Charles N. “Chuck” Doratt was born on Feb. 17, 1930, in Coatesville, Penn., and he died at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville on Jan. 17, 2007, after a short battle with cancer.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict era. He met his wife, Betty Mae, while he was stationed near Seattle, and they were married on Dec. 22, 1950.

They lived for a few years on the corner of Sixth and Park in Langley before moving back to Chuck’s hometown of Coatsville, Penn., where he worked for Lukins Steel for 37 years before he retired. He was also a member of the Modena Voluntary Fire Company and instrumental in the early developmental stages of that organization.

After his retirement, he and Betty moved back to Whidbey Island in the fall of 1997. They lived on the Fossek farm in Langley.

Chuck enjoyed working on the farm, fishing, camping, and playing pool with family and friends. At his death, he and Betty had been married for 56 years.

A graveside service was held for Chuck on Jan. 19 at the Langley Cemetery, with Pastor Ray Bouza presiding.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Mae, of Coupeville; their five children who live in Pennsylvania, LeVeta Renner (and her husband Dana), Mike Doratt (and his wife Gail), Tom Doratt (and his wife Kathy), Kim Alenovitz, Mary Catherine Powell; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Gary Doratt, a sister, Linda Guie; and in-laws on Whidbey Island, Ray and Joyce Fossek, Fred Fossek, Vance and “Tiny” Tillman, Carl Fossek and Janet.