Charles Spolek, of Oak Harbor, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and father-in-law, passed away at home on May 9, 2009, after a long illness.

His greatest joy was music and playing the trombone for 70 years. The life of the party and an avid entertainer, artist and gardener, “Chuck” will be most remembered for his fun-loving, easy-going joy for life.

Born Nov. 16, 1923, in Malin, Ore., Charles was the 13th child of Vaclav James and Katherine Spolek, one of the founding families of Malin. He grew up in Malin and served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. He married Rose Van Meter of Malin. They had four children and farmed near Malin for several years. In 1956 the family settled a homestead and farmed in the Columbia Basin near Pasco for 25 years.

He is survived by Rose Van Meter, his loving wife of 65 years; his children, Steve, Graig, Cindy and Candyce; his grandchildren, Shannon, Shari, Reid, Ray, Joaquin and Jesse; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Fred Spolek, his twin, passed away in 1993.

A memorial and gathering for Chuck will be announced later.