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BORN
1949
DIED
2025
Charles Gibilisco Obituary
January 3, 1949 - May 16, 2025
Charles (Chuck) Gibilisco, 76, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on May 16, 2025.
Chuck was a devoted naturalist, biologist, and lifelong advocate for wildlife and the environment. Known in his school days as "Snake Man," Chuck's passion for animals began early-his mother once had to inspect burlap bags from the postman to see if the snakes Chuck had ordered from Florida had survived the journey. That early curiosity blossomed into a remarkable career dedicated to understanding and protecting the natural world. Chuck played a key role in founding Fontenelle Forest, fostering a space where generations could learn about and connect with nature. As a Watchable Wildlife Biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, he helped install wildlife cameras to observe eagles, salmon, seals, and more-offering countless people a window into the secret lives of the animals he so dearly loved. His love of nature and education took him around the world, including a memorable journey to Bhutan, where he taught environmental biology and shared his deep respect for the planet with students eager to learn. He traveled widely and lived in many places across the United States, always seeking to immerse himself in new environments and share his knowledge and joy with others. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Carr, and his sisters, Diane Larsen and Linda Gardner. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of learning from his gentle wisdom and unwavering commitment to the natural world.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gibilisco
6 Entries
Stephen Walker
February 24, 2026
Absent from the wonderful description is yet another of Chuck´s many achievements. He was the first full-time education director at New Hampshire Audubon where he catapulted that program, including field trips, into the mainstream. He was a joy to work with, kind, gentle, and could handle any critter you handed him. Just a pleasant personality. That is where he met Mary, also an extraordinary asset to that organization, an exemplary editor and wildlife teammate in that organization. The world is a better place for having had Chuck for the time we did. He leaves an important legacy in that inspired so many to carry the torch.
Stephen Abraham
June 24, 2025
Chuck was my college roommate at the Jones farm with Mike Flanagan. We were all biology students. I witnessed him turn around a breached calf and pull him out of his mother. He was a couple years ahead of me.
He worked at Fontenelle Forest as a ranger and I was a volunteer who took orders from him. I learned so much about the native plants and animals (and the not so native ones) of the forest as we set up displays for visitors, removed barbed wire from pioneer days, collected artifacts for the visitor´s center, and cleared paths for hikers.
Sometimes we´d spend the night in the woods and tell stories and get wet in the rain.
I loved my time with Chuck before he moved on to the West Coast and me to Colorado. He will always be a dear friend to me.
Stephen
May 31, 2025
Chuck was such an amazing man! I had the privilege of working with him for many years at WDFW. If he told you he was going to do something he always followed through! A man with a lot of integrity! God bless you Chuck and your family. You will be missed!
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David Clark
May 27, 2025
Chuck was a good friend and a stand-up guy you could depend on. He helped me develop some of the values I hold today. Very sad to know he´s gone, he was one of the best.
Frank Klusmire
May 20, 2025
I knew Chuck from high school. You had to be careful he was always bringing critters to school. Interesting guy.
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