Charles Douglas DeJong

Charles Douglas DeJong, 52 of Edmonds, Washington passed away on June 9, 2013 surrounded by family after fighting brain cancer for nine years. Charlie was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, but spent most of his childhood in Wenatchee, WA. He graduated from Washington State University in 1982 and George Washington Law School in 1985. He met and fell in love with Karen Auer at WSU in 1980 and they were married in July of 1983. They have three daughters, Katherine (24), Erica (22), and Allison (20).

Charlie began his law career in the Washington State Supreme Court as an Intern, and thereafter practiced in private law firms in the Seattle and Wenatchee areas. He joined Microsoft in 1997 where he was employed until 2009. After leaving Microsoft, Charlie joined World Vision where he found his true vocation leading Major Donor Ministries. He was recognized many times throughout his career, and he received the President's Servant Leadership Award in 2010 from World Vision.

Throughout his adulthood, Charlie was committed to service in both his community and his church. In Wenatchee, he was instrumental in local business recruitment and development, particularly in promoting the building of the Wenatchee Performing Arts Center. His work with Camp Agape NW, Holy Apostles youth and adult ministry, and the Parish Council demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his faith.

Charlie loved his family, his dogs, good literature, art, and music. Some of the best times of his life were fly fishing with family and friends, cheering his daughters ("Charlie's Angels") on at soccer games, and winning at Scrabble. He had a dry sense of humor and a caring heart that persisted to the day of his passing.

Charlie is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Katherine, Erica, and Allison, parents Dave and Faye of Wenatchee, brothers Jon (Tracy) of Wenatchee, Eric (Kim) of Seattle, and Bob (Jill) of Bellingham, parents-in-law Gene and Kathy Auer of Mill Creek, sister-in-law Barbara (Earl) Bardin of Mill Creek, brother-in-law Steve (DeeAnn) Auer of Gresham, and nine nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Charlie was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, the Washington State Bar Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, the Federation of Fly Fishing, and various environmental organizations.

Charlie faced the challenges of his illness with great courage, grace, and faith. We will miss him dearly.