Charles Leroy Winne

Charles Leroy Winne, 96, of Hoodsport, WA died December 23, 2023. He was born March 19, 1927 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Leroy and Pauline Winne. He grew up in the Midwest, mostly Iowa, with his five brothers and sisters. Later, he moved to Union, WA and graduated from Irene S. Reed High School. Following graduation, Chuck spent a year in the U.S. Army during WWII, trained as a paratrooper. He was never sent overseas as the war ended, but his recollections and lessons learned in the service remained with him all his life.

In 1947, Chuck married Shirley Gibson. They had three children, Janet, Kevin, and Willow. Later divorced, and married Charlotte Walmsley and took her two children, Mary and Mark, under his wing. Together, Chuck and Charlotte had one son, Matt. Chuck’s family meant everything to him.

Chuck had many jobs in his lifetime. One was helping to manage the grocery store, Gibson and Winne in Hoodsport. He became quite a good butcher there. Most of his working life, though, he was employed by City of Tacoma Power and Light working his way up in the hydroelectric branch to assistant manager of the Mossyrock and Mayfield power plants.

Chuck could build or fix anything and his kids knew they could turn to him for any help needed. He combined two houses, making them one beautiful home. He and his pre-teen grandchildren built a Canal-worthy boat which they sailed. Chuck also loved the Olympics. Hiking with family and friends each summer, he continued 20 mile plus hikes into his 60’s. The written word was another of Chuck’s favorites. He composed many stories about his adventures, wrote countless Letters to the Editor for the Journal, and became a proficient crossword “puzzler” in his later years. Being abundantly fun and funny, he brought smiles to many faces. But, most of all, he was a kind and generous man.

Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte. Chuck is survived by his six children, his grandchildren, Ryan, Jenifer and Dan and great-grandchildren Ben, Bella, Jaxon, Bennett and Franklin. Also surviving him are his sister, Pat, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no services. If you wish to make a memorial gift, the family suggests the Hood Canal Food Bank.