The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Charlie L Gordon left this world August 7th, 2023. Born in July 1951 to Clarence and Ima Jean Gordon and raised in Grand Coulee, Washington. With an adventurous and mischievous child, Charlie's mother was kept busy and the Grand Coulee community was well entertained. He and his childhood friend Cliff Service were known to run wild through the interior of the Grand Coulee Dam.  Charlie's high school years were dedicated to football, fast cars, questionable decisions, and never getting caught. 

From the start Charlie was a worker. His employment included Grand Coulee Dam Third Powerhouse, Hanford Nuclear Reservation, towers, tanks, and bridges as a journeyman painter. In 1992, he started working at Spokane Public Schools in the maintenance department. Eventually Charlie became Paint Foreman. He spent 25 years working for the school district. The crew from maintenance were some of his closest friends. His work ethic and skill ran deep, which set his expectation for a job well done.

While working on the Chief Joseph Dam, a paint line exploded in his hand. The serious injury landed him in Sacred Heart Hospital. Charlie was lucky enough to be cared for by an attractive young nurse by the name of Christina (Chris) Martens. Upon discharge he wisely sent this nurse flowers. Charlie and Chris were married November 24th, 1979. From the day they met until the night he passed away she never stopped caring for him. The couple has two daughters, Kelly and Jenny. Charlie was a natural girl dad. He spent hours building legos, watching cartoons, and supporting their interests. Charlie loved kids and always knew how to make them laugh. His standards for lawn care and maintenance were second to none. Mowing the lawn literally brought a smile to his face. His true passion was his vegetable garden. Friends and family struggled to leave his house in the summer without bags of tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and garlic. 

Charlie befriended many with his quick sense of humor and friendly nature. Fiercely loyal and always thoughtful, many received a call or visit to see how a friend or family member was doing. He is survived by his wife Chris, his sister, Linda, daughters Kelly (Wylie) and Jenny (Ian), and grandchildren Rudy, Etta, Owen, Cecilia, and many nephews and nieces. Charlie is also survived by his beloved coffee club, who he will undoubtedly be with forever in spirit.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at Mirabeau Meadows Park Shelter (Spokane Valley) October 8th at 10:30 am. Please bring laughter, stories, and a few tears to share with the family.