Charles Van Pelt

Charles Van Pelt crossed over into the Abha Paradise early morning on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Chuck--as he liked to be known--was an outstanding figure in the history of the Baha'i faith. He was the first person in the Kingdom who had the background of his family of origin in the Christianity of the Salvation Army. He served his country in the military as well and was a deepened expert in the spirituality and disciplines of the martial arts of the East. Chuck sometimes likened his own personal spiritual journey to the film "the fourth wise man" starring Martin Sheen based on the story "the other wise man" by Henry Van Dyke. This tells a poignant story of the gifts of personal sacrifice, honor and loyalty similar to O'Henry's "gift of the magi" but with more a direct connection to the spiritual seeker's conscious quest to meet his Christ and become approved and accepted by God. When Chuck first heard the name of Baha'u'llah he immediately accepted the faith without hesitation. He and his beloved wife Joyce both attended the fireside series in Missoula, Montana. When the 9-11 event occurred--and God brought forth his servant "the branch" (Zech. 3:8 KJV)--Chuck was the first person to cross over the line in defiance of the Covenant-breakers oppressive edict to shun the Guardian. Chuck was a resolute and feisty soul who dedicated himself to the faith. Though battling several chronic illnesses that would have crippled and debilitated another person--Chuck was tough as nails--and pushed through it all, regularly attending forums on a weekly basis, when others had fallen away, and staying in touch through weekly phone conferences after the center was relocated from his home town. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, at 2:00 pm 2016 at the Western Montana State Veteran's Cemetery where Chuck will receive proper honors and a 21 gun salute.

Baha'i Prayer for the Departed:


Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! Abase not him whom Thou hast exalted through the power of Thine everlasting sovereignty, and remove not far from Thee him whom Thou hast caused to enter the tabernacle of Thine eternity. Wilt Thou cast away, O my God, him whom thou hast overshadowed with Thy Lordship, and wilt Thou turn away from Thee, O my Desire, him to whom Thou hast been a refuge? Canst Thou degrade him whom Thou hast uplifted, or forget him whom Thou didst enable to remember Thee?


Glorified, immensely glorified art Thou! Thou art He Who from everlasting hath been the King of the entire creation and its Prime Mover, and Thou wilt to everlasting remain the Lord of all created things and their Ordainer. Glorified art thou, O my God! If Thou ceasest to be merciful unto Thy servants, who, then, will show mercy unto them; and if Thou refusest to succor Thy loved ones, who is there that can succor them?


Glorified, immeasurably glorified art Thou! Thou art adored in Thy truth, and Thee do we all, verily, worship; and Thou art manifest in Thy justice, and to Thee do we all, verily, bear witness. Thou art, in truth, beloved in Thy grace. No God is there but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
Read Charles Van Pelt's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.