and out of the hospital. This past February he broke his hip, and recovery was a constant struggle.

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Charles Tigchon filled his days with the people and things he loved. He was respected in his work and knew how to carry himself with authority and great strength. Charlie was happiest at home and was a private person who was driven to succeed. He will never be forgotten.

Charles Tigchon, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away September 20, 2014. He served his community with the Grand Rapids Police Department for many years, and then announced live traffic reports on WOOD radio as Captain Charlie Tigchon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ramonia in 2007. Charles is survived by his children Rick (Nancy) Tigchon, Ellyn (Bob) Start, Nancy DeMaagd, Janice (Jerry) Visser, Chadwick Gann and Charlie Shaffer; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with his family from 10 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Salvation Army are appreciated. To read more about his life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com