*A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 29, 2023 at Zenith Vineyard from 3-5 PM (5657 Zena Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304).*
*A memorial scholarship has been established in Charlie's name at Willamette University Law School (see Donations page).
If you would like to donate, please select “Direct my gift to…” and "In honor of Charlie Luukinen."
Email cluukinenscholarship@gmail.com for more information.*
The Honorable Charles Eino Luukinen of Salem, Oregon passed away on September 15, 2023 at the age of 75. Judge Luukinen served Oregonians as a judge for more than 20 years. He was born and raised in Astoria, Ore. and graduated from Astoria High School in 1966. He worked his way through college and law school as a commercial fisherman. While fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, in 1968, he met Valeria Tarabochia. They were married in Astoria, Ore. on October 3, 1970.
Charlie attended Oregon State University, graduating in 1970, and Willamette University School of Law, graduating in 1975.
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 of 2010. He served as a trial judge for all types of cases, including one of the first DNA murder cases in Oregon.
“I always liked trials,” he has said. “The best part of being a judge was being able to go to court every day and watch good lawyers work.”
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 PERS Retirees, Inc. He was a member of the Willamette Valley Inn of Court and the West Salem Rotary.
Outside of his professional career, Charlie Luukinen was a high school and college basketball referee for 35 years. He served as the Commissioner and assigner for the Salem Area High School Basketball Officials Association (SBOA) 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, duck, deer and elk hunter, and northwest sports fan.
Charlie was a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Valeria. He was a loving and involved father for his three children, Bryan, Alan, and Amanda. He is survived by Valeria, son Bryan (partner Kim Campbell, grandchildren Elodie & Bennett), son Alan (partner Misha Luukinen, grandsons Jordan & Trey), daughter Amanda (partner Jason Walker), and sister, Helen Luukinen Findley. He is preceded in death by 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.
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