Charles Lester Charlie Burnham
Charles Lester “Charlie” Burnham, 81, died quietly at his home in Skagway on Oct. 12, surrounded by his family. Charlie was born on Dec. 26, 1928 in Plains, Mt to John and Dicie Mae Burnham. he worked summers with his dad in mines around that area. He graduated from Plains High School in 1947, and went to work in a sawmill.
He came to Skagway with his brother John in February of ‘48 to visit their sister Dorothy. He happenned to find a job that was easier than working at a sawmill. After about six months he wnet back to Montana and married his highschool sweetheart, Joyce Knapp on Sept. 11, 1948.
They helped out at the mine for a month, before returning to Skagway, Oct. 14, where he fathered three sons, a daughter and then three more sons. He’s probably best known for his humor, quick wit, and ability to tell a story. The old folks say, “Charlie was also very entertaining with his fire-eating abilities.”
Charlie went to work for Standard Oil for a number of years. Then he went into the bar business for a few years, at the IGloo and the Pack Train. After that he went to work at the Tank Farm, and worked there until he retired in 1994. In his spare time he did a lot of extra work, like painting houses, fences, and pretty much remodeling the “Big ol’ House.” He was also the first one to call if you needed help with just about anything.
When Charlie was younger he liked hunting, fishing, exploring, hiking, etc. After retirement, he really enjoyed going to Portgage to fish, pick blueberries, or just going for a boat ride.
Charlie was a quiet man, quite knowledgeable and most things, and when he did speak, most peole listened. He always had a twinkle in his eye and usually a smile on his face. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Charlied was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Evan; and his two sons: Charles Jr. “Chuck” and Dan. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; his daughter Julie; his four sons: Steve; Albert and his wife Elizabeth; Ken; Jay and his wife Willeke, all living in Skagway; his sister Dorothy Johnson and brother Ed, both of Plains, Mt; brother John and hi wife Delores of Tok, AK; twenty grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie choise not to have a church serive In liew of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Skagway Fire Department or Apollo Mt.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Elks on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.