Charles Patrick Donnelly

Charles Patrick Donnelly, 80, of Grants Pass passed away December 25, 2009 at his home. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 20th by invitation only at the Grants Pass Country Club. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the National Rifle Association of America: NRA PROCESSING CENTER P. O. BOX 420648, PALM COAST, FL 32142-0648 or Lovejoy Hospice:939 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 Born April 12, 1929 in Eureka, Utah to Patrict and Stella Donnelly. He graduated High School from Tintic High School in Eureka, Utah and graduated from Trinidad Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado. He married Marjorie Harding on July 21, 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Charles assisted with the design, research and development of the first Ruby Laser for Hughes Research Laboratory in Malibu, California. He also was owner operator of a gunsmith shop where he was a riffle barrel maker. Gun manufacturers from around the world would seek his expertise. With his family they moved to Grants Pass in 1969 from Camarillo, California. Charles loved hunting, working on cars and camping with his family. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons, James P. Donnelly of Portland and Eric B. Donnelly of Grants Pass; daughter, Maureen L. Wright of Grants Pass; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Laura K. Donnelly-Emptage and Granddaughter, Julianna M. Emptage both of Grants Pass.