Charles Avery Blakeslee

Charles Avery Blakeslee (Chuck) passed away on July 10, 2025. He was born in Glendale, California but grew up in Altadena, CA. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary, for 64 years, their son James, daughter Sarah (Vince), grandsons Jack and Charlie, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Chuck was an adventurer and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering. As a youth, he worked at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park before joining the army where he served in Germany in 1956-59. Chuck was a magician, a pilot, and traveler. Throughout Europe, he always stayed in hostels and farmhouses so he could meet people. He was friendly to everyone.

Chuck worked as a firefighter, fire captain, and assistant fire chief at City of Monrovia and Wrightwood, CA Fire Departments. He was one of the first paramedics in LA County, and the first one to be registered in LA and San Bernardino Counties. Unfortunately, he had to retire on a disability, and the family moved to Bend, OR where he worked as a Phlebotomist at St Charles Medical Center. During this time, he started his interest in photography and became a professional landscape photographer. He produced cards, calendars, books, and was featured in multiple books and magazines internationally.

In 2001, Chuck and Mary moved to Anacortes to be close to the water but still have views of his beloved mountains. Chuck always said that he saved the best place for the last.

The family wishes to thank Mountain Glen Care home in Mt Vernon, and Hospice Northwest for their loving care of Chuck in his final months.

According to his wishes, there will not be a service. If you wish to honor his memory, please plant a tree, hike a fun trail, or donate to Hospice of the PNW. Bookmark this direct link to his memorial site at Evans, www.evanschapel.com/obituary/chuck-Blakeslee