Charles E. (Charlie) Simpson 74, of Port Townsend, WA, passed away at home on Feb. 23rd, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Charlie was born to Charles E. Simpson Sr. and Virginia Smith Simpson Guthrie in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He forever held his beloved home town and surrounding country side close to his heart. To family and friends he grew up with, he was known as Choo Choo, or Choo. He spent much of his childhood camping and fishing with his family, activities he loved as an adult also, spending a lot of time in the outdoors as his children were growing up. Though he always kept his love of the Southwest, he came to really appreciate the beauty and richness of the Northwest as well. He loved sharing his deep love for the beautiful outdoors with his grandchildren as well. Sitting in a boat, on a lake, with his pole in the water, was probably his favorite pastime.
Born in 1949, he was the first of 5 siblings. He attended Wood Gormley Elementary & Harrington Jr. High in Santa Fe, and then New Mexico Military Institute, in Roswell, NM, graduating in 1967.
Baseball was Charlie's passion starting at an early age. He played on the Garden Spot little league baseball team, where his dad was the coach and brother Bruce and Uncle Robert Smith were also team members. And he was good at it. Really good. Even when playing in adult leagues, it was a thing of beauty to watch him field, throw, or hit the ball. Pure grace. And a loyal Mariners fan!
Charlie worked for The Boeing Company for 24 years. In 1994 he came to Port Townsend to work in the Public Works Dept. for the City as Operations Manager. Public works became his career focus until he retired in 2015, having worked for several cities in the Seattle area and in Sacramento, CA.
Outside of work, Charlie always felt that we all had a civic duty to participate in some level of either government or community service. He spent 4 years on the City Council for the city of Tukwila in the early nineties.
As anyone who knew him would tell you, there was never a more generous, loyal or kind hearted person than Charlie Simpson. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. Kids and dogs gravitated to him always, a sign of a good soul. He will be so missed.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Linda Natali, his children Audra Amburgey, Charles Simpson III (Tasolo) and Rachel Musgrove (Sherman), step children Samantha Rabesa, Caitlin Noe, Erica Natali, Rico Natali, siblings Louise Soterin (Dan), Bruce Simpson (Pam), Charlene Crook (Dexter) and John Simpson (Joan), many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on May 26th, 2024, at The Silverwater Café in Port Townsend, 2-4 PM. All are welcome. There will also be a celebration of life in Santa Fe on Oct. 11, 2024.
