Charles Edward Chase passed away at the age of 92 on Oct. 22, 2013 after a brief illness in Coupeville, Wash. He was born Jan. 22, 1921 in Portland, Ore. to Charles Edward and Cecil Mae Chase. He married Lois Josephine Gass of Meridian, Idaho in 1947 and recently they celebrated 66 years of marriage this past September.

“Charlie” spent his early years of living in Bellingham and various other towns in Washington State. After marrying Lois, he built the family home they lived in on Lake Washington in Seattle. They lived there for 45 years and then moved to Whidbey Island.

To augment his early work as an auto/boat mechanic, he attended Edison Vocational Technical Institute. He then worked for the Boeing Company for 43 years in flight test. This occupation took him to many fascinating locations throughout the world. It is worth noting that Charlie played a part in the launching of the first commercial airplane at Boeing Field.

Charlie enjoyed cruising on his boat, the Sea Chase, with family and friends; especially around the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. In earlier years, he and Lois belonged to the Boeing Boat Club and enjoyed many cruises around Puget Sound. He also enjoyed fishing, photography, and visiting with family. Charlie made friends easily and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed spirited discussions with anyone and everyone and frequently sang songs and told many stories.

Survivors include wife Lois Chase of Freeland, Wash.; son Greg Chase of Freeland, Wash.; daughter Stacye Williams (Charles) of Baker City, Ore.; grandchildren Ben Chase (Amber) of Old Town, Idaho, Scott Chase (Lindsey) of Seattle, Wash., Allison Williams of Portland, Ore., Jenna Williams of Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Erin Williams of

Boise, Idaho. Great-grandchildren include Joshua Chase and Talia Chase of Old Town, Idaho. Also surviving is brother Marvin Chase (Helen) of Lake Stevens, Wash.

Preceded in death were parents Charles E. and Cecil M. Chase and sister Dorothy Bodine.

At Charlie’s request, there will be no funeral but instead a summertime barbecue/picnic will be planned for family and friends.

Special thanks go to Maple Ridge Assisted Living, Island Home Nursing and Whidbey General Hospital.