Donald Henry Charles

1937 - 2018

Donald Henry Charles

Pacific Northwest artist and executive Donald (Don) Henry Charles passed away on May 28, 2018. He was born March 25, 1937 and attended the University of Oregon, where he met his wife to be, Nancy Crandell. They married in 1957 while he was with the US Navy, and remained so until she passed in 2010.

Don graduated from the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena. After a period in Hollywood as a cartoon animator, he was employed by McDonald-Douglas as an illustrator in the space program. In 1964 the family moved to Bellevue to begin his 30 year employment at Boeing, first in the art department, then later in marketing and customer promotion until 1994.

Upon retirement, he became a full time artist. Over the years, he did commercial graphic design, photo and film for school mascots, automobile manufactures, the U.S. military, industry and numerous aviation and airline topics. Once retired, he focused on other mediums and spent much time with watercolors, wood, stained glass, pottery, bronze and most recently, mixed medium.

His work has been enjoyed in galleries, collections and commercial installations world wide, and in the un-credited animation cells, advertising, airline logos and design work which remain.

He was extremely committed to his good friends and family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Helmi (Mork), and his wife Nancy. He is survived by sister Anne Bixby Smith and brother Steven Charles, as well as daughter Stephanie Chlebowski of Snohomish, her children Anna and Joe, and son Doug Charles of Bow, his wife Catherine and their son Theodore.

Per his request, there will be no memorial service, but rather a joyous celebration of his and Nancy's exciting and fulfilled lives at a future date. In honor of his fondness for sharing meals with others, please donate to your local food bank.