August 16, 1927 - September 14, 2019
Kosta (Gus) G. Charouhas was born in Chehalis Washington on August 16, 1927 to Katherine & George Charouhas.
His family moved to the Capitol Hill area of Seattle in 1929.
Kosta’s school years were attended on Capitol Hill where he graduated in 1945 from Broadway High School. He was involved with his church from a young age. He was an Altar boy as a child and attended St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. As an adult, he served on the Parish Council and was involved in the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).
Following high school, he was drafted into the Army in 1946 and served during WWII.
While in the army, he learned to box, something he enjoyed doing with his brother Tom. He was nicknamed “Wiry Charouhas” because of his slight frame. He excelled, and one year made it to the championship bout.
In 1950, he was again drafted, but this time he chose to join the Navy. He served during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he travelled by ship to Hawaii and Japan.
After finishing his commission with the Navy, he attended college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. He also received his teaching certificate and began his career as a teacher.
He taught for over three years in Germany on an American Army Base to military kids. This allowed him to travel Europe and see many different countries.
From there, he moved to Redondo Beach, California and taught school for three years, then returned home for a year. In the summer of 1964, Kosta traveled to Greece and met Eleni Kourkoutis. They fell in love and were soon married. A year later, on July 8th, 1965, they had their only child, George, named after his paternal grandfather. They started their family in Seattle while Kosta was employed by the Edmonds School District.
The Charouhas family moved to Edmonds in 1971. Kosta taught 7th grade Social Studies & English. He helped open Continuation High School, designed for kids who needed extra assistance. He retired from College Place Elementary in 1987 after 30 years in the Edmonds School District and 40 years of teaching. He took a year off and chose to resume teaching in a substitute capacity. He wasn’t ready to fully retire. He has shaped many young kids over the years and wanted to continue molding young minds. He finally fully retired in 1998 after 41 years of teaching.
Once retired, he enjoyed his many hobbies, was vigilant about working out and would go to the gym four days a week. He loved to walk and run. He also loved doing yard work. It gave him a sense of calm. He would always say it relaxed him.
In 2002 his first grandchild Konstantinos (Kosta) was born, named after his Papou. In 2005 his second grandchild Eleni (Lena) was born. From this point on, they’re what he lived for. Kosta and his wife Eleni had the great fortune of living with George and his grandchildren and seeing them every day. Whatever they wanted, Papou would oblige. Whether it was playing with dolls, cars or reading books, he just wanted to spend all his time with them.
Kosta was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and always put his family first. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his child, his wife, grandchildren, students and friends. He was selfless. He was a genuine, soft spoken man and always kind to everyone. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
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