Charles F. Pins (1956-2021)

PINS, BLAIR

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/7/2021 at 07:34:47

Our hearts are broken to announce the sudden and peaceful passing of a cherished husband and best friend Charles Francis Pins. Chuck was a gentle, wise soul, a husband, brother, uncle, best friend, a writer, musician, lyricist, and the ultimate wordsmith.

Chuck was the beloved son of the late Helen and Val Pins of Dubuque, Iowa and brother to the late Richard Pins, of Gurnee, Illinois and James Pins of Dubuque.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Blair, sister Susan Bettcher (Lester) , brother Jack Pins (Paula) and sister in law Judy Pins.

Chucks nieces and nephews include Melanie Pins, Addison Aronson, Brett (Krystal) and Greg Koppes, Sharmin Koppes, Jeff Pins, Stephanie (Flint) Sackett and Abby (Brian) Jones.

Further survived by second Mother Barbara Blair. He was the cherished brother-in-law to Diane Blair, Kevin (Melanie) Blair, Janet (Mike) Hagen, James (Donna) Blair, and Uncle to the vast Blair, Hagen and Reilly families.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa in 1956, his childhood was filled with Mark Twain worthy stories on the Mississippi River. He played baseball on a little league championship team, and football at Wahlert Catholic High School. He was an altar boy at St Raphael’s Cathedral, assisting in the early Mass before school and often served for the Archbishop.

After High school Chuck lived in Colorado, Washington State and Madison, Wisconsin before moving to Milwaukee in 1985 to work with his childhood friend for 20 years at Art Smart's Dart Mart and Juggling Emporium. He always had a magic trick or prank up his sleeve for his nieces and nephews.

Chuck was a Renaissance man. In addition to composing and performing countless songs he was an avid reader and fiction writer. He read and reread all of Russian and American Classics. One winter he combed through many old bookstores to collect a big stack of his favorite Steinbeck novels. He was picky about his books. He’d find a good author and stick with them.

His “timeless” relationships with so many people from such varied backgrounds, speaks volumes about the kind of a man he was. He was filled with kindness, bright light, adventure, creativity and love.

Those fortunate enough to have conversations with Chuck about spirituality, religion, the universe and the finite role we play while living on this earth, will find some comfort in his passing. Chuck had it figured out and his influences on all of us will live on.

A celebration of Chuck’s life, including music, story-telling and memories, will be held Friday, June 11th 3:00 pm-6:00 pm at Hubbard Park Lodge 3565 North Morris Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211.

No flowers please. Those wishing to donate to an organization that supports the healing power of music, please consider: Guitars 4 Vets http://guitars4vets.org