Charles 'Chuck' Spilis, 78

Charles “Chuck” Spilis, 78, passed away May 29, 2016, in Kalispell, at the Heritage Place.

Chuck was born on Aug. 12, 1937, to Kasmir and Virginia Spilis, in Philadelphia.

Chuck joined the Air Force when he was 17. He served for nine years, in Texas, England and at a radar base in Lakeside, which is where he met the love of his life Marge. They were married on June 22, 1963.

Chuck was a diehard sports fan. He coached and mentored his son Chucko in baseball and football, never missed a game, or practice. Chuck bowled in a few bowling leagues in Kalispell, and was also an Eagles and Moose Lodge member. He was a remarkable craftsman, and a good carpenter.

After the Air Force he had several jobs before he began his career at Plum Creek. Chuck worked as lead grinderman at Plum Creek for 30 years, where he retired in 1999. After he retired he bought an RV and traveled the country with his wife Marge. A couple years later he bought his dream retirement home, a house with a million dollar view on Crystal Lake. He loved taking everyone on his pontoon boat, and sitting on his porch overlooking the “ocean” as he would call it.

He was the life of the party until the end — loved and missed by many.

Chuck Spilis is survived by his son Chucko Spilis of Kalispell, sisters Charmaine Capobianco and Sharon Roberts of Philadelphia, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marge Spilis, his parents Kasmir and Virginia Spilis, and his sister Virginia Birmingham.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the house on Crystal Lake. For information and directions, please call Chucko at 406-871-1573.