Our loss.

I have been having a lot of questions and some great words from friends. I wanted you all to see this. Most of you know. We are all doing good, and are at peace because he lived a long happy life. Again thanks for all the kind words. RALEIGH, CHARLES JOHN "CHARLIE"
Charles John "Charlie" Raleigh, 86, a long-time resident of Anacortes, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at his home in Anacortes. He was born on August 15, 1921 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles and Stella (Racavich) Raleigh. Charlie came to the Northwest when he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving at Whidbey Island Naval Station in Oak Harbor, WA. He considered this area as "God's Country." Following the service, Charlie was employed as a commercial fisherman, retiring in 1986. He also worked at Skagit Steel as a master welder and as a Fuller Brush and Watkins dealer. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed both recreational and commercial fishing, ballroom dancing, and playing pinochle. He was an excellent cook and loved to prepare meals for his family and friends. Charlie enjoyed spending time gardening and was a true outdoorsman. He was ahead of his time with regard to the importance of protecting the environment. Charlie and his long time companion, Mary Syreen divided their time between Kauai, Anna Marie Island in Florida, and their Anacortes home. Charlie was a member of the Skagit County Garden Club, the Fidalgo Fly Fishing Club, the Anacortes Elks Lodge, and volunteered at La Conner Flats. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his companion, Mary Syreen; former wife, Laura (Hamer) Raleigh of Bellingham, WA; son, Larry Raleigh of Tualatin, OR; daughter, Debra Lemagie of Tumwater, WA; grandchildren, Aaron (Raleigh) Maria and family of Marysville, Matthew Lemagie of Olympia, WA, nieces, Lynn Dornfield of CA and Ellen Schneidenbach of NJ; nephew, Paul Schneidenbach of RI; and sister, Eleanor Schneidenbach of Ridgewood, NJ. At Charlie's request, no services will be held. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in his honor to: La Conner Flats, 15920 Best Road, Mount Vernon, WA, 98373 or to a charity of choice. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and San Juan Islands. To share memories of Charlie, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
Published in the Skagit Valley Herald Publishing Company on 7/29/2008