Charles "Chuck" Ouellette

“Love lift us up where we belong, where the eagles cry, on a mountain high… far from the world we know…the road is long, there are mountains in the way, but we climb a step every day…” – Nitzche, Saint-Marie, Jennings

Charles (Pappy) Arthur Ouellette was a loving husband, dedicated father, caring grand pappy and loyal friend. Headstrong, ambitious, strong-willed, determined, focused and smart, he was a force to be reckoned with. Chuck had an old school work ethic; he never quit. He saw any task through to completion. When his father passed away at 17, he helped his family by working nights at Western Union while still attending high school. He served in the Air Force at the end of the Korean War and the  179th Fighter Intercept Squadron Air National Guard in Duluth while finishing his college degree. After graduation, he didn’t just teach Algebra and Physics, he loved mathematics. He loved crunching numbers, whether calculating sports stats or out guessing Wall Street. The experience he gleaned from the service opened a window of opportunity into the airline industry. He moved his family to California to start his new career. Chuck flew for Pan Am for 30 years until he retired.

Even more memorable than his career accomplishments was Pappy's devotion and commitment to his lovely wife, Carol, and his children and grandchildren. Pappy was present!  He would make time to talk and listen. You could depend on Pappy to show up for weddings, baptisms, birthdays, graduations, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, gatherings or outings. He was generous with time or resources, always there to lend a helping hand. Pappy, through example, inspired his kids to do the right thing.

Pappy was “all in” or not at all, in whatever he did. If he found a new hobby, sport or venue he liked, he jumped in with gusto and zeal. He played tennis every day until his arthritis interfered. He was an avid chess player, with friends, against the computer, or via mail ( yes, before internet). He was a diehard 49er, Golden State Warriors, and SF Giants fan. He was at the World Series - Battle of the Bay, in ’89 when the earthquake rolled through Candlestick and the entire Bay Area. Pappy ingrained his love for sports into all his family.  He was highly competitive! Games were big! There were roaring games of Family Feud and Trivial Pursuit, baseball in the park, shooting hoops in the driveway, and touch football in the street. Remember that epic game in  ’71 when he kicked the football high into the power lines? After the flash and sizzling sparks the whole neighborhood lost power for hours! The 7-card stud poker games were great, but when Pappy discovered Texas hold-em, he was ALL-IN! The teacher in him soon had everyone understanding “the flop, the turn, the river” and going “all in”. Before you knew it, there were rowdy Texas hold-em tournaments on kitchen tables, garage card tables, and patio decks. The whole family joined him on the annual pilgrimages to the World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas.

We will always remember Pappy's fiery spirit, tenacity and character.

The family sends their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to grandson Dan Ouellette for the loving caregiving and support he showered on his grandfather over the last six months of his life. A sincere acknowledgement and thanksgiving to his daughters, Cathy Mann and Debbie Bitter, who have been there from the start of this rocky road. Our hearts go out to you.

Pappy is survived by Carol, his wife of 63 years, children Michael (Patsy), Debbie Bitter (Steven), Cathy Mann (Rod), Jeff (Rebecca) and grandchildren Steven and Dan Ouellette, Rachel Bitter Herzog (Will), Bryan Bitter, Jacob Ouellette, and Elle Mann. He is preceded in death by his son Timothy, and his parents.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions there will not be any public ceremonies. We encourage family and friends to visit our guest book, leave a message and share a memory. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.