Charles Caldwell

Charles A. Caldwell died Dec. 19, 2003, of complications from pneumonia. He was surrounded by family. He was born July 25, 1917, in Roslyn to William and Emma Caldwell. He graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1936. In 1941, he married Mary Passmore and moved to Richland where they raised their four sons. He went to work for Hanford Fire Department before leaving for active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return, he went back to the Hanford Fire Department where he worked until retiring in 1977 as battalion chief. During his years there, he was also a fire science instructor at Columbia Basin Junior College.

Before Chuck’s and Mary’s plans of retiring to Oak Harbor could be realized, Mary died in August of 1977. After moving to Oak Harbor in 1978 he met and married Mabel White from Montesano. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary just a week before being admitted to the hospital in pneumonia.

He was a life member of Richland VFW and held state offices. He was also a member of the Eagles and American Legion. In Oak Harbor he joined Elks Lodge No. 2362 and served as safety inspector, tiler, chaplain and inner guard. In 1981 he was chosen Elk of the Year and received awards for his dedication and was a tall Elk.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Harold, and a sister, Margie; as well as his eldest son, Robert A. Caldwell of Bothell and daughter-in-law Linda Caldwell of Tampa, Fla. He is survived by wife Mabel Caldwell of Oak Harbor; sister Francis Mautino of Salem, Ore.; daughter-in-law Ellen Caldwell of Bothell; sons Michael W. and wife Barbara of Richland; Patrick D. of Tampa, Fla. and Timothy C. and wife Nelda of Kodiak, Alaska; step-sons Darrel A. White and wife Linda of Lakewood and Wayne White of Bainbridge Island. Other survivors include grandchildren Jennifer, Shelby, William, Jeff, Dawn, Kendra, Connor Caldwell and Glen, Chance, Glee, David and Ryan White as well as six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family and many friends, especially the doughnut gang and the lodge.

The family requested no formal service be conducted. Cremation was held and family closure will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to his favorite charity, Oak Harbor Elks Lodge No. 2362 Tall Elks program, 155 NE Ernst St., Oak Harbor 98277 or a favorite charity.