Charles Cvetich's Obituary
Charles "Chuck" Cvetich
January 26, 1922 ~ August 20, 2009
Longtime resident and former schoolteacher, Charles "Chuck" Cvetich, age 87, passed away peacefully at the family home in St. Helens, Oregon on August 20, 2009.
Charles was born in Klein, Montana to Croatian Immigrant parents, John and Mary Badovinac Cvetich. At the age of seven, his family moved to Ridgefield, Washington to take up dairy farming. Chuck graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1939 and went on to Clark College in Vancouver for two years. Chuck then transferred to Pacific Lutheran in Tacoma, Washington where he graduated in 1942 with a BA in Education. He later received a Masters in Education from the University of Oregon.
During World War II, Chuck was a cadet in the US Merchant Marines and then went on to the National Maritime Union. After the war in 1947 Chuck accept a teaching position in St. Helens at John Gumm Grade School where he taught seventh and eighth grades. He remained in the St. Helens School District for 35 years teaching math, physical education and health. He coached football, basketball, track, and baseball and then became the Athletic Director until his retirement in 1982.
Chuck's main interests in life were hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, traveling, his students, his home, and family. Chuck loved his garden and entered the many fruits of his labor in the Columbia County Fair. He was high point award winner for several years. His travels led him to Alaska, China, Russia, France, and his family's native land – Yugoslavia.
Chuck was inducted into the St. Helens Sports Boosters Hall of Fame in 1991 for his many years of service to the community. The City of St. Helens also honored him for his many years of contributions to education and the donation of land for the Botanical Gardens.
His loving wife of 61 years, Patricia Mary Cvetich; his daughter Patty, son-in-law Dan and granddaughter Polly Rismoen of St. Helens survives Chuck. His sister, Vivian Hungate of Vancouver, Washington and extended family also survive him. His brother John preceded him in death in 2008.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Olde School formerly John Gumm School in St. Helens. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Helens Sport Boosters or your favorite charity.
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