Charles Wilkie
1941-2021
"I believe God has called me to serve him, and serve him well."

Charles "Chuck" Wilkie was born November 1941 in Los Angeles to Charles Wilkie Sr. and Helen Woodfin.  He attended Los Angeles High School, and then Santa Monica College. After graduating college he worked in hardware and construction.  He joined the Hollywood Young Adults (HYA) Ministry under the pioneering Christian educator Henrietta Mears; in that group he met his future wife and soulmate Kathy. During his lifetime, he often spoke about the powerful time he experienced in HYA.  Even until his passing, he kept in touch with many of the members of that group.  Chuck and Kathy were married in February 1971 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Hollywood.

The 1970s and 80s were a busy time for the Wilkies:  His daughter Christine was born February 1974 and Lisa in 1976. Both girls went to Los Angeles magnet schools and Kathy taught art and gifted students.  While on vacations, Kathy used what she learned to plan for the coming year.  Chuck merchandised hardware for Home Depot, selling a variety of products and stocking new stores.

Chuck retired in 2006 and volunteered with Lutheran Social Services, Stephen's Ministry, and countless other community outreach programs to the homeless and the greater church.

He had a number of hobbies: Railroads, model trains, pipe organs, singing in choir.  He loved the sound of a pipe organ!  He embarked on an assortment of trips both to the southwest and the east coast of the United States.  He also traveled internationally to Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and other countries.  On his favorite trip, he retraced the steps of Martin Luther to learn more about Reformation history in Germany.   Kathy passed away in 2013; in 2016 Chuck moved out of Los Angeles to begin a new life in Mount Vernon.  He began attending Bethany Covenant Church where his daughter Lisa also attended.  In Mount Vernon, he continued various ministries as a greeter, usher, hospital volunteer, and choral group member of the Melody Makers.

Chuck Wilkie went home February 21, 2021.  He is survived by his daughters Lisa (& Gavin) Ellis and Christine (& Mark) Echeverri, and 5 grandchildren: Camille, Bronte, Adrian, Brendan, and Andre.  His sister Leigh lives in Simi Valley, California.

Memorials can be made to Bethany Covenant Church (Mount Vernon) and Family Promise of Skagit Valley.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1PM at Bethany Covenant Church, Mount Vernon.