Charles William Coatney

CHARLES WILLIAM COATNEY January 27, 1952 ~ August 20, 2015 A man of strong faith, Charles W. Coatney, 63, passed unexpectedly Aug. 20, 2015 into the gate of heaven. Chuck was born in Seattle, WA and moved to Vancouver, WA when he was 6. He graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1970 and attended Clark College. Chuck obtained his degree in Education from Central Washington State University, his Master's in Education from the University of Portland. Chuck is survived by his sons, Charles Matthew and Michael "Mike"; sister, Cathy Coatney and brother, Larry Coatney, both of Vancouver; and brother David (Sheri) Coatney of Allegany, NY; nephew, Ben Coatney and niece, Hope Coatney, both of Vancouver; niece, Kiersten Coatney of Atlanta, GA; and niece, Erin Coatney of DeBary, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. and Dorothy Coatney. He survived many health challenges and continually said "Any day you can walk is a good day to be alive.". Chuck taught in Battle Ground School District for many years until his retirement. He was a gifted teacher who enjoyed figuring out ways to reach children with learning disabilities. Chuck loved reading history and English literature (particularly Victorian English literature). It seemed you could never find a bit of history of which he did not have some knowledge. He enjoyed studying language, and devised a language, complete with grammar rules, while he was at Clark College. He particularly enjoyed studying Middle English. Chuck's knowledge of 50's and 60's music, particularly the Northwest Rock Scene, was encyclopedic. He enjoyed old cars, coin collecting and fishing. He studied baseball and could quote stats but especially enjoyed watching his Cubs. Chuck was a gifted writer. But most of all, he loved his family, especially his sons, and had a love for his Lord and Savior above all things. We will miss him but look forward to seeing him in heaven. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Fri., Sept. 4th at 3:00 p.m. Chuck was a charter member of Grace and served on several boards. Memorial donations may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, 9900 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98664; or to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , Oregon, SW Washington, Idaho, Montana Chapter, 9320 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 350, Portland, OR 97219 in honor of his niece, Hope, who is a leukemia survivor. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Charles William Coatney

January 27, 1952 - August 20, 2015