Chuck Rosenberg

1922 - 2013

Chuck Rosenberg

On July 20, 2013, Chuck Rosenberg saddled up for the last time to head for lush meadows and still waters. He died peacefully at home in the loving care of wife Gloria, who never left his side.

Chuck was born February 27, 1922 to Bill and Elizabeth Rosenberg at their home in Ellensburg. Chuck's school days began at the Reecer Creek School House and concluded when he graduated from Kittitas High School.

Chuck loved the wide open spaces; all from the back of a horse; doing it the way cowboys are supposed to. His preferred choice of work was from the back of a horse.

He started his ranching life in the Kittitas Valley and worked for ranches from across Washington, to Cambridge, Idaho, to Brothers, Oregon, and finally the best years in Kettle Falls, Washington. He spoke of many people and places in which he did ranch work. Stories often included areas such as: Honson Canyon, Cuddy Mountain, Whiskey Dick, Hells Kitchen, Green Canyon, the Quilomene, and the Perkins.

He and his brother Billy worked for a time for the Yakima Sheep Company. They worked in lambing camps, broke horses to ride, packed sheep herders into the mountains and helped them move their camps. Chuck also worked for Taylor Logging as a cat skinner and choker setter.

When Chuck spoke, you listened. He was a man of few words, so you knew you had better pay attention. His quiet nature showed patience and humor, but sometimes you'd see a twinkle in his eyes, and a bit of a smirk across his lips and wonder what he was up to.

He married BoPeep Legg and they had a son Dick and a daughter Macheeta. Chuck loved being a Dad. Macheeta passed away way too soon at the age of 3.

Chuck continued the cowboy way, working for cattle ranches, eventually settling down in Kettle Falls, Washington. On September 4, 1971, he proposed to Gloria Capps-Sandness while she was in the cucumber patch. He told her to change clothes – they were getting married! They have spent the last 42 years together, sharing the lifestyle they loved. Life "up on the mountain" was a magical time for them. They lived off the land; hunting, fishing, and gardening together.

Being the quiet, humble man Chuck was, he would never admit to or believe anyone that told him the talent he had making things was truly amazing. He built everything from scratch and all by hand. His wood carvings are museum quality. He worked with leather and from the wool of his own sheep, he would make saddle blankets. His wood carvings of horses, mules, and wagons of every kind are truly masterpieces. He also loved to draw. Gloria would bring his drawings to life through her paintings. He loved to play the auto-harp and Gloria played the fiddle. This helped pass the time during those long, cold winter nights up on the mountain. To their band, he added an Indian drum that he made out of a piece of rawhide, which he then mounted onto deer antlers. It was fixed so he could play it by tapping his foot as he played the auto-harp.

Fall of 1979, they moved back to Ellensburg. Chuck went to work for Courtright Cattle Company. It was an opportunity to continue doing what he loved; being a cowboy on the back of a horse. He and Gloria continued their life together through the best and worst of times. For a man as independent as Chuck, it was difficult for him to be dependent on others; his determination never left him.

Chuck was preceded in death by parents, William and Elizabeth Rosenberg, sister Violet, infant son, daughter Macheeta, brothers Jack, Billy, and Don Rosenberg, and step-son Ray Sandness.

He is survived by wife Gloria; son Dick; grandchildren Jodi, Mandy, and Ky; great-grandchildren Dakota and Wyatt; brother Richard (Ruby) Rosenberg, sister-in-law, Arlene Rosenberg; nephews and nieces, Tony (Jody) Rosenberg, Mark (Barb) Rosenberg, Donnie, Sharon, and Billy Rosenberg; step-sons Dave, Tom, and Bill Sandness; numerous Sandness grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special friends Glennis and Bob Hall, and many lifelong family friends.

Chuck was busy with his mule, his horse, outdoor chores and enjoyed visiting with friends and family right up until his last days.

Farewell Chuck; all of us who knew you are grateful for the many years of friendship and treasured memories. You are "the kind." May your horse never stumble and the grass be knee deep. Enjoy reuniting with your Gray Mare Oly!

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ellensburg Rodeo Grounds "Behind the Chutes" with a potluck lunch on Sunday, August 04, 2013 from 1-4 pm. All are encouraged to bring stories, pictures, and memories. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made payable to the Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center and mailed c/o Brookside Funeral Home (101 E. 2nd Ave., Ellensburg, WA 98926)

***We are compiling a photo book of all of Chuck's wood carving handiwork, so if you have a piece of artwork from Chuck, will you please bring a picture of it to add to the book?

Arrangements by Brookside Funeral Home and Crematory, Ellensburg