Charles F. G. Kuyk, Jr.

Charles F.G. Kuyk, Jr. (“Charlie”), devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and retired U.S. Air Force Major General, passed away peacefully at Heron’s Key on December 20, 2025 in Gig Harbor, WA at the age of 99. Born 1926 in New York City, Charlie grew up in upstate New York and was the son of the late Charles F.G. Kuyk, Esq., and Vivian D. Sand. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce Kuyk, and brothers Dirk Adriaan Kuyk and David Donnan Kuyk.

Charlie is survived by his three children: Charles F.G. (Merri Ellen) Kuyk, III of Wayne, Illinois; Kathy (Mike) Oswald of Gig Harbor, Washington; and Kimberly (Paul) Novotny of Langley, Washington. He also leaves behind five grandchildren and seven great‑grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Charlie, a 1950 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was a veteran of 36 years of military service, from Private to Major General. Prior to attending West Point he served with the Marines in World War II. After graduating from the Air Force’s pilot school, he went on to serve as a combat pilot in Korea, an experimental test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, a bomber pilot during the Cold War, a commander and EB-66 electronic counter measures pilot during the Vietnam War. He later served as an Air Force Wing Commander and a general officer in the R&D division of the Air Staff at the Pentagon. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other military decorations. His service reflected deep dedication, technical excellence, and a lifelong commitment to aviation and national defense. He shaped the professional lives of many junior Airmen with his leadership and guidance. During his retirement years, he and his son Charlie, III, authored a book entitled "West Point Graduates and the U.S. Air Force" chronicling the many contributions of West Point grads to the establishment and rapid development of the U.S. Air Force.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1980, Charlie continued contributing to the field of military aerospace with the Boeing Company.

In retirement, Charlie and Joyce made their home in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington. There they enjoyed many fulfilling years together, embracing the outdoors through cross‑country skiing, hiking, gardening, and hosting many gatherings with family and friends.

Charlie will be remembered for his integrity, his devotion to family, and his remarkable life of service, always embodying the West Point motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor while a private family memorial will be held at a later date.