Charles Luukinen

The Honorable Charles Eino Luukinen, 75, of Salem, passed away on Sept. 15.

Judge Luukinen served Oregonians as a judge for more than 20 years. Born and raised in Astoria, he worked his way through Oregon State University and Willamette University College of Law as a commercial fisherman.

He began his judicial career in 1986 as a district court judge. He then went on to serve as a Polk County Circuit Court judge until he retired in August 2010. He served as a trial judge for all types of cases, including one of the first DNA murder cases in Oregon.

Judge Luukinen’s mediation work was a passion of his, which he took great pride and satisfaction in. He had a true impact on judicial work in Oregon over his more than 35 years of legal practice.

He also served as a board member with Family Building Blocks and Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System Retirees Inc. He was a member of the Willamette Valley Inn of Court and the West Salem Rotary.

Outside of his professional career, Charlie was a high school and college basketball referee for 35 years. He served as the Commissioner for the Salem Area High School Basketball Officials Association for 5 years. He and his wife, Valeria, were very involved with the Hoopla 3-on-3 basketball event, organizing the officials and hospitality volunteers for nearly 20 years.

Charlie was a lifelong and enthusiastic fisherman, clam digger, deer and elk hunter and Northwest sports fan. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Valeria, and a loving and involved father to his three children.

He is survived by Valeria (Tarabochia); son, Bryan and his partner, Kim Campbell, and grandchildren, Elodie and Bennett; son, Alan, and his partner, Misha Luukinen, and grandsons, Jordan and Trey; daughter, Amanda, and her partner, Jason Walker; and his sister, Helen Luukinen Findley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Venus Luukinen.

Charlie will continue to be an inspiration to his community, and a pillar of strength and guidance for his family. He will be lovingly remembered, and deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Road N.W. in Salem.

A memorial scholarship will be established in his name. Email cluukinenscholarship@gmail.com for more information.

For information, tributes and photo sharing, visit bit.ly/charlesluukinen.