Charles Duane Gabelein was born on September 3, 1974, in Coupeville, Washington to Duane Gabelein and Christeta Lee Bechtol. He proudly became the younger brother of Rodney and half sister Kim Younts. Chuck or as some called him Chucky was a young man at heart always holding a special place in ours.

Chuck attended South Whidbey school district his whole life and the Sno Isle Skill Center, graduating in 1993. After graduation he helped his father and brother with heavy equipment operating. He was skilled at all the equipment, while fulfilling the jobs of septic, drain field, and Sani-can worker. Chuck was the local cemetery grave digger with his father, he too enjoyed cheering on the Grave Digger Monster truck. Chuck was a farmer; responsible for cutting, bailing and hauling hay in the summer months. He always managed to stack the most tiers of hay on the back of his truck. He didn’t care much for bucking the hay for he spontaneously came down with allergies or helped with cows because he was scare of them.

Chuck was the worse backseat driver and the slowest eater. But Chuck loved his Lipton Iced Tea, Cheese Heads, JIF peanut butter, a well-done steak, shoes with holes, ill fitting clothes. TIDE laundry detergent, being the designated driver, following the rules, receiving and giving a good foot or back rub, the many cats and kittens and all the people in his life.

Chuck had a huge heart, he would converse with anyone, he was a caregiver for a friend, always managing to spread unconditional love and a hug. He would give his shirt off his back and if you were touched by his presence, you knew it. Chuck had a keen memory, always remembering every last detail while putting a smile on your face.

Chuck was the strongest but on March 30th due to advanced cancer that was diagnosed 12 days earlier he passed at home comfortably with family and friends by his bedside. Chuck was proceeded in death by his mother Chris and brother Rodney. And he leaves behind his grieving father Duane, sister-in-law Kiri, half-sister Kim, niece Jillian who recently made him a great uncle, and his nephew Lincoln who he loved dearly. Chuck will be sorely missed by his close cousins Elise and Emily.

Please join us on Saturday April 12th at 1pm for a graveside burial at the Bayview Cemetery. And at 3pm for a Celebration of life at the American Legion. We would like to thank Chuck’s cousins, friends Kenzie and Lisa for helping him at the end of his journey.