Charles R. Gibson

Charles Russell Gibson, son of Russell and Thelma Gibson was born in Ehtel Washington.  He was the older brother to Colleen and Sally.   He lived and worked on his parent’s dairy farm while attending school in Toledo.  After graduation he joined the Navy which took him to San Diego.  Four years later he took a job in Seattle at Northwest Envelope Co. where he became operations manager. 

In February of 1950 he attended Ballard Lutheran Free Church (Crown Lutheran) with his Aunt Ina, where he joined the choir.  Immediately taken with JoAnn Marie Hjellen, he told his aunt “I’m going to marry that girl,” which he did June 1, 1951.  They had 3 children, Cindy, Ross and Vonne.

Before and after he retired from NW Envelope at the age of 55, Charlie loved working at C & A Enterprises, a marine diesel engine repair business he partnered.     When it was sold, Charlie continued doing all the things he loved.  Besides hunting and fishing, Charlie enjoyed vacations and attending special events with family and friends.

Still, I must say his biggest joy came from helping others.  No job was too big or too small.  Truly, Charlie was a friend to all.

The following is the obituary that appeared in the Seattle Times:

Charles R. Gibson, age 81, died of cancer May 15, 2009 with family by his side in his Seattle home. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn M.; son, Ross A. Gibson; daughters, Cynthia K. Larsen and Vonne A. Carson; grandchildren, Stacy, Elane, Cindy, Kaelin and Sara Jo; and great-grandchildren, Cyera, Elley, and Carter. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. Services will be held Saturday, May 30 at 1pm at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 2400 NW 85th St. Seattle, WA 98117. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of People’s Memorial Funeral Coop. Please visit www.funerals.coop for more information.