Henry Charles "Chuck" Sasse III (85) of LaCenter WA. passed away in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and family by his side on Sunday November 5th, 2023.

Chuck was born in Dalton Missouri, on the cold wintry morning of February 7th, 1938, to Henry Charles Sasse II and Mary Louise Huckaby, but was raised by his loving grandparents Jesse Billue and Ruth Grimsley in Cheyenne Wyoming. At the age of 9 he moved to Portland Oregon to live with his mother and stepfather Jack Jossy.

He attended Franklin High School and was actively involved in the Student Council and various clubs and committees including: Illuminati (president), Royal Order of F (vice-president and sgt.-at-arms), Knightz (vice-president), Fire and Rally squads, Freshie Frolic King, Jr. Prom Court, Pep Club - and probably many others! He was athletically active as well and played baseball (1953-1956), basketball (1953-1954) and football (1954). He graduated in 1956 and often shared memories of his cherished high school years.

After high school, he served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged. He then attended Portland State University and graduated with a BS degree in 1961. During college he worked for a tire sales and service shop and taught ski lessons on Mt. Hood. He was a beautiful skier and had a great time on the slopes. It was there that he was given the lifelong nickname "Lance Stunning Hot Damn LaRue" by his fellow instructors. He aptly lived up to that name!

In 1967 he met and married the beautiful Bonnie Sandsmark and had three wonderful children. They later divorced in 1985.

Chuck worked in the Vehicle Wash industry for over 45 years. He was involved in every aspect of manufacturing, marketing and sales of the equipment, as well as investor consulting in both domestic and international markets. He was fortunate for the majority of those years to be part of an international sales team as the National Accounts Manager at Hanna Car Wash Systems that became a worldwide leader in car wash equipment. He took pride in his career and helped many people become successful car wash business owners. He truly cared about his clients' success and loved his career in the industry. His most interesting sale was selling a truck wash system to the Dept. of Transportation in Moscow Russia. That was a trip to remember that included a personal chauffeur to tour Moscow and the Bolshoi Ballet in 1995.

Chuck is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many church callings. He loved sharing the Book of Mormon and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He met the love of his life and eternal companion Barbara in 1994. They were married civilly on February 24th, 1995, and in 2001 were sealed for time and all eternity in the South Jordan Temple in Sandy Utah and honeymooned in Sun Valley Idaho! They created a beautiful Christ centered life together with their children and grandchildren for 30 years.

Chuck was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and boating. He loved the mountains and the ocean. He also was an avid reader and loved the movies. He really wanted to be a cowboy! At the age of 82 he went to Utah to try skijoring - skiing behind a horse and rider through an obstacle course! He was one in a million!

Chuck's greatest joy was found in spending time with his beloved wife, family and friends. He cared deeply for others and was a selfless, kind and caring man with a great sense of humor and generous spirit. Simply put "he was the BEST of us".

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Barbara; three children, whom are his greatest earthly treasures: Chris (Shelley), Amy (Mike), Heather (Gabe); eight grandchildren: Carly (Jordan), Trace, Matthew (Paige), Brooklyn, Irelynn (Vili), Jaidyn, Adney and Noelle; two great-grandchildren: Adeline and Jameson; and his dog Buddy.

He is preceded in death by mother Louise Huckaby, Father Henry Charles Sasse II, stepmother Velva Sasse, brother Jimmy Jossy, sister Judy Kay Haise, and sister Darlena Ellis Rickel.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 18th with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 and service starting at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21720 NE 29th Ave. Ridgefield WA 98642

In Lieu of Flowers please send a donation to: Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave. Vancouver WA 98684 or online at: www.hssw.org/dedication