Charles F. Gailey, Jr., CDR USCG Ret., was born to Charles F. Gailey and Mary Cranston Gailey April 2, 1926, in Eads, Colo., and died March 27, 2010 in Coupeville.

Chuck had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard starting in World War II as a seaman. He advanced to Chief Petty Officer and then on to Warrant Officer before going to Officer Candidate School and earning his commission. He retired as a full Commander. His duty stations included Hawaii, Oregon, Seattle, Juneau, Alaska, Long Beach, Calif., and Headquarters Washington, D.C. His most memorable assignments were as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbrier in Juneau and Director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Long Beach.

After retiring in 1974, he and his wife Dorothy traveled, visiting 4 children; one in the Coast Guard and one in the Marines, finally settling in Oak Harbor. Chuck was involved in many different groups such as VITA (Volunteers Income Tax Assistance) and was a member of TROA (Retired Officers Association). He helped on a number of fundraisers on the Island including United Way. He was also an avid golfer, golfing with the “Lunch Bunch” at the Gallery Golf Course.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy (Dot); children John, Mike, Pam, and Cheryl and their spouses Lori, David and Vince; 7 granddaughters, Kimberly (Arthur), Jennifer, Rachel (Ryan), Adella, Kirsten, Christa (Tristan) and Kerie (Bill); and 7 great-grandchildren, Gage, Ian, Braden, Liam, Lusana, Leif, William and Vince.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Chuck’s life was held April 3 at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.