Charles L. Gimblett

Charles L. Gimblett

Passed away suddenly on July 22, 2009 in Wenatchee, WA. He was 80 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Donna Gimblett (Shride), daughter Donna Dinsmore, son Dale and his wife Sandee, son Allan, daughter Rhonda, and brother James. He was predeceased by his younger sister Julie Matthews (Sherman). Chuck originally moved to Vashon Island in 1944, and made this his home base until his retirement in the late 1980’s. He and his wife Donna then moved to Eastern WA, settling in the Omak area. Chuck was truly a man of the sea, first going to work on boats in the waning days of WWII when he was 16 years old. This would turn out to be his life’s work. His many seagoing jobs took him all over the world. His notable jobs were with MSTS, an early version of Military Sea Lift Command; Foss Tug and Barge; and Crowley Maritime, from which he retired. He loved ocean-going tugs and made many lifelong friends in this profession. He was a licensed marine engineer and was also a private pilot for many years. He and his brother, Jim, enjoyed several cross-country train adventures together in their retirement years. Chuck had a great love of people and travel, and enjoyed visiting with his many friends and relatives close to home and farther abroad. At his request there will be no services and his ashes will be scattered at sea.

(Paid obituary)