Charles Travis Rife

1946 - 2021

Charles (Chuck) T. Rife passed away peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021, after a brave two-year battle with a very rare form of cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma. He was 74.

The oldest of 12 children, Chuck was born on July 20, 1946, in War, West Virginia to Hassel and Rafe Rife. Growing up, the family moved frequently and Chuck was in high school when they made Everett, Washington their permanent home.

From an early age, Chuck insisted on working hard and serving his country. In 1963, during his junior year of high school, he joined the Naval Reserve. He returned to school and graduated from Everett High School in 1966.

Following graduation, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. After serving 4 years, he returned home and married Donna Watt in 1970. During their 9-year marriage, they had one daughter, Brenda, his only child.

Chuck served in the military for over 20 years, including the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and the Coast Guard. During this time, he began his civilian career at Simpson Lee Paper Co. and Western Gear. As time went on, he began a career in Banking, working at Fidelity Finance, and Cascade Savings Bank - where he worked his way up to manage the loan and servicing department. From there, he earned the role of Branch Manager at Mt. Baker Bank in Oak Harbor, WA and Bellingham, WA.

Chuck's passion for banking and investments led him back to school where he earned a bachelor's degree in financial planning and received his tax accounting license. He returned to Everett and started his own tax and investment practice where he served his community for 30 years doing what he loved.

Chuck's hobbies included boating (in his early years), and he loved being out on the water. Golfing with his buddies was one of his favorite pastimes -- it was a game he was always trying to master. Having lived there briefly as a teen, he had a fondness for Wenatchee, so much that he bought a condo there -- where he enjoyed his walks along the river and target practicing with friends. Chuck had a love for movies, and never passed up a good matinee where he could enjoy his love of popcorn. He cherished coffee and breakfast with his brothers, and could always count on good times with his brother Bill, who was consistently by his side. He faithfully had lunch with his dear friend, Evan and he always looked forward to Sunday breakfast with his daughter and grandchildren. He was also a man of faith and proudly served in his church over the years.

Chuck was admired by his friends and family for his honesty, commitment, and desire to care of those around him. Even during his "retirement" he still continued taking care of his clients. He was a generous friend and father who put others before himself. He always provided love and support for his daughter and grandchildren and they had a bond like no other. All who knew him cherished their relationship with him. He will be greatly missed by so many.

He was preceded in death by his father Hassel Rife (1999), his mother Rafe Rife (2004), and his brothers Jerry Rife (2011), and Paul Rife (2013).

Chuck leaves behind his daughter, Brenda (Marty) Shoemaker, and 4 grandchildren, Will, Abby, Luke and Natalie Shoemaker; brothers, Jim, Joe (Norma), Bill, Tom and Michael Rife; sisters, Mary (Mike) Russell, Susan Rife, Toni (Jim) Wilkening, and Shirley Rife; many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.

"You have left a void no one can fill. There are not many in the world like you, and today the earth mourns the loss of an angel. May you rest in peace."

At Chuck's request, there will be no service.

July 20, 1946 - July 19, 2021