Charles Sumner Brashears

69, of Kingston, Washington, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington surrounded by his family. Chuck was born in San Francisco, California, on October, 21, 1944 but spent most of his childhood in Bremerton, WA where he graduated from West Bremerton High School in 1963. Chuck met the love of his life, Susan Lonette Nelson, at West Bremerton High School in 1960. They were married on September 18, 1965, and have been in love for the past forty-nine years. In 1963 he was awarded the Carnegie Hero Award for saving the life of a boy from a wild bull at the Kitsap County Fair and was also honored with the Boy Scout's Gold Life Saving Medal. After graduating high school Chuck joined the US Army where he served with 1st Cavalry MedEvac in Vietnam. On one of his two tours he was awarded the Bronze Star with the Gallantry Cross. In a battle with North Vietnamese forces Chuck helped several wounded American soldiers get into medevac helicopters, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire and engaging in hand to hand combat. He was also awarded the Purple Heart during that battle. After serving nine years in the U.S. Army he then transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve and retired a Chief in 1994. In between his service commitments Chuck earned an Associates of Art degree at Olympic College. Chuck worked fifteen years as a Hazardous Materials Manager at the Trident Refit Facilit y, Bangor. In 1984 he was hired by Saudi Arabian Airlines to be their Supervisor of Materials. While living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Chuck and Susan were given the opportunity to travel the world together visiting many destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe. One of their favorite memories was spending the millennium in Paris with their children. Chuck loved his family, the Navy, his books, his music and his travels. He had a quick wit and a big heart. He is survived by his wife Susan, his son Charles, (Kate), his daughter Jeannie Vena, (Chris), and his two granddaughters Isabella and Maeve Brashears.Family and friends are respect fully invited to attend the memorial service on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 1:30 PM at St. Paul's Church in Port Gamble Washington.Please sign the online guest book for the family.