Charles "Charlie" Albert Zalmanek

Charles Albert Zalmanek, age 75, of Friday Harbor, Washington, passed away at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Anaphylaxis from a recently known bee allergy was Charlie’s cause of death. The deadly bee sting occurred on September 14, which gave family members time to travel from Colorado and New Mexico to surround him and his wife, Roxana with love as he peacefully passed away three days later.

Charlie was born on September 11, 1950, in Biloxi, Mississippi to James and Betty (Jacobsen) Zalmanek. Being raised in a military family allowed Charlie to see the world at a young age, living in Mississippi, New Jersey, Colorado, New Mexico, Tennessee, Okinawa, New York, Texas, and Oregon. As a young man, Charlie moved out on his own and settled in Newport, Oregon. Eventually, Charlie bought a small farm populated by many peacocks, and his love for gardening began.

In 1970, Charlie met Roxanna (Roxy) Mitchell. After being friends for ten years, their first kiss changed their lives forever. On June 20, 1987 they were married. In 1993, Charlie and Roxanna moved to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.

Charlie served as the harbormaster of the Port of Toledo while in Oregon. In Friday Harbor, he was elected to serve as San Juan County Assessor. He enjoyed gardening, sailing, traveling in their motorhome, and playing games with family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his loving parents, James and Betty Zalmanek. He is survived by his wife, Roxana Zalmanek, stepson, Kyle Wampler, four siblings: Jim (Mary), Linda (Tim) Coulson, Mark (Dana), and Paul. His life was full with much-loved nieces and nephews, who filled his heart to the fullest.

Charlie was a man who was deeply loved by many and will be missed by good friends and dear family.

If loved could have saved him, he would have lived forever.