80, Seattle City Council member, mayoral candidate, community activist, leader and loving husband, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 26 2007, surrounded by family and friends.

Born October 13 1926, Maui, Hawaii. Graduated St. Louis High School, Oahu. U.S. Army service, Sergeant rank. Graduated, bachelor of science degree in Foreign Service, Georgetown University. Served USAF, Second Lieutenant, assigned to psychological operations in Japan, Korea in Korean war.

Charlie, a career federal anti-poverty civil servant helped start VISTA, worked in Arkansas, Alaska, Pasco, Wash. and Seattle, retiring here 1983. After City Council service Charlie continued his community work including aiding the Duwamish Tribe and the craftspeople and small businesses at Pike Place Market. Charlie leaves a loving wife, a legacy of inspired civic activists, countless friends and family, all remembering his warmth, generosity, humor and motto, the Hawaiian "ho'opono, to do what is just and right." He is survived by wife Mary Pearson, brothers Howard, Robert, Brother Damien (Carmelite Order); sisters Violet, Evelyn, Fannie, Cecilia; sisters-in-law Sachi, Lillian; brother-in-law Charles and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Visitation Thursday May 10, 4-7pm and Friday May 11, 4-6pm at Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home. Vigil Service Friday May 11, 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, West Seattle. Funeral Mass on Saturday May 12 at noon at Holy Rosary Church. Reception follows at adjoining Lannigan Center. All are invited to attend the celebrations of Charlie's life. Memorials may be made to: The Hope Heart Institute (Seattle), St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Maryknoll Fathers. Information, directions and messages at www.charliechong.com. Please sign our guest book at www.Howden-Kennedy.com