Charles Dean Rameau

His family knew him as Charly, but everyone else knew him as Chuck and this wonderful man passed away the evening of May 22, 2014 with his family by his side. Chuck was 57 years old, but lived a full life in his time here. He was born in Seattle and grew up in Lynnwood, Washington. In his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and played a wicked trumpet. After graduating High school, he went on to serve in the Marines. He lived in a few different places in his life. But landed in Bellingham. Chuck worked at Woodstone for several years. But his most favorite occupation of all was the role of an Alaska commercial fisherman. Chuck truly loved hunting and fishing and sharing these activities with others and especially his dog Buster. You could often find Chuck out at Lake Terrill or Lake Whatcom, fishing a Bass Tournament with The Borderline Bassin’ Contenders. He truly enjoyed setting off 4th of July fireworks and his family and friends enjoyed many a meal Chuck would make for them. He had a great sense of humor and generous in heart to all he met. He was active in the American Legion where he met the love his life and kindred spirit, Paula Rameau. Chuck was the son of the late Charles Rameau and is survived by his dear and loving mother Vennice Cowlishaw Rameau, his loving and loyal wife Paula, his sisters Jeanne Rameau and Marilyn Moon and husband Keith, his niece Megan Bent and her children James, Robinson and Ruby, Nephew Stacy Moon and wife Deb Hampton, His Uncle Fred and Aunt Pat Rameau and several cousins. Many times when Chuck came back from fishing and was asked how he did, more often than not you would hear everything from the temperature of the water to wind direction and speed. Often he would catch fish, but he always found his spiritual home on the water.

Requiem for a Fisherman

(© Jeff Wright, used with permission).

A quiet troll across the lake
its surface still and mirrored
the moisture in the air so thick
as morning sun appears

The line is whipped with deft finesse
it sails with graceful ease
near reeds exposed, and tangled roots
just missing willowed trees

The first bite starts the tingled thrill
all time is stopped in place
No sound or movement, not a breath
this single-focused face

A stronger tug, the pole is flicked
the hook so cleanly set
the game goes on with line kept tight
the prize steered toward the net

The feeling of accomplishment
It saturates your soul
Where skill and silent patience
Are the answer to the goal

You may not get another bite
for hours through the day
But Nature's sweet serenity
Is often why you stay

There comes that day for all the best
The fishing's done at last
The final time you tie a hook
The final spinning cast

But Lord, we hope a lake exists
In Heaven's grand design
where once again you'll feel the thrill
of tugging on your line

…catch a big one for us Chuck.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.