Charles Gordon VanCamp, 72, of Drayton, North Dakota passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 at Unity Medical Center in Grafton, North Dakota. Charles was born March 10, 1945 in Drayton to Robert and Edith (Parker) VanCamp. Nicknamed "Wheats", Charles was an amazing athlete, active in many sports, but baseball was in his heart and where he excelled.  He graduated from Drayton High School in 1963. He went on to play minor league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles until he was drafted by the US Army in 1967.  After serving two years, Charles returned to playing baseball with the Minnesota Twins. He received a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He then moved to Long Beach, California where he met his soul-mate, Sheila Denise Swanson.  They were married on August 13, 1982.  They remained in Long Beach with their three daughters until 1986.  They returned to Drayton where he spent the remainder of his years. Charles was a hard-working, loving husband and father with a strong faith in the Lord.  He enjoyed the outdoors, pool, good food and people.  His deep laugh and snort will forever be missed by many.

Charles is survived by his wife, Sheila of Drayton; daughters, Tania (Chad) Vacura of Grand Forks, Tylah (Brian) Wildey of Grand Forks and Erin (Derek) Knutson of Argyle, MN; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his father, Robert of Drayton; brothers, Richard (Shirley) of Drayton, Clinton of Drayton and Paul (Marsha) of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith in 2013 and a sister-in-law, Reicko.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Drayton United Methodist Church. Pastor Carol Olson,  presiding. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the service.