Justin Charland

Justin Thomas Charland, 40, born to Michael David and Cynthia Rose Charland, Muskogee, Oklahoma, brother to Jacqueline Marie Charland. 

His early years spent in Texas and Arizona getting to know extended family moving to Henderson, NV at age 9. 

His interests were computers, science, magic and Tae Kwan Do.  He was a Red Beret at Robert Taylor Elementary and participated in swing dancing.    He played the bass violin at Garrett Middle School.  Boulder City High School Class of 1998, he performed the lead in Phantom of the Opera, attended Rotary leadership training and travelled with the Close-up program to Washington, DC.  He attended UNLV for a time until he enlisted for four years in the Army trained as a 45G Fire Control Systems Repair (infrared systems on tanks) stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY and Aberdeen, Maryland.  He received honorable medical discharge, Nov. 2001.  10% disabled with schizophreneform disorder.  His battle with Schizophrenia had begun.  He attempted courses at UNLV, the thought disorder and side effects of the powerful anti-psychotic medicine from the VA, resulted in him dropping out.  He travelled the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and North Dakota and was hospitalized 4 times.  He was jailed in Sundance, WY for several charges including evading Highway Patrol.  After 2 months the Judge agreed to release him to the Salt Lake City Veteran’s Hospital Valor House program for homeless veterans for 6 months. Disabled American Veteran’s submitted 3 appeals over ten years changing his disability to 100% disabled due to schizophrenia.  Gaining better insight into his illness he enrolled at University of Utah, resuming business classes. 

He met and married April Limm, a South Korean mathematics student.  He volunteered at SLC VA recording GPS co-ordinates of essential utility connections. Intelligent and sensitive, he found answers to questions on multiple topics and did extensive research to make decisions.  The marriage ended after 3 years.  He returned to Las Vegas, lived independently above his father’s apartment, was dedicated to helping his father until he died in 2018.  Justin posted on facebook and shared what he learned.  He taught chess strategy and enjoyed playing Chessmaster.  He practiced art painting, drawing, most recently ring design.  He owned a newly formed business called, Honorings.  He lost the battle with schizophrenia after 2 months solo quarentine, non compliance with medication and missed VA appointments.  He was shot and killed by Las Vegas Metro Police when he lunged at Officers with a sword. 

Justin was a Catholic.  He would rather be known as an honorable man that cherished his God, Country, and family, than 100% disabled vet.  He did not join support groups or want to seek reform.  Did not get disabled license plates or a service dog.  He did not want sympathy he wanted freedom and liberty. 

Justin is survived by his mother Cynthia Rose Spencer, Niland, CA; sister Jacqueline Marie Charland, Las Vegas; aunts Kay Charland, TX; Diane Rios, AZ, Leslie Oakley, Debbie Oakley, Jodi Oakley, AZ; uncles Joe Oakley,  Dean Oakley, and Robert Rios, AZ; Cousins Elaine, Daniel, David Rios; Melly, Brittany, Josh, Casey Oakley,AZ; & Billy Hill, Toni Marie, TX. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to nami.org and www.dav.org

Arrangements handled by Davis Funeral Home, internment planned for Boulder City Veteran’s Cemetary.