Charles Walter Cope, age 93, was born on May 12, 1930, and died peacefully in Sedro-Woolley on January 22, 2024. “Charlie or Corky” as most people knew him, was raised in Skagit Valley, schooled in Hamilton and Concrete. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1948 serving aboard the USS Helena in the Pacific during the Korean War. He attained the rank of RM 2 (E5) as a radio operator. Discharged in 1952, he settled in Southern California, married and raised a family while working for Western Union Telegraph Company for 33 years.
He enjoyed golf, Marshalling several professional golf tournaments. He had a passion for old clocks, fishing and hunting. He returned to his roots in Sedro-Woolley in 1995, where he continued to enjoy fishing, hunting and berry picking as well as growing tomatoes and cucumbers, and he loved to share his spoils with his family and friends.
He was proud to be an active member at the VFW, American Legion, and Eagles. He had a regular card game on Monday nights, and he was part of the SWSS group and regularly visited the senior center and was known as the “puzzle man.”
Corky is survived by his son, Dennis M. Cope and wife, Diane of Upland, CA; daughter, Diana M. Lytton Kellick and husband, Greg, of Corona, CA; grandsons, Perry Alan Lytton Jr., Brian Anthony Roy Lytton, Daniel Charles Roy Cope and Michael David Lytton; granddaughters, Michelle Lee Haight and Sarah Adele Cope; six great grandchildren, Ethan Lytton, Evan Lytton, Caleb Lytton, Chloe Haight, Cade Haight and Max Lytton; nephews, William Roy Cope and Kevin Wahlgren; nieces, Linda Cope Wahlgren, Candice Cope Lambert, Christi Cope and Casey Cope Hawley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Lee Cope in Sweet Home, Oregon in 1982; Mother, Cora Harrison Cope Hutchens in Marysville, WA, 1996; brother, Ernest Cope in 2010.
A time of visitation will be available from Noon to 6:00, Thursday, February 8, and a Graveside service will be held at 1:00, Friday at Hamilton Cemetery, with Military Honors.
Share your memories of Corky and sign the online guest register.
Corky, I shall never forget you. The last time I saw you was at the Marblemount/Rockport Reunion some years ago. I heard a voice say there’s
the goat rancher. I had not seen Corky for a very long time. He was a near neighbor in Birdsview when I was little and yes, I had several goats!!!!
Miss our friend Charlie! Glad we got to hang out with you one last time in 2022. Always will love you! ❤️ D.W. & Lou Watson.
Oh Charlie, I miss seeing you at the Senior Center when you would come in and do puzzles. Miss you showing me what you were working on and our hugs.