COL. CHARLES K. SMITH, USAR Ret.

Our condolences to you and the family. Sorry to hear of Chuck's passing.

Chuck was a great guy, he helped me get my Instrument Rating, for Single Engine Land!! I'm a former Navy Retired Warrant Officer, so Chuck and I always shared memories of our military service, while flying around the Puget Sound!!

A most generous host and friend to two Australians on school exchange during our summer holidays back in 2004. Our friendship continued with visits over the years and through emails. Chuck loved to send us jokes and was always interested in our lives down under. Arriving by ship one time he was immediately transported to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital where we met up with him. Chuck had thrown his hip out in the bathroom with a roll of the ship. Joan was met with little greetings from the...

We are thanking the Lord for the privilege of knowing our kind, resourceful, and humorous friend and neighbor, Col. Chuck Smith, who was ever and always looking for ways to help others and offer a smile of encouragement. Those thanks extend to our friendship with Joan, for whose strength and comfort we continue to pray. Keep climbing, Chuck, wings level and trimmed, and press on, Joan, as you continue to bless our neighborhood with your wonderful spirit and ongoing gifts of service....

Some would not say this of Chuck if one met him casually, but alone with him in the cockpit of a Regal Skyhawk, he was one of the most kind, patient and careful instructors I had the pleasure of flying with. Fly-on, Chuck!

Joan, my condolence for your loss. My memory is not quite it once was - but I know your name and I am recalling good time together. I don´t remember if Bob (deceased in 2020) and I knew you in Texas or Washington state. My thoughts are with you.

I'm so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Thinking of you dear Joan and family. May wonderful memories give you comfort and peace.

I had the good fortune of serving with Chuck when he was the supervisor of the Army Reserve Support Facility at Paine Field. He was forthright, sometimes blunt, but always supportive of his subordinates. Chuck would never ask anyone to do anything he wasn´t willing to do; I saw him pick up litter and tie down aircraft. Mostly I recall not only his laugh, but his ability to laugh at himself. He loved a good joke and if the joke was on him he laughed the most. Smooth air and tailwinds, Chuck.

During my years as a flight instructor, my desk sat just outside Chuck´s office at Regal Air. Whenever a discussion arose about federal aviation regulations or I was teaching a student within his hearing range, Chuck would step out to join the conversation. He loved nothing more than talking about aviation and sharing the wisdom he´d gained over decades in the skies. I was truly fortunate to work within earshot of him. His guidance and passion for flying will stay with me always, and I will...