Obituary of Charles M. Shipman

To view video tribute online, click link below: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=3447 Charles (Charlie) Mervin Shipman passed away peacefully on May 8, 2006 after a long valiant fight with renal cancer. Charlie was the only surviving son of Mervin and Walda Shipman of Tacoma, Washington. Charlie is survived by his wife Pam and beloved dog, Edgar. He leaves behind his daughter Archelle Smith (Jimi) and his son, David Shipman and stepdaughter, Amee Angelus. Grandchildren include Brenden and Bryce Smith, Drew Angelus and Maranda Shipman. As a fresh-face graduate of Mt. Tahoma ‘63, Charlie attended Olympic Community College with aspirations of studying Architecture until he was drafted into the Vietnam War. Charlie was honorably discharged in 1968. Charlie enjoyed hunting trips to Idaho and Montana with his father and his favorite cousin, Ernie Shipman (Local #23) who also taught him how to walk as a toddler. Charlie continued his love for the outdoors through out his life. Once home from the war, Charlie began working as a casual longshoreman under his father’s guidance. Charlie met his first wife, Suzanne Swanson in the famed, 7-11 Store, and were married in October 1969. Charlie also adopted Suzanne’s daughter, Archelle, and move his ready-made family to Olalla, Washington where he was building his first home. On October 14, 1971, Charlie and Suzie welcomed the birth of their son, David Charles Dighton Shipman (ILWU #23). In the late year of 1973, Charlie became an “A-Register Longshoreman” with the ILWU #23. Both events were joyous celebrations for Charlie and his family. Charlie was blessed to love again when he found Pam of Tacoma. They dated each other for 15 years until they married in 1994. Pam and Charlie traveled North America but their favorite trips were to Hawaii with friends. One of Charlie’s most memorable vacation spot was the Fantasy Fest in Florida. He was mesmerized by all the colorful/off color painted bodies. Throughout the seasons of Charlie’s life, he was deeply blessed with life long friends: Kenny Schwab (Merle); Larry Hartman; Heinz Lempke (Suzie); Mike Grassman; Rick Angelus; Bob & Michelle; Joe & Margie; Clark Willie Ness; Eddie Hartman and all his brothers at the ILWU #23. Charlie was a longshoreman for 37 yrs, so we could list more names if we had more time. Charlie’s last week on earth was spent at the Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, Washington. The Shipman family will be eternally grateful for the skilled and loving care they provided. A Memorial Service to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held on Monday May 15th at the First Christian Church at 12:00 PM. 602 N. Orchard, Tacoma 98406. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008