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Charles Samuel Whitman, 77

Charles “Chuck” Whitman passed away on May 4, 2017, in Spokane, Wash. He was born in New York, N.Y., on Dec. 30, 1939. He was a humble and gifted man who lived an adventurous life.

Chuck was raised in orphanages and foster homes in New York City, he joined the Navy at the age of 18 and completed a 20-year career. Chuck made his home in the Coeur d’Alene area to be with Navy friends and moved to Spokane in 1996.

Chuck had a drive to take on whatever life put in front of him — from riding bulls in the rodeo to serving as a greeter at church; boxing, motorcycle racing, skiing and golfing were among the many interests that Chuck pursued during his life. Chuck was at home behind the scenes, but also loved being in the spotlight. He entertained as singer and guitar player and also as an auctioneer. Chuck pursued auctioneering late in life (he began at age 50), but it came to define him in many ways.

Chuck worked as an auto auctioneer at DAA Northwest (retired 2013) but more importantly, he brought his energy, humor and skill to bear as a gifted fundraising auctioneer. Chuck had a deep sense of connection to those in need and would genuinely adopt the cause he was working for. He raised money for countless charitable causes large and small.

Chuck spent his adult life making friends wherever he went, and it is us — his friends, co-workers and neighbors who made up his practical family. He had the will and the heart to make a great life out of the circumstances that were dealt to him. Chuck worked hard to earn it all, but in his final years he came to understand that life itself was part of God’s gift to him. Through that understanding Chuck is at home today in the loving care of his true father.

Chuck was preceded in death by his brother, John Keith Whitman. He is survived by his nieces Deborah Whitman-Rose and Donna Whitman-Carter; as well as his sister-in-law, Theresa K. Whitman-Vanderbilt.

Chuck was a member of Life Center Church and Washington State Auctioneers Association. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Life Net and was also a Master Mason.

A graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. Life Center Church, 1202 N. Government Way, Spokane. A gathering will follow at DAA Northwest, 2215 S. Hayford Road, Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to The Meals on Wheels Chuck Whitman fund or Life Center Church.