Charles Schrader

Charles (Chuck) Schrader

Chuck was born 02-12-1930 in Detroit, Michigan and went to be with his Lord 01-16-2010, from Bothell, WA.  He spent a summer in The Dalles, Oregon at age 17 in order to work in the lumber mills with his uncle.  He fell in love with the Northwest and vowed this is where he would live.  Upon returning to Michigan he worked for the City of Detroit and in 1950 joined the Navy (Seabees) with the start of the Korean War.  He secured his G.E.D. while in the Navy.

He was honorably discharged in 1954, whereupon he married Sally Walker of Detroit and entered the University of Michigan, School of Forestry, taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, and graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree.  They then moved to Oregon where he worked for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service.  By this time 4 children had been born into their family and the needs grew along with the family so he applied for Director of Parks in Dayton, Ohio hoping to eventually work his way back to the NW.  His dream of coming back to the Seattle area was realized when he secured the position of Seattle Parks Dept. Dir3ector in 1969.

His first marriage ended in 1973 he met, and in April married, Maxine Lindsey Ross of Seattle.  They have been married for 36 wonderful years … his words, “the marriage of my dreams”.  They made their home in Seattle in the Wedgewood District.  In 1975 he secured to position of Director of Parks for Lane County, OR.  where they lived in Eugene from 1975-1983, then moving back to Seattle.  His goal in his professional life was to obtain his Masters Degree at some elusive point.  He was Assistant to the Public Works Director of Bothell for 2 years, however, felt then the timing was right for him if he was ever to get his Masters.  He also felt it was important for him to achieve it in 1 year instead of the traditional 2 years.  Seattle University agreed to allow it if he could maintain a “B” average.  He was certain he could and was graduated in 1984, only the second person to accomplish and complete the program in 1 year.

He and Maxine wanted to spend their remaining working years in the Seattle area and he became Administrator for “The Highlands”, where they also lived until retirement in 1998.  Of all the positions he had held this one was his prime favorite.

He began studying and eventually teaching the Bible which became a primary interest in his life and held classes for about 15 years.

Chuck’s health was beginning to show signs of problems and they both wanted to spend time enjoying their camper and boat and he still loved to hike in his beloved Northwest outdoors.  They Moved from the Highlands to Maltby for 4 years and then to Green Acres Senior Living Park in Bothell in 2001.  He suffered numerous heart complications over the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine, 4 children, Susan Roberts (John_ of MD; Patricia French (Ian) of Germany; Karen Miller (James) of Lk Jackson, TX; Eric Schrader (Lisa) of MD; 2 step-children; Carol Ross of Everett; Charles Ross (Darcy) of Snohomish; 10 Grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 2 Great-Grandchildren; 1 Sister, Jacquelin Uhrhammer of Redmond, OR.  He loved them all dearly.

Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Life Care Center of Bothell for their compassion and care.

He was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Seattle.  His Son-in –Law, John Roberts, will be officiating at the Memorial Service.

A memorial Service and Celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on February 12, 2010 at the Clubhouse located at GreenAcres Senior Park, 23825 15^th Ave SE., Bothell, WA 98021 at 3:00 P.M.