Charles McBryde Register

July 11, 1950 - October 01, 2025

Charles McBryde Register

Charles McBryde Register of Durham and Vilas NC died of pneumonia October 1, 2025 at Watauga Medical Center, Boone, NC. His wife and soulmate Kathy was at his side.

Flautist, dulcimerist (hammered), baritone, mathematician, computer maven, layout artist, publisher, puzzler, stickler for detail, bridge enthusiast, lover of words and grammar, sarcasm expert, humorist, philosopher, son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, granddad—Charles’ thirst for life brought him joy well beyond his thirty-year career at Duke University. A graduate of Northern High School and Duke University, Charles’ career began when he was hired as a Junior Programmer in the Registrar’s office, just as computers were replacing logbooks, lateral files, and index cards. He became Associate Registrar, and his final posting was Chief Security Officer for the Office of Information Technology. He rode the crest of the IT wave, and was instrumental in its development.

Against all odds Charles pulled this stuff off while his companion-from-birth, severe hemophilia A, was ever peeking over his shoulder, trying its best to ruin his spirit at every turn. Hemophilia, cruel and crippling as it was for his generation, did not defeat this courageous, quiet, kind, mischievous, and brilliant man.

Charles cherished his wife, Kathy, sons Nick and Geoff, daughters-in-law Laurie and Lauren, granddaughters Evan and Elliot, dog Riley (deceased), dog Lumos, and his wide circle of best friends: Charlene, Charlie, Chaz, David, Dick, Gail, Judy, John, Karen, Liz, Lucy, Sara, Steve, Teme, Trish, and too many more to set on a page.

Just weeks ago, he defeated his two sons handily in the game of Wii golf—the usual outcome. It made him very happy.

Charles will be interred in a private, green burial family ceremony at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens in the town of Wake Forest. A celebration of his remarkable life is in the works for the near future.

Contributions may be made in Charles’ memory to:

Bleeding Disorders Foundation of NC (BDFNC)
130 Iowa Lane Suite 203
Cary, NC 27511

https://bleedingdisordersnc.org/donate-now/

Photos & Video

Photos

Tributes

Katherine Hodel planted 5 trees in memory of Charles McBryde Register . - October 28, 2025

Plant trees for Charles McBryde Register
Margaret Hodel planted 5 trees in memory of Charles McBryde Register . - October 20, 2025
Katrina Davidoff planted 5 trees in memory of Charles McBryde Register . - October 07, 2025

Condolences

February 23, 2026

Chuck and Mary Cartledge

I will miss Charlie, not as much as his closest family. But still a lot. One of my fondest memories was a discussion we had while Kathy, Mary Hugh, he, and I were driving from Durham to the "cabin." The girls were in one car, Charlie and I in another behind them. I was explaining a new to me computer logic puzzle known as the N-Queens problem. He and I talked about it for entire three hour drive. Visualizing solutions. Naming constructs and rotations. Describing solution constraints. The pros and cons of different data structures and algorithm approaches. Time well spent. To take a line from The Last Samurai, "I will miss our conversations." I hope we can pick up those threads again. Until then ...
October 31, 2025

ALE

I never met Charles face to face -- our interactions were always email to email except that one time my conundrum puzzled even him. Boy, did that prompt a phone call or ten! But per usual with Charles, he kept at it until the issue was solved! He touched my life and I'm better for it. The earth was a better place because of him and he will be missed greatly.
October 17, 2025

Eddy Shipman

He made good maps too
October 07, 2025

Jeron Hill

He was a great advocate and friend
October 07, 2025

Jeron Hill

To miss Kathy Mr Charles was a awesome blood brother and friend he was a true advocate that I learned from
October 07, 2025

Igelmans

Charles you are a lifelong inspiration, a pleasure to know, and a mentor to many. Kathy thank you for sharing him with so many and for the kindness to our family. Big Hugs - Igelmans