Charles J Stone

Charles J Stone 7/15/1952 – 7/8/2023
Charles (Charlie) J. Stone, age 70, passed away unexpectedly Saturday July 8, 2023. Charlie was a dear husband to his wife, Cheryl, for more than 27 years, brother, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend. He was born in Bremerton, WA on July 15, 1952, the 2nd of seven kids to Warren I Stone and Joann Bartholet Stone (both deceased). He is also predeceased in death by his sister Kathleen in 2018. He is survived by his children, Joseph Stone (Elizabeth Stone), Tenino, WA, Stephanie Schafer (Jeff Schafer) Lakewood WA, and Melissa Stone (Brian Pendergast) Tacoma, WA, stepsons Clay Procter (Jeana) North Bend, WA, Cory Procter (Megan) Dallas, TX, and Casey Procter (Ashley) Buckley, WA. He is survived by siblings Patty Stone (Terry Mills) Belfair, WA, Therese Fowler, Puyallup, WA, Ed Stone (Linda Stone) Port Orchard, WA, Paul Stone (Wendy Stone) Gig Harbor, WA, and Mary Steiner (Marty Fuchs) Ashburn, VA. He also leaves behind many grandkids, nieces and nephews.
During his youth, Charlie was consumed with anything mechanical, cars, airplanes, motorcycles, and boats. He loved taking things apart and figuring out how to put them back together. At an early age, he started working for his dad at the gas stations and eventually owned several with his brother Ed. He left the family business but continued working in operations figuring out problems and making things work. Charlie loved music and endlessly supported the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Orchestra and Harbor Winds, and programs at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Charlie graduated from East High in Bremerton, WA in 1970, furthering his education at Olympic College where he earned his degree in Political Science and then on to Clover Park Technical College where he graduated from the aviation program. Later in life he bought his first motorcycle and logged many hours riding and teaching motorcycle safety. He was thrilled when his grandson Calvin decided to buy a motorcycle and recently, they were able to spend time riding together. He loved spending time on his boats, from rowboats and dinghies to his 23', 25', 32' and finally his 49' Meridian (Encore) and of late, the 24' Sea Ray. He was a master of the Puget Sound waters and a superior helmsman, and his boats were always in pristine condition. He enjoyed time spent with one of the kids and family when they purchased their first boat and often tethered to the 'big boat' – Encore for a weekend outing. Other treasured memories always included the kids joining day trips, family vacations and holidays to Desolation Sound and other choice locations in the San Juans. He loved all his children and was especially proud of his son Joseph as he served his country for many years - returning home safely to family and loved ones.
Charlie was a sweet, gentle soul with unwavering integrity, serving without the need for recognition, and quietly brought goodness and kindness to this world. However, on the morning of July 8th, he pulled the boat out of the water and onto the trailer one last time, giving her one final polish on the hull before our Heavenly Father called him home to a joyful reunion with loved ones. We miss him terribly, but he will serve well as he sets his compass north and throttles forward on a new journey into the sunset.
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