Carlos Chavez

1950 - 2023

CARLOS CHAVEZ
September 5, 1950 ˜ July 23, 2023

Carlos, aged 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
He was born in McNary, AZ, on the Apache Reservation, to Bernabe Chavez and Dolores (Gurule) Chavez.
The family moved to northern California, where they lived in Janesville and then Susanville. He attended school there and later in Portland, OR.
Carlos was introduced to the welding trade by older brother, Joe, and spent his working career employed by various businesses in the Portland/Vancouver area, including: Hyster, Halton, Thompson Metal Fab and Oregon Iron Works.
In 1970, Carlos married Jacqueline Bradley. Carlos Russell joined the family in 1972. Upon Jackie’s passing in 1977, Carlos became a single parent, supported by family members.
He was married again briefly, with another son William Glynn, born in 1984.
Carlos had many interests. Most of all he loved being in the outdoors. He played baseball while in school and later became an excellent bowler. He enjoyed camping and traveling and working with his hands. As a neighbor commented, he could figure out how to repair just about anything.
Carlos met Teri Carroll in the early 1990’s and they spent the next 22 years together until she also passed away. They traveled extensively in the western states, first in a full-sized van, which Carlos dubbed “Vanna Orange,” then in a motor home.
After he retired, he could usually be found sitting in his garage with the door open, of course, so that he could wave or call to passing neighbors. He might be tinkering with some object, taking it apart to learn how it worked, or just sitting and listening to old time blues music.
Carlos was an avid thrift store shopper. In fact, that is where he met Cheryl, with whom he spent the last six years of his life. They were good years, filled with love and laughter. Carlos and Cheryl did everything together, from cooking and making the bed to painting the house or assembling one of Carlos’ beautiful arbors that he had created.
He had lived in his Kevanna Park home for 45 years. Carlos was a simple man, frugal personally, but generous to others. And he had a wonderful sense of humor.
Carlos is survived by sons, Carlos Russell (Paige) Chavez and William Glynn (Crystal) Chavez; 11 siblings, Theresa Molina, Joe Chavez, Rose (Chuck) Wilson, Phyllis Marina, Alice (Sam) Jordan, Bernabe (Rose) Chavez, Joan Segar, Carmen Downs, Danny Segar, Jerome Segar and Robert Knott; grandchildren, Brody, Connor and Brooke Chavez; and many nieces and nephews . He is also survived by his special lady, Cheryl Smith, and his furry babies, Bunny and Clyde.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jacqueline; his brothers-in-law, Carlos Marina and Anthony Molina; and his companion, Teri Carroll.
Gatherings will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Parkers Landing Historical Park, 222 S. A St. Washougal, WA, beginning at 1 p.m. and at his home, 10803 NE 47th St., Vancouver, WA, from 1-4 p.m. Please join us in remembering Carlos.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits