Completing life’s mountainous journey, Charley Melvin Morgan, who was known in La Conner for years as “Charley the Shrimp Man,” died peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 7 at age 68.

Charley was born on Aug. 30, 1947 in Torrington, Wyoming to Charley and Christina Morgan.

His family moved to Soap Lake when he was 2 years old and ended in Seattle when he was seven. There he met his life-long fishing and hunting buddies along with his first wife, Theresa. He graduated from Franklin High School and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard but was honorably discharged after three weeks when they discovered he was colorblind.

Soon after along came daughter Tammy and son, Charley. He worked his way up in life, becoming a top-grade journeyman plumber, electrician and sheet metal man. Eventually he met and married his best friend and partner of 39 years, Kate Stark.

He continued to be a tradesman until the early 1980’s, when he began following his dream of becoming a commercial fisherman. He got teased a lot by friends and family when he “had to take a break from fishing to go fishing.”

He was known to many by his multitude of nicknames: “Charley in the blue boat,” “Charley the shrimp man,” and “Charley the crabman,” among many others. His dry sense of humor and quick, witty comeback for most anything could make everyone laugh. He was honest and true to his friends, cared for and respected everyone and was respected in turn.

Charley leaves behind his loving family: sister, Marian; brother, Forrest; his wife Kate; daughter Tammy (Paul); his son Chuck (Michelle); five grandchildren Natasha, Jeremy (Honnah), Phillip (Becca), Quinton and Charley Garrett; and two great-grandchildren, Espen and Oliver.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many good friends, whom he will continue fishing and hunting with wherever they are.

At Charley’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial but a potluck celebration of life at the Stanwood American Legion on Sunday, May 22 from 1 to 4. Everyone who knew Charley the Shrimp Man and would like to share stories are welcome and encouraged to come. Charley said, “Come share in my life, eat a lot, drink a little and laugh a lot.”

Memorials may be made in his honor to Providence Hospice of Everett, Stanwood Eagles, American Legion Post 92 or any animal shelter of your choosing.