Charles (Chuck) M. Royal

June 30, 1928 — March 20, 2019

Charles (Chuck) M. Royal, Jr., born June 30, 1928, in Seattle, Wash., died peacefully March 20, 2019, in Mount Vernon, Wash. He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Royal, wife of 70 years and the families of their two adult children, Chuck III and Paula Royal and Wendee and John Steele. These families include seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He attended Seattle Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. He and Ruth were married in 1948. They spent a few years in Newhalem, Wash., where they managed a gas station and store. Upon their return to Seattle, Chuck worked as a glazier for Belknap Glass, Fuller Glass, and had a 10-year partnership in his own business. He has spent the last 37 years on Whidbey Island, living in Clinton and Freeland. Due to declining health, he and Ruth recently moved to Mount Vernon.

Chuck loved to play golf at an early age. He was a member of several golf clubs including, most recently, Useless Bay Country Club for the past 34 years. He was an avid card player, especially Pinochle and Crib. Chuck had a gift for numbers and always knew the correct score (cards and golf), even if you didn’t.

He and Ruth were blessed with many friends and special memories together – camping at Priest Lake, dance club, cruising, Chinese dinner night, cards, and many Friday nights at the UBCC, occupying the corner window “Royal Table.”

Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a thoughtful, kind and gentle man of simple needs. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be no funeral services. Donations in celebration of Chuck’s life can be made to: Island County Fire District #3, 5535 Cameron Rd., Freeland, WA 98249 or Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, WA 98273