Charles Gary Aubertin

Charles Gary Aubertin, age 88, of Keller, Wash., passed away July 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Charlie was born Feb. 25, 1936, at the Tribal Agency in Nespelem, Wash., to Charles and Clarabelle "Peggy" (Hubbard) Aubertin.  

He was the oldest son and fourth child of three girls and three boys. Charlie spent his early childhood on Bald Peak, near Kettle Falls, Wash., and most of his life on the Colville Reservation. He was a proud member of the Colville Tribe and a descendant of the Sinixt "Lake" band of Indians.  

Charlie spent his teen years on the Oregon Coast with his father and ultimately left high school to join the Navy when he was 17 to serve with the Navy Seabees in the Asia/Pacific region during the Korean War. When he returned, he travelled to Montana to visit his sister Marilyn where he met her sister-in-law and the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Ann Cook. They married April 25, 1960, in Glendive, Mont., and were married 64 years when he passed.  

He moved his young family to Indio, Calif., for one day, turned around and headed back north settling in Moses Lake, Wash., where he became the regional expert in newspaper linotype machine operation and maintenance. He worked in the newspaper industry for many years before becoming an investment advisor. He ultimately owned his own investment firm Northwest Investors Trust/Lodestar Investments. His family moved to Ephrata, Wash., and then settled in Soap Lake, Wash., until he retired.  

He built a log home, affectionately called the "cabin," north of Keller, Wash., along the San Poil River where he and his family spent most of their time when not working or travelling. He and Pat spent his final years living in his beloved cabin.  

He was an accomplished pilot with almost every commercial and private license available. He operated his own commercial fishing boat from northern California to Alaska during the summer months when his clients were busy farming. There was not an engine or piece of equipment that he could not understand, operate and fix. He loved people and was a wonderful storyteller, keeping everyone in stitches with stories from his childhood and world travels. He loved sitting around a big table playing cards and swapping stories. He was an accomplished guitar player with a beautiful singing voice. He loved his quarter horses — Katy, Cappie, Callie and Bandit. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and participate in all their fun activities.  

He is survived by his wife, Pat: his daughter, Daneen (Matt) Keller of Newberg, Ore., and Thorne Bay, Alaska: his son, Charles "Chad" (Becca) of Keller, Wash.: his grandchildren, Brooklyn Marie Rogers, Dylan Wayne Aubertin and Charles Devin Aubertin. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Ben Cruse, and his siblings: Patricia McKinney, Jody Diefe, Marilyn Aubertin, Don Aubertin and Ken Aubertin.  

A Rosary and Wake were held at the Keller Longhouse on Aug. 2, 2024, and Charlie was laid to rest Aug. 3, 2024, at the Keller Community Cemetery amid the Swawilla Wildfire.  

A Celebration of Life will be held Sept. 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Keller Community Center in Keller, Wash.