Charles Howard DeSmith, 71, of Coupeville, passed away peacefully in his home on Oct. 15, 2008, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He is now with the Lord.

Charles was born in Helena, Mont., and moved to Issaquah, Wash. He graduated from Issaquah High School in 1955. In August of 1959, he married his beloved wife Julie.

Charles enjoyed his family and the outdoors. During his lifetime, he took up hunting, fishing, baseball, boating, skiing and golf. In his later years he golfed three times a week at the Whidbey Golf and Country Club and enjoyed salmon fishing. He looked forward to his beach home on the island in the summer.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Julie, his son, Charles Darrin DeSmith, daughters Tami DeSmith and Diana Knutsen, one grandson Sam DeSmith, three granddaughters, Anna Desmith Tara and Jamie Knutsen, one son-in-law, Jim Knutsen and one daughter-in-law, Elizabeth DeSmith.

A celebration of of Charles’ life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 2 p.m.

Remembrances may be made to the Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital, at 181 North Main St., Coupeville.