Charles (Charlie) Taggart, 85, or Potlatch

Charles (Charlie) Taggart passed away on Oct. 15 at Gritman Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.

Born April 27, 1933, to Gertrude (Paroz) and Joe Taggart in Potlatch. Gertrude died shortly thereafter and Joe married Henrietta Paroz. Charlie attended Potlatch schools and lived in Potlatch throughout most of his life. He entered the Air Force in 1952 with his childhood and lifelong friend, Buck Espy. From Texas, he served in Germany and enjoyed traveling to Holland. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupational Medal and National Defense Service Award. He returned to Potlatch in 1955. On June 30, 1956, he married Carol Hudson. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this year. They had two children, Chuck and Cathy. Charlie ran Taggart Motors for years, and then went to work for Hansen Logging (a career he had enjoyed earlier in his years prior to running the shop and car lot). He retired in 1995 to complete the "honey-do lists" as he called Carol's chores, but which he actually enjoyed doing as he was known to love duct tape, wire and anything else that was handy.

Charlie enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and telling tales (sometimes tall) about his outdoor adventures and the size of the fish he caught. He spent many a summer days fishing on the St. Joe River at his cabin in Avery. He was an active member in the VFW for a number of years.

Charlie enjoyed great health until the past two years, but as the "comeback kid" survived pancreatitis, a triple bypass and open heart surgery. He could often be found chopping wood or mowing grass up until the day of his death. Although sometimes rough around the edges and known for a "salty word or two," he had a heart of gold for his family and his two dogs, Mollie and Teddy.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Chuck Taggart and Cathy (Dave) Guzman; grandchildren, Buck (Mary) Taggart, Rian (Angela) Taggart, Trisha Quiring, Carlos Guzman and Maria Guzman; great-grandchildren, Alexi Taggart, Briar Taggart, Brett Taggart, Cassie Quiring and J.T. Quiring; and his brothers Melvin and Jack Taggart.

He was proceeded in death by his father, mother, step-mother, brothers Patrick and Mick and sister, Agnes.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the Potlatch Cemetery. We will greatly miss our husband, dad, granddad and great-granddad, but the wonderful memories and stories will live on and his laughter will always be heard. We are sure he is now relishing others with his stories and watching all the old Western movies he so loved.