Charles Tapia
<p>Charles Tapia, 79, of Libby died on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.</p>
Charles Tapia
79, of Libby
Charles Tapia, 79, of Libby died on Monday, May 9, 2016, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 6, 1936, at Albuquerque, N.M., to Natividad and Anna Tapia.
He grew up in Albuquerque, N.M., and attended schools through the eighth grade. His father died young and he had to go to work at age 14 to support the family.
He met Alda Cull and they were married in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1958. Chuck worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers for 30 years. He traveled all over the western United States working construction. He eventually made his way to northwest Montana in 1969 and had worked on the Rexford Bridge and Highway 37 for the Libby Dam Project. He retired in 2002.
Chuck loved hunting, fishing, anything to be outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his wife Alda (Little Bit).
Survivors include his grandson JoDean Freese (Renee), Libby; great-grandchildren Charmayne Freese and Cody Freese, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; three sisters and one sister-in-law.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.