Charles "Chuck" Link

Charles "Chuck" Link, 63, went to be with His Lord and Savior on Monday, August 23, 2010 at his home, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Chuck was born in Wygima, Japan in 1947. His birth name was Asada Kazuo. He is the son of Asada Kumagi and Maria Augustina Link. After having spent 8 years in an orphanage in Bepuo, Japan, Chuck and his sister Mariko were adopted by Albert Thomas Link at the age of 10. The family went on to live in Ogdensburg, NY and then Long Island New York. The Air Force brought them to Alamogordo, NM in 1966 where he graduated from high school in 1968. He was formerly married to Kay Kersey. They had a daughter, Janay Claire Link who currently resides in Tyler, TX. In 1979, Chuck became the North American judo champion. He spent 19 years working with Westinghouse as a graphic illustrator. He also taught judo and Tai Chi at NMSU. Even while sick with cancer he taught Tai Chi at the Senior Circle. Chuck was an accomplished artist. Craft Elementary, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Senior Circle, Cavern City Air Terminal's World War II bombardier exhibit are just a few of the places that display his murals. He also loved photography and spent many weekends taking pictures of weddings and special events. Chuck spent much time at the Blue House Bakery where he designed their colorful lunch menus each week. He went on to accomplish a life goal of being a massage therapist; becoming certified in 2006. Mr. Link is survived by his daughter Janay Claire Link of Tyler TX and her children Hailie and Mason Cormier; mother, Maria Link of Alamogordo, NM; sister, Carla Thompson of Alamogordo, NM and her husband Eddie and children Trevor and Tessa. He was preceded in death by his sister Mariko Bertrand. Visitation will be held 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday, August 27, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 28, 2010 at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert G. Smith officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.dentonwood.com.