Charles (Charlie) Afterbuffalo Meyer

July 23, 1965 – August 18, 2020

Charles Afterbuffalo Meyer (né Charles Timothy Afterbuffalo), 55, passed away on Aug. 18, 2020, in Coulee City, Washington. He was born on July 23, 1965, in Tacoma, Washington, to Theresa M. Afterbuffalo, who predeceased him.

Charlie was raised in Olympia, Washington, by Ernest L. and Barbara K. Meyer (both deceased) with their family of eight sons John, Tom, Stephen (deceased), Paul, James, Edward, Martin and Sam. At that time he was known as Charles Loyola Meyer. He graduated from the St. Michael Parish School in Olympia (grades 1 to 8) in 1979 and from Olympia High School in 1983, where he enjoyed art classes, basketball, cross country and track. Charlie attended Fort Steilacoom Community College and South Puget Sound Community College.

Charlie worked mostly in the service industry as a waiter, bartender, cook or clerk. While he lived in Olympia, his employers included the old Crackers restaurant, Fatso’s and Westside taverns, Charlie’s Bar & Grill, and The Bon/Macy’s. Charlie moved to Soap Lake, Washington, in 2011, spiritually connecting to the climate and unique geography, enabling him to embrace further his Native American heritage. Charlie’s employers in Soap Lake included Soap Lake Businessmen’s Club and the Del-Red Pub. Charlie moved to Coulee City in 2019. When he died Charlie was employed as a general laborer by HighLine Grain Growers, Inc.

As a child growing up in Olympia, Charlie collected sports cards. He developed an enormous collection. He would divide the cards into teams and leagues of teams. The teams would make trades and play each other, leading Charlie to become a formidable opponent in Fantasy Football Leagues. Charlie was a lifelong fan of the Seattle Seahawks. One of his dreams included the Seahawks winning a Super Bowl (dream met)! Charlie enjoyed drawing. He had a great interest in architecture. Charlie became a prolific writer of poetry. He rivaled the greatest of chefs with his gourmet skills on the barbecue and smoker. Charlie loved being outdoors near lakes, rivers and, of course, good old Budd and Henderson inlets of the south Puget Sound. He reflected often with longtime friend Ellene Nations on the shores of Billy Clapp Lake near Soap Lake.

Charlie is survived by a large extended family including many in the family that raised him and his Afterbuffalo siblings. He is also survived by former spouse Kimberly M. Moore and his many friends including Philip Trepanier. Charlie and Philip’s friendship began when they were children growing up in the same neighborhood and remained strong for life. Charlie will be missed.

Charlie’s life can best be celebrated by way of a memorial contribution either to the Soap Lake Food Bank at 325 Main Ave. E., Soap Lake, WA 98851 or to the Thurston County (Olympia) Food Bank at 220 Thurston Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98501.