Charles "Chuck" Ask

Born in Skagway, Alaska to Harry G. Ask and Irma Williams Ask, Chuck grew up in Skagway with his sister, Joanne, until 1945 when the family moved to West Seattle, where he graduated from West Seattle High. The Korean war postponed college plans when he volunteered for service in the US Army Signal Corps stationed in Big Delta, Alaska. He later graduated from U of Washington with a business degree. His career of 30+ years was with the Boeing Company finance department as a cost analyst.

During Chuck’s first marriage to Marilyn Heathcote, two children were born, Richard D. Ask and Karla M. Ask Schultz. Even though they moved away at a young age Chuck managed frequent trips to Arizona for visits and spring skiing. (Yes, he found a ski area in the NE part of the state!)

Chuck’s love for skiing began as a teenager riding the train to the Milwaukee Ski Bowl in the late 40’s. He served as a member of the National Ski Patrol at Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass for over 30 years.

Chuck met Leada Streeter at a reunion of past residents of their common home town of Skagway, Alaska. Their similar backgrounds and shared memories of childhood made for an easy transition to a loving relationship and they were married August 11, 1979 at Newport Presbyterian Church.

As Chuck’s body began to fail from an untreatable neurological condition, they moved to Wesley Homes retirement community and then in 2021 he became a favorite resident of Angelwings adult family home in Des Moines, WA. He passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023 with a clear mind and fully aware that he was deeply loved by God, his devoted family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Leada, of 43 years, son, Rick (Alison), daughter Karla (Chris), grandchildren Adrian (Morgan), Cory, Beau, and Josie, and step-children, Susan (David), Lynette (Art), R. Keith (Deborah), and Vernon.