Charles O. Sells

Charles O. Sells

Charlie Sells passed away September 16, 2012 after a courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Leukemia.

Charlie was born January 15, 1940 in Seattle, WA to William D. and Iola G. Sells. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, class of 1958, where he was an outstanding three sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball and track. He was an All-City football, basketball and track athlete and was honorable mention All-State in basketball, leading the Teds to the state playoffs. As a senior he set the Seattle city record in the high jump. In 2008 Charlie was inducted into the Roosevelt Hall of Fame.

Charlie attended Washington State University, where he played basketball for Coach Marv Harshman. He started for three years, averaging a career double-double 12.6 points and 10.9 rebounds and today remains one of Washington State's all-time leading scorers and rebounders. He also participated in track & field for Coach Jack Mooberry; high jumping and running hurdles. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in business administration in 1962.

After graduating from WSU Charlie spent a short career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the Long Beach Chiefs and had a short career in the NFL as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

Charlie returned to Seattle and began a long career in the Steel industry, working in sales and management in Seattle, Spokane, and Portland. He was a career salesman who loved sales and enjoyed spending time with his customers and getting to know their businesses, families and lives.

In addition to his work, Charlie was a volunteer coach for AAU and Boys & Girls Club basketball teams in Spokane, Portland and Bellevue where his teams won often and always led their leagues in fun and laughs. He was an avid golfer and member of Semiahmoo Golf Club in Blaine, WA, near his family's summer home at Birch Bay.

Charlie leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of 50 years, Judy (Yeend) Sells, brother John Sells and wife Christine, sister Betty Sells Robertson, husband Doug and nieces Shela and Lori; sons Kass and wife Becky, Jeff and wife Jeannie, and Todd and wife Laura, along with nine grandchildren who were the love and passion of his life - Katie (21), Anne (19), Sarah (16), Christina (19), Brandon (16), Jake (12), Lauren (21), Hayden (18), and John (16). Charlie was his grandchildren's biggest fan and they brought much joy and happiness to his life.

Quick with a smile, a laugh and a story; Charlie lived life to its fullest while always caring first for his wife, family, many friends, and his fellow Cougars.

A Memorial Service and celebration of Charlie's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, WA, 1717 Bellevue Way, Bellevue, WA 98004, on Saturday, October 6, 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to a scholarship created in Charlie Sells' name at the Washington State University Cougar Athletic Scholarship Fund, PO Box 641927, Pullman, WA 99164.