Charles W. Gassett Jr.

Charles Gassett Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Charles W. Gassett Jr.
Start: 2016-05-07T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-05-07T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Marketplace Bakery

Charles Wendell Gassett Jr, (also known by his stage name of Charles Kenfield), formerly of Pembroke , Massachusetts, Omak and Cheney Washington, died April 18, 2016 at Hospice House of Spokane. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Gertrude Stedman Gassett and his sister, Nancy Erikson. He is survived by his nieces, Karen Erikson and Todd Weaver, both of Massachusetts. Charles graduated from Pembroke High School and received his BA from Goddard College in 1956. He took acting courses in New York with Norma Jean Daugherty (aka Marilyn Monroe). He worked as an extra in several Hollywood movies and was occasionally a camera stand-in for Clint Eastwood. He taught English and Drama at Omak High School and was beloved by his students. He was a talented musician, composer, theatre director, and an avid gardener. There will be a Life Celebration at the Marketplace Bakery in Cheney, Washington on May 7th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. All who knew him are welcome. A second celebration and scattering of his ashes is scheduled for mid-July in Omak, WA. Charles' family and friends would like to extend their immense gratitude to the Hospice of Spokane staff. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Spokane.

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Published by Spokesman-Review from May 1 to May 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Gassett

11 Entries

Ryan Hartwell

May 16, 2016

Charles was my role model, my mentor, and a good friend when I needed one. He may have been old and frail when I first met him, but he was sharp as a tack, brutally honest, and just a great person to hang out with. I'll never forget our "coffee talks": where no subject was considered too "taboo" to talk about. He was one of those people who could have a conversation with you for hours on end, and you'd never get tired of. The people he met, and the experiences he felt, were always great to listen to. I'm very fortunate to have met such a wonderful, and generous man. And for that, I'm truly grateful.

"Buenos whatever"
-Charles Kenfield

Jeff Smith

May 10, 2016

Godspeed my dear friend Charles. You gave me a great deal of wisdom during my very formative college years in Cheney, sitting in your living room over countless cups of coffee. I'm going to let these beautiful memories marinate for a while...and say a little prayer for you and with you. My eldest daughter Jesika, whom you unfortunately never had the delight to meet performed last week in the musical Chicago, her final theater production at Woodinville High School. I do believe in spirits and I know your spirit lives on in every beautiful song she performs. Thank you my friend. Your time here was well spent and meant a lot to a lot of people. You changed the way people see the world and there isn't enough gratitude in the universe to properly recognize that gift though on this page at least, a lot of your friends are trying. Peace my friend.

David Sharp

May 5, 2016

Charles was a beacon to creative minds and a shining example of how good writing tells a good story and a good telling teaches almost everything. Thank you, Charles, for daring to be all of who you were, you were truly a master life teacher.

May 2, 2016

Thank you Charles for choosing Omak High School to share your amazing creative talents as an inspiring teacher, music director for performances we never thought would be possible... and a friend! Your imprint continues!

Ray Lovinger

May 1, 2016

Charles and I were very good friend when he was a teacher in Omak. I was never in any of his classes at school but we had a lot of fun together.. Smart, funny, and very good friend!

Cheryl Johnson

May 1, 2016

Mr. Gassett came to Omak at just the right time for me and I was lucky enough to have him as my English teacher senior year. Who knew that one year in English class could make such a profound difference in the rest of my life. And I was lucky enough to tell him just that a month ago. An intelligent, creative soul, very kind in heart, encouraging us to live authentically, way back in 1965. Blessings and love.

Marti (Minnich) Walker

May 1, 2016

Charles Gassett, along with Myron Smith, directed several Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, Elijah, and other musical/ drama plays. As a High School student, I know that I was very fortunate to have been a member of a number of these productions. Mr. Gassett, as we all knew him then, was a very talented and inspirational director and teacher. My memories of my high school years most definitely include the great music and productions that we shared with the Omak community. I was able to thank him in person, at one point, when I talked with him one summer at EWU, but I wanted to say thank you again for all that he inspired in our little corner of the world.

Jim Black

May 1, 2016

I learned more from Mr. Gassett than from any of my college professors. He knew how to open up the minds of kids who had never seen a play or read a classic. I majored in English because of his influence.

Julie Kimberlin

May 1, 2016

Best English teacher I ever had!

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