Charles Anthony Arnold

Charles A.  Arnold
January 14, 1931- January 25, 2023

Charles (Chuck) Anthony Arnold passed away shortly after his 92nd birthday. He was born in Ballard, WA in 1931 to Joseph and Marie (Heider) Arnold. He was the middle of five children – Marie, Annette, George, and Robert, who all preceded him in death. His mother passed away when he was 14, and he quickly became independent and self-sufficient. One example of this was that Chuck drove himself (alone) to his own driver’s license test!

Chuck met his wife, Shirley (Peterson) Arnold, through mutual friends at a company picnic. They fell in love and married in 1951. They settled down quickly and had their four children, Cathy Scalici (Pete), Diane Cronin (John), Chuck (Cherie), and Dan (Darla). In 1966 they moved from the Seattle area to Spokane. They built a house in Spokane Valley and lived there for over 50 years. They have been members of St. John Vianney Parish since then.

Chuck and Shirley were known for entertaining, especially their great Halloween parties, and everyone was always welcome at their house. They unofficially adopted Linda Palmer, a friend of Cathy and Diane’s, into their family.

Chuck worked for National Food Corporation for most of his career starting as a truck driver.  He eventually became sales manager for all the northwest states, selling eggs to grocery stores and building the business with the Bookeys, who became close family friends and neighbors at Outlet Resort at Priest Lake.  He was well known throughout the northwest as Chuck the Egg Man.

Chuck enjoyed flying and earned his pilot’s license, flying in and out of Felt’s Field whenever he could find some extra time.

After retiring Chuck and Shirley used their time to travel and invest in their hobbies. Chuck and Shirley went to Europe, Australia, China, Canada, and Mexico, as well as took many trips throughout the United States. They regularly headed South in the winter in their RV and met up with several friends there.

Chuck was very handy and creative. He restored two 1931 Model A cars, took trips with the Model A Club and entered many parades.  He always had a project to work on. He loved to fix anything, figuring out what the problem was and finding the solution.  He also created many different keepsakes including horseshoe candle holders and lamps, woodcarvings, and building Adirondack chairs. Helping people with their projects was one of his talents and ways of giving to others. He and Shirley also delivered food for Catholic Charities, a service that he was proud of and enjoyed.

Chuck enjoyed time with his grandkids - JC, Chris, Natalie, Andrea, Tony, Emily, Katie, Heather, and Lacey. He became great grandpa to seven kiddos, and he always smiled when he got to spend time with a baby.

The last year of his life, Chuck lived with Shirley in Ridgeview Place in Spokane, also known as “The Resort” to his family. He suffered from dementia for about 10 years, but   still enjoyed talking with people and playing cards, especially the game “31”. We are so grateful for the supportive staff there. We know Chuck rests in peace with God and his relatives who have gone before him.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley, as well as many family members and friends.  Visitation is Friday, Feb. 3rd at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N Pines Road, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 pm.  Funeral Mass is Saturday, Feb. 4th at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at St. Joseph Cemetery, 17825 E. Trent Avenue, with Interment following. Donations can be made on his behalf to Catholic Charities Food for All Program, 12 E. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202. To share memories of Chuck and leave condolences for the family, visit Chuck's Tribute Wall.