Charles Wayne “Chuck” Fleser was born March 14, 1952 in Enterprise, Oregon. As an infant he moved with his family to Medford, where his parents had met and married. Chuck grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford Senior High in 1970, where he was a member of the state football championship team. After high school, Chuck moved to Minam and purchased an old school house on the hill above the Wallowa River. He resided there for several years and temporarily moved to Portland and Medford, only to return to his home in Minam where he loved to be.

He was an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist. He worked for Oregon Parks and Recreation as park ranger aide in Wallowa County. One of his great enjoyments was hunting and fishing with his grandfather, father, and later, his sons and partner.

In 2004, he purchased the Minam Motel and started his newest adventure. He had aspirations for the motel and saw many of them come true. He was awarded the 2007 Gene Leo Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions and efforts in tourism, specifically for organizing the annual Wallowa County Steelhead Fishing Train. He readily shared the history of Minam and was always ready to tell a good story.

He is survived by his mother and father, Wilma and Lowell Fleser; his sons Gabriel (wife Leah) and Will (wife Jessica); his daughter, Hanna Rose; his grandchildren, Dylan, Isabel, Grace, and Nora; three sisters, Laurie Evans, Karen Tokuda, and Cynthia Gregg; nine nieces and nephews; and his companion of eight years, Dawn Smith.

A potluck Celebration of Life for Chuck will be held June 28 at 3 p.m. The location will be at the Schoolhouse in Minam, Oregon.

Information about the Celebration can also be found at http://thetamaracktree.editme. com.

The Fleser family wishes to convey a special thanks to Steven & Janet Skinner, and the Legacy Hopewell Hospice House.