Charles Richards

Charlie was born in Rockland Maine April 16, 1946, the son of Stanley and Alice Richards and was raised in Thomaston Maine. As a teenager Charlie was a member of the Thomaston Fire Department. As many of you know, Charlie enjoyed hunting, fishing, friends, horses and working with kids.

After graduating from Georges Valley High School in 1965, Charlie joined the USAF and served in Vietnam. After discharge from the military he and his best friend Tree settled in Everett Washington.

Charlie lived in Arlington for many years, he married Connie Nicholson. Connie and Charlie later divorced but Charlie remained a part of the extended families of Nicholson’s and Hamlin’s.

In 1988 Charlie became active in the Sno-King Vietnam Veterans Chapter 423. Charlie became Uncle Sam. He was an integral member of this chapter, participating in innumerable parades and other functions. His photo graced the cover of many Snohomish County publications.

Charlie took a temporary job in Chehalis Washington in the 80’s. That temporary job turned in to years and another extended family quickly developed in Chehalis.

Charlie was active as a photographer/truck driver/avid horseman and trainer (Charlie’s Charm School) until Charlie suffered injuries in a horrible accident after which he had a heart attack. Charlie’s family kidnapped him in 2004 and moved him back to Arlington. Tree, Jay, Randy and Jerry were instrumental in bringing him home. Angie, Carla, Judy and Pam were key people in saving his life. Charlie’s iron will allowed him to fight back from several health issues that would have killed most of us.

Charlie’s dream was to move back to Chehalis to the loft and his horses he so dearly loved. Which he did in 2008. His dear friends in Chehalis were there to pick up where his Arlington family left off supporting him in many ways. From cooking, assisting him in bill paying, travel to Dr. appointments, giving him his daily shots and caring for his horses when he couldn’t.

Charlie had not picked up a camera in years, two weeks ago he did a photo shoot for a friend, he was so pleased that he and his camera could capture such beauty, that shoot made him so happy, he was truly full of life again.

Charlie had come down with the Flu. His friends had been caring for him, bringing meals and checking on him. Monday night April 4, 2011 Charlie said he was feeling better than he had in days and was going to rest as he was tired. Charlie passed peacefully in his sleep, in his favorite chair.

Memory is one gift of God that death can not take away.

Love ,

Donna