Charles Bernard O'Neill Obituary (2014)

Charles 'Chuck' Bernard O'Neill passed away peacefully at home in Ellensburg, WA, on February 1, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Chuck loved the outdoors, especially boating, waterskiing, camping, and snow skiing. His passion in life was being a tow truck operator. He started as a apprentice at S.L. Savidge learning the body and fender repair. Later in life he opened his own repair shop in Lynnwood, WA, where he became very successful. In the 1950s, Chuck decided to have a career change and began employment at Allstate Insurance where he was an adjuster for storm damage. Chuck missed the fender repair business and decided to go back to the job he loved. He managed various body shops in Skagit and Snohomish County. In 1980 Chuck purchased a tow service in Arlington, WA. The business was successful and expanded to Stanwood and Smokey Point. He also had an answering service and a pilot car service for oversized loads. In 1989 Chuck was injured while responding to an accident on I-5. He was hit by a vehicle and spent many months in hospitals and underwent many surgeries. Despite doctors telling him not to, Chuck went back to his passion, the job of towing. After 25 years in the towing business, Chuck and his wife Elaine retired to Ellensburg in 2006. Chuck is survived by his wife Elaine O'Neill, Ellensburg, WA; The mother of his children, Ann O'Neill, Arlington, WA; His daughters Kathy (Steve) Sanchez, Big Lake, WA; Joan (Dean) Jensen, Stanwood, WA; Peggy (Dave) Wilson, Mukilteo, WA; and Mary (Randy) Kemple, Arlington, WA. His step-children Yvonne (Terry) Nelson, Mansfield, WA; Daniel Weaver, Twin Falls, ID; Robert Weaver, Ellensburg, WA. His brother Larry (Barbara) O'Neill, Lake Stevens, WA; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. 15 Grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seattle Children's Hospital or Hospice. Memorial Service to be decided at a later date.