Charles Edward Johnston

Charles E. "Charlie" Johnston, a well known Wenatchee resident, passed away on November 22, 2010 at Central Washington Hospital. He was born to the late Earl and Ella Johnston in Batesville, AR on June 30, 1933. At an early age in his life, he moved with his family to Wenatchee and attended Lincoln Grade School and H.B. Ellison Jr. High. He was a star athlete in high school, graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1952. Upon graduation, he was selected the "most outstanding baseball player" at a local clinic and played in the All State-All City baseball game in Seattle. He entered Washington State University on a baseball scholarship following graduation from high school, turning down three Major League Professional Baseball contract offers. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1954 and served two years in Japan, where he continued to play baseball until injuring his shoulder. He was honorably discharged in 1956, with the rank of Sergeant. He worked for a short time with Alcoa after his discharge, and returned to Washington State University, where he finished his education in 1958. In January of 1959, he accepted a job with Local Loan Company in Wenatchee and continued in that position until 1977. Under his leadership, the Wenatchee office was ranked number one in net profit, throughout the entire chain nationwide in 1972, and again in 1973. On March 27, 1960, he married Lyla Arrington of Wenatchee at the First Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee. Charlie was named manager of the East Wenatchee Water District in February of 1977. He continued to exemplify leadership in his capacity as manager during his 20 years of service to the District. The District was named most outstanding District in the State in 1981, and again in 1985. He was selected outstanding manager in the State in 1989. Charlie served on numerous committees with the Department of Health Drinking Water Division during his 20 years at the District. He was especially proud to have been appointed to the Advisory Committee of the State Water Drinking Act in 1989, and continued to serve on that committee until his retirement in February of 1996. Charlie contributed a great deal of his time to helping people and to his community. He loved snowmobiling, waterskiing, and was an avid golfer. He served as a Little League baseball coach for six years and as president of the League for four years. In addition, he served one year as a Babe Ruth coach. He was president of the Wenatchee Valley Knights Quarterback Club and dedicated a lot of his time helping to raise funds so that students could further their education at a four year university. He served four terms as president of the Chelan-Douglas Utilities Coordinating Council and three terms as secretary/treasurer. He served one term as president of the North Central Washington Economic Development Council. Charlie was proud of his accomplishments in life, but the one that stood out the most, was when he and his wife, Lyla, along with their many friends, built a summer cabin on Lake Chelan in 1982. This cabin would serve as a place to relax and enjoy their two children and many friends over the next several years, as well as their retirement. Charlie was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a past Deacon and Elder, as well as Campaign Director for the church's building fund. He was a member of the Wenatchee Eagles Lodge, Wenatchee Golf and Country Club, and past president and active member of the Wenatchee Central Lions Club. Charlie's zest and love for life was tremendous and he made everyone who came to know him feel special. He left an indelible mark on everyone's life that he touched. His zany brand of humor was a unique gift. Charlie was truly an original. He was the center of his family's solar system and the void that he leaves with his passing is immense. He is survived by his wife, Lyla of Wenatchee; son, Vince (Marci) Johnston of Wenatchee; daughter, Jill (Corey) Stephens of Wenatchee; grandchildren, Danielle and Lainie Johnston of Wenatchee and Drew and Addison Stephens of Wenatchee; brothers, Reed (Ileen) Johnston of East Wenatchee and Harold (Virginia) Johnston of Wenatchee: and several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents of Wenatchee; brother, Earl Johnston, Jr. of Arkansas; sister, Genevieve Paine of Wenatchee; and brother, Neil Johnston of Spokane. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, November 27, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley at 711 Grant Road in East Wenatchee. Internment will be held on Monday, November 29, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. at the Wenatchee Cemetery. A Memorial Service will follow at the First Presbyterian Church on 1400 S. Miller, Wenatchee at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Charlie's name to the First Presbyterian Church's building fund in Wenatchee. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Charles Edward Johnston

June 30, 1933 - November 22, 2010