Charles Ilsley Brigham Iii

Charles Ilsley Brigham, III, “Chuck”, “C3”, “Charley”, age 73, of the Driftless Region of WI Became perfectly silent Passing away to stillness On Sunday, August 7, 2022. He fell asleep for his last nap ever, in his usual attitude of repose, peacefully passing on. He started life in Illinois, entertaining his family with his creative shenanigans as the eldest child in a squad of five. They all survive him: Emily Foster, Sarah Johnston, Mary Reynolds, and David Brigham. They lost their mother, Suzanne Hobart Brigham (born July 10, 1923, died September 11, 1967) when the family was young, himself just 18, a sadness affecting him all his life. Much later, they lost their middle-aged father, Charles Ilsley Brigham, Jr. (born January 3, 1922, died March 29, 1989.) Charley was married in his late twenties, a marriage which endured and was enjoyed for a decade and a half, the relationship producing two much loved children, Johanna Alsum Brigham (now O’Tigham) and Charles Ilsley Brigham IV. He followed them around in his latest years; and, when he died, he lived within five miles of each one. He saw them nearly daily, a blessing for all three. He maintained friendly contact with their mother, with whom he shared family life and events. In young adulthood, Chuck moved to Wisconsin for the rest of his time in a body. Family ties to the Brigham Farm area in Dane County attracted him along with a few friends. Though born in suburbia, he fell in love with country living, and ever after sought natural surroundings and a country life. He farmed and worked odd jobs, and eventually made his living in carpentry. He also volunteered with organizations supporting people with life threatening illnesses, fed hummingbirds, and enjoyed things with engines, from racing cars to lawn mowers to steam trains. Besides living a hopeful, carefree life as a youth, Charley became a professional photographer. He started his career at Great Big Pictures in Madison WI, then moving into signature window-lit portraits from there. He was blessed with a deep gift in artful photography. Charley gifted the family with two periods of poetic writing (“pewtry” per Charley), from his youth, and from his last years. He loved dogs, ever since that first border collie received as a birthday gift in the years of his marriage and young family life. He and a border collie or a mixed-breed rescue dog were companions for more years than we can figure. He was a dog whisperer of sorts. His companion in the last few weeks of his life came from the Driftless Humane Society; he renamed him “Finn”. His death was sudden. He kept notebooks which make it clear he was getting ready, striving for stillness, peacefulness, absence of noise. This goal he has reached. His family, including children, siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended family mourn his passing and want to share the joy of his being alive for the time he was. A Celebration of his Life will be held at Brigham County Park near Mt. Horeb, WI on Sept. 17, 2022, 1:30-4pm; friends and family are invited to attend and share stories about his life. If you would like to memorialize Charley, the family would welcome contributions to help fund his last rites (PayPal or Venmo to the email address below), or donations to a reputable dog rescue establishment. Contact information: Johanna O’Tigham johannabotanica@gmail.com; mailing address: S7937 Church Rd Viola, WI 54664; telephone 608-538-3459. Vosseteig Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Charles' family. 123 W. Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 637-2100