CHARLES MAURICE "CHUCK" DAVIS

1944 - 2017

January 27, 1944 -
July 14, 2017

Charles Maurice "Chuck" Davis died unexpectedly on July 14, 2017 at his home on Samish Island, Washington at the age of 73.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Catherine, children Peter and Allison, brother Norman, sisters Margery, Marilyn and Marlene, grandchildren Will, Ruby and Charlotte, cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends, neighbors and colleagues whom his generosity has touched.

Born January 27, 1944 to Maurice and Marguerite Davis, Chuck graduated in the Sedro-Woolley High School class of 1962. He was an ardent Sea Explorer Scout and played football with his brother Norm as well as band, baseball, drama, and was senior class president.

Chuck was appointed to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point, class of 1966, then went to sea as a deck officer in South Vietnam and beyond. He loved to regale his family with swashbuckling tales of calling on exotic ports while sailing the seven seas.

Indeed, Chuck's greatest passion was to be on and around the sea and in sharing that with others. At King's Point he competed in crew and later, sailing.

Chuck followed his passion to become a maritime lawyer, graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in 1973 to start his practice in Seattle, where he raised his children.

In 2001 Chuck returned to the Sedro-Woolley area to build his home on Samish Island where he had played in the bay as a child. There, he enjoyed boating, sailing, canoeing, crabbing, fishing and clamming while continuing his law practice, publishing the 9th edition of his treatise, the Maritime Law Deskbook, serving on the Washington Board of Pilotage Commissioners, and perfecting his smoked salmon recipe.

As Uncle Chuck, he took such delight in his grand-nieces and nephews' smiles hitting waves in the speedboat on Samish Bay. As Grampy, he loved trudging through low tide looking for crabs and seaweed with Will and Ruby. As Dad, he'd pull on his hip-waders at 4 A.M. to catch King Salmon in the Samish River estuary.

Chuck met Catherine in Seattle. They married in 1980 and ran the Honolulu Marathon on their honeymoon. They were always there for each other and always loved their children. They were soul mates.

Chuck's sharing spirit extended to the entire community. In Seattle, he coached his kids in Queen Anne Little League Baseball and Soccer, skied, and sold Christmas trees with Boy Scout Troop 70. Having played Baritone Horn in the U.S. Merchant Marine Regimental Band, he encouraged his kids in all things music, and played in the Samish Island Marching Band on July 4th for over two decades. He served as chairman of the Samish Island Community Center, cooked the salmon he caught for the community potluck, and was always willing to lend his wisdom, a hand, a power tool, or his boat to drop crab pots for any neighbor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and a notice will follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Share memories of Chuck and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.

Lemley Chapel