Martin James Charles

the oldest member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, passed away November 25, 2007 on Bainbridge Island, at 93 years of age. Martin was born March 30th, 1914 in Washington Harbor, near Sequim, to Thomas and Suzanne Charles of Little Boston. He spent his early years at the old village on Point Julia, across the bay from the Port Gamble mill. On October 31, 1935 he married Angelina Fulton in Suquamish.Martin had many different jobs during his long lifetime, including logger, longshoreman, fisherman, clam digger and rigger at Bangor, loading ammunition on ships. He did a lot of volunteer carpenter work on various churches during his younger days, and in later years he enjoyed powwows and visiting various casinos.Martin was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 55 years, Angelina, son Martin Junior, and siblings Nettie, Rubie, Katherine, Tillie, George, Louie and Earl.Survivors include son Ron Charles (Sharon) of Little Boston, beloved granddaughters Michelle Jones (Mike) of Little Boston, Marlo Charles of Little Boston, Angela Charles (Brad), of Little Boston, and Christina Moff (Justin) of Little Boston. He also leaves behind 9 great grandsons and 2 great granddaughters.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 11:00 AM until the service time at 1:00 PM at the Port Gamble - S'Klallam Tribal Gym 31912 Little Boston Road in Kingston, Washington. Interment will follow the service at the tribal cemetery.Arrangements by Cook Family Funeral Home.