Charles Arthur Cunningham Jr., 74

Charles Arthur Cunningham Jr. “went to the heavens to spend eternity with his beloved wife and dogs” on Sept. 19, 2015, with family in attendance in Portland, at the age of 74.

Charles is survived by his children, Tamara Thomson and her husband John of Columbia Falls, Michael and Kathy Gilman of Redmond, Washington, Elaine and Bret Bentzinger of Redmond, and Matt and Nicole Gilman of Kalispell; along with brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie Cunningham, and his mother and father.

Chuck was born on March 12, 1941, in Aberdeen, Washington, to LuEllen and Charles Cunningham Sr.

He enlisted in the Army and eventually went to work for the U.S. Forest Service, completing 22 years of service in 2001. Chuck received many awards for his service to the public and also received a 20-year commendation for membership to the American Legion.

Chuck was a talented carpenter and avid woodworker, completing many projects in his shop. One of his greatest accomplishments was building the home that he and his late wife Laurie resided in.

A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 25 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 N.E. 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA  98684, with a reception to follow. Robert Cunningham will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Charles’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to the local ASPCA or animal shelter be made in his name, as one of he and Laurie’s passions was to rescue elderly dogs from the local shelter.