The Rt. Rev. Charles L. Burgreen, retired Bishop suffragan of the Armed Forces, died Jan. 20 at age 81 in Oregon. He had been diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer just a week earlier.

Born in West Virginia, Bishop Burgreen followed his father into the ministry, attending Maryville College (Tenn.) and the School of Theology, University of the South. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1946 and to the priesthood in 1948. He served a curacy at Holy Trinity, Riviera Beach, Fla., from 1946-48, and served from 1948-51 as priest in charge at two parishes in the Diocese of Central Florida, St. Mark’s, Haines City, and St. Alban’s, Auburndale.

In 1973 he moved to New York to serve as executive assistant to the Bishop of the Armed Forces at the Episcopal Church Center, serving in that capacity for five years. He was consecrated bishop in 1978, and served as suffragan bishop until his retirement in 1989. He also served as national chaplain of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

Bishop Burgreen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen; daughters Amy Freed and Beth Stuhlman; four grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s, Medford, Ore.

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