Gene Alois Charette Sr

Gene Alois Charette Sr., a retired painter and life-long resident of Washington, passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2022, at the age of 88 years old in Renton, Washington.

Gene was born in White Earth, Minnesota on November 21, 1933, to Peter and Francis Charette. He was one of nine siblings and a proud member of the White Earth Chippewa Tribe. He served in the Navy for some time before moving to Washington State where he married Lois Olney and they had four children. He was a member of the Painters Union and traveled around as a painter with his company Grey Owl Enterprises, he would show up to a job site in a suit and people would ask why he was painting in a suit, it showed how much pride and how darn good he was at painting.

Gene was known for his witty and quick sense of humor, his friendliness, and his caring heart which led to many friendships. He was quite the comedian, whenever he spoke, something funny would come out and he would have those around him laughing and smiling. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his life companion/partner in crime Bessie Fletcher. He was a dedicated member of the Church of the Indian Fellowship in Tacoma.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Francis, siblings Dick, Paul, Peter, Doug, Jean Ann, JoAnn, wife Lois, and son Robert.

Gene is survived by his sisters Marie and Verla; his children Margaret, Teresa, and Gene Jr.; his grandchildren Marcel, Chacod, Danielle, Joshua, Mari, Michelle, Nathaniel, Charles, and Jared; and ten great-grandchildren.

The family of Gene Charette Sr. wishes to thank Arcadia Medical Resort for their support, Aunt Marie for always being the caring sister who went above and beyond taking care of her brother for so many years, and Gene Jr. for his diligence and care for his father.