OBITUARY

Captain Charles Alvin Marang, USAF, Ret., age 77,  died on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in his beautiful Washington State home after a long illness.

My Dad was raised on a cattle ranch in Pompeys Pillar, Montana. He went to Pompeys Pillar Grade School and graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1954. As you all know, Dad was most proud of two things – his family, and his military career. So how perfect that he had his family right there with him when he opened his eyes, gently squeezed our hands, smiled at us, and took his last beautiful breath as he walked into the next world. It seems he was orchestrating the whole event – just like him – don’t you agree?

I know you’ll remember his passion and high energy for things he loved – water skiing, fishing, hummingbirds, the stock market, playing pinochle and cribbage, hunting, political debate, world travel, high school memories, band, connecting with friends and favorite people on the phone, and grandbabies!

One thing we all loved was his sense of humor. “How lucky to be in bed with two pretty girls,” he said to my sister and me as we sat on his bed with him a day before he passed. Again, his life in the military was the identity he cherished most, so I’ll expand on that a little more. He retired as an Air Force Captain in 1974 with 20 years service. His career included two tours to Viet Nam, travel to dozens of countries around the world including Australia where he met the love of his life, Carol. After retiring he landed a great job as a Federal Air Marshall – with more travel all over the world.

He gave a lot to this world and so his headstone reads: “In Heart and Soul, Always Giving.” Chuck is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Lyn and Sheryl, stepson Rick Edwards, four granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. We are so proud of him. Way to Go, Dad!

On April 30, 2013, a military honors burial at Tahoma National Cemetery in WA was followed by a celebration of Dad’s life at his home with family and friends.