Chuck Waggoner

Chuck was born Jan. 20, 1937 and adopted as an infant by a single woman, Rose Waggoner. Rose raised Chuck and his adopted brother, Richard in Tucson. Growing up in Tucson he enjoyed the sunshine, freedom to hike and roam the surrounding hills. Chuck graduated from Tucson High School in 1955.

Chuck attended the University of Arizona after high school for several years but in 1960 Chuck enlisted in the US Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was stationed in Fort Campbell, Ky. He completed his service in 1963. Chuck then graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science.

His love for the outdoors continued and led him to accept a job with the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado. He was working at the Arapaho Ski Basin when God brought him together with his wife, Sunnie whom he married in 1966. They were married for 51 years and dated the year prior to getting married, so were together for a total of 52 years. Together they have a son, Ben and a daughter, Erica.

Chuck’s career with the US Forest Service allowed him and his family to live in Colorado, Oregon and Washington. His position involved avalanche control (including using a 70mm cannon to control avalanches), ski area safety and recreational management. He was captain and chief of the Snoqualmie Pass Volunteer Fire Department and was involved in many search and rescue operations on the pass.

In 1992, Chuck retired from the Forest Service after 20 years of service and moved back to Colorado for 9 years before returning to Washington again. The 14 years in Chehalis, Wash. were a special delight for them. During his “retirement” years Chuck worked part time at various hardware stores and on his home, yard and garden.

He took great delight in his grandchildren, Gabe, Grace and Gideon.

A little over 2 years ago, Chuck and Sunnie moved to Arizona. Unfortunately, Chuck’s last years were filled with more doctor visits than trips to the mountains or other scenic places, but he was at peace through it all knowing that God wanted them in Arizona.

Chuck’s life ended peacefully on June 5, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Sunnie; son, Ben, his wife, Kristen and their children, Gabe, Grace and Gideon of Scottsdale; his daughter, Erica of Lake Quinault, Wash.; his nephew, Adam of Neah Bay, Wash.; his sister-in-law, Karin Adams, her daughter, Tracy of Salida, Colo. and son Doug, his wife, Jessica and their three children of Aurora, Colo. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose and his brother, Dick.

A celebration of Chuck’s life was held at Fountain Hills Christian Center on Friday, June 8. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Fountain Hills Christian Center Building and Maintenance fund, 16239 E Ironwood Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268; Mountain View Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund, 1201 Belmont Ave, Centralia, WA 98531 or Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532.