Charrison Lochaby
Charrison Lochaby, 84, long-time resident of South Whidbey, died at HomePlace of Oak Harbor on Feb. 18, 2016.
Charrison was born on Jan. 15, 1932, in Somerton, Ariz. He was the only child of William J. and Ella W. Lochaby.
He attended college in Tuscan, Ariz., before moving to Bremerton in 1952, where his parents relocated. He married his first wife, Kay Lochead, in 1953 in Bremerton. He started his long career with Puget Sound Power and Light Co. (now PSE) in 1956. In 1961, his wife died unexpectedly. Soon after, he and his daughter moved from Burlington to Oak Harbor where he lived and worked until he was transferred to Langley in 1965.
He married Diane (Solene) Lochaby, a teacher at Langley High School, in 1970. Diane’s sons, Eric and Carl, were welcomed brothers to his daughter, Snova. Charrison was the local office manager for PSP&L Co. until his retirement in 1990. He and Diane lived in the family home on Wilkinson Road from 1971 through November 2015.
Charrison was always curious and a life-long learner. In his 20s, he was a ham radio operator. Later, he made wine. He took up photography, developing film and photos in his darkroom. As a blacksmith, he created works of art, hammering hot metal into fences, trellises, gates and more. He loved flying and became a pilot. He judged aircraft aerobatic competitions. He was a woodworker. He grew orchids and built a thriving koi pond. He enjoyed the friends, fellowship and work he found through the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Scottish Rite groups. He served as secretary of Scottish Rite, Everett, for many years. He also held other local and state offices within these organizations. Charrison loved his poker games, playing weekly for over 50 years.
Diane survives him and lives in Freeland. His daughter, Snova (Dave) Parish and sons, Eric (Leann) Solene and Carl Solene also survive him; along with grandsons, Aaron (Joanna) Smith and Elliot (Yuridia) Smith; granddaughters, Maya Parish, Lynell Solene and Lauren Solene; and grandson, Alexander Brumley; as well as great-grandson, Lincoln Smith; and great-granddaughter, Tenakee Smith.
Charrison’s family is grateful for the kind and gentle care he received in recent months at HomePlace in Oak Harbor, Harborview Medical Center and through Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital. At his request, no services are planned.
