Charles J. Gariepy
courtesy photo
Charles J. Gariepy
BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA — It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, grandpa “Grumpy,” brother, and uncle, Charles “Charley” J. Gariepy, on Jan. 19, 2022, at the young age of 61.
Charley was born Aug. 16, 1960, to Peter and Joanne Gariepy in St. Ignatius, joining siblings Ann, Laurie, Fred, and later Cheryl. Charley lived most of his life in St. Ignatius, where he kept his neighbors and community safe working for the Lake County Road Department for 30 years.
Proudly, Charley also served the community by serving as a member of the Volunteer Fire Department for 33 years holding positions of President and Captain of the Jaws of Life during his tenure. He was very instrumental in bringing the Jaws to Mission with the help of the Spokane, Washington Fire Department. Additionally, he held multiple positions within city government, serving as a city council member for eight years and as Mayor for 12 years. Charley also served on the Lake County Bank Board of Directors for many years, for which he was incredibly honored to be a part of his family’s business. After proudly serving his community, he retired to Arizona in 2018.
In 1989, he married the love of his life, Karolynn. He was so thrilled that he made all the arrangements on his own and excitedly said, “let’s go, we’re getting married!” He was happily welcomed to the family by children, Dawnelle and Craig. Their family became complete with the birth of their daughter, Jennifer. He had a special love for his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. He was very proud of all of their accomplishments and was always willing to give a helping hand.
Charley was an avid Grizzly football fan, loved to hunt, kayak, fish, ride his Harley, and watch his kids’ sporting events.
Charley leaves behind his wife, Karolynn of Bullhead City, Arizona; his beautiful daughters, Jennifer (Adam) Gariepy-Benishek of Florence, and Dawnelle (Arnie) Sorrell of St. Ignatius; his loving son, Craig (Rachel) Norman of Lynnwood, Washington; his furbabies, Patch and Izzy; his grandson, Davin (Hannah); granddaughters, Alyssa, Caitlyn, Eliza, and Lucy; great-granddaughter, Jenny; brother, Fred (Linnea) Gariepy of St. Ignatius; sisters, Ann Gariepy and Laurie Marshall, both of Texas; brother-in-law, John Brookes of California; his many nieces and nephews, numerous Gariepy cousins; his best friends, Martin Ralston, (Oh, did they have the adventures), Stuart Morton, Curt Johnson, and many others.
Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Joanne Gariepy; sister, Cheryl Gariepy; and very special friend, Rick Kerr.
We will be holding a “Celebration of Life” for Charley in St. Ignatius, in early April.
If you’d like to make a donation, please donate to your favorite animal foundation or become an organ donor.
- Won’t you fly high “Free Bird.”
