Charles Russell Laine

Charles Russell ("Chuck") Laine was born on February 29, 1944 in Butte, Montana. He grew up in Walnut Creek, California, and graduated from Las Lomas High School. He attended California State University, San Jose for a few years, and then worked for First Western Bank for around eight years, working as an operations officer in small branches in the Bay Area and the Central Valley. He discovered an aptitude and interest in economics, and in 1971, stopped working at the bank to pursue a degree in economics. He enrolled in a summer school calculus class at Modesto Junior College, where he met his future wife. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from California State University, Stanislaus, and in 1972, began graduate studies at the University of California, Davis, eventually earning his doctorate in economics. In 1976, Chuck received a teaching position at Whittier College, and taught there for over thirty-five years, teaching economics and finance. In 2008, he was chosen as the first incumbent of the John A. Murdy Chair in Business Administration. While at Whittier College, he also served for over thirty years as a volunteer assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country teams.

Chuck loved his family, his wife and two sons, both of whom he was very proud. He loved his daughters-in-law, and enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons. He loved teaching and being an encouragement to his students, as well as helping to coach cross country. He had a strong faith, and was a member of East Whittier Friends Church for over thirty years, serving many years as the church treasurer. He loved to run, participated in numerous 10K runs throughout Southern California, and enjoyed keeping track of his running statistics. He was an avid reader of history, biographies and mysteries, and loved solving puzzles, such as crosswords and the daily sudokus. He was an unfailingly kind, funny, intelligent and wise person, and will be deeply missed.

Chuck passed away on July 8, 2021, and is survived by his wife Donna, sons Matt (Sarah) and David (Leslie), and grandsons Jonathan and Zachary. Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to Whittier College Athletics (Cross Country) or East Whittier Friends Church.