Charles Edward Tetreault was born on December 8th, on the Roman Catholic feast day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, in the year 2001. Over 22 years later, he decided to hike a trail at Sunrise in Mt. Rainier park on September 16, 2024. Tragically, he went missing and was found on September 26th after a fatal fall. At his untimely death, he was studying to be a Clarinet Music Performance Major and an Instrumental Music Education Major at Central Washington University.
Charles was an inquisitive boy much to the delight of his parents, Robert and Michele (Arralde) Tetreault, his older brother, Henry, and then later, his younger sister, Camille.
His journey with the clarinet began in the 5th grade at McClure Elementary with Janni Holsclaw. He then continued at Wilson Middle School with Edward Cunnington, then Dave Walters at Eisenhower High School. During the Covid 19 Pandemic, Charles began his music studies at Yakima Valley College online with Music Theory, Ear Training, keyboard and clarinet lessons. Then, he began private clarinet lessons with Martin Obrero and private piano lessons with Anne Schilperoort in the 2021-22 school year. At last, an audition with Dr. Joseph Brooks in February 2022 secured his admission to the Central Washington School of Music. In the fall of 2023, Charles continued to soar as a private student of Josephine Wells.
From the Fall quarter of 2022, to the end of Spring quarter 2024, Charles continued to perfect his musicianship in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Quartet, and ultimately, his greatest position, Principal Clarinetist in the Central Washington Symphony Orchestra.
It is important to make known that Charles trained in Okinawan Karate from 2010-2022 mostly with Sensei Andy Franz at the Goju-Ryu in Selah. Charles earned his junior black belt in March of 2015 and later his first degree black belt, Shodan in February 2021.
Charles had acquired a sizable collection of Mario, Sonic, Kirby and Pokémon video games. Amongst his family members, he always looked forward to celebrations as much as simply spending time together. To his instructors and fellow students, known for his amazing character, dedication, kindness and musicianship. Above all, he had a quiet, but very strong faith in the Holy Trinity.
At the time of his death, he was an active Parishioner at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Ellensburg, Washington. At the request of Music Director Michael Kim, he often returned to his home parish, St. Paul Cathedral, to play the clarinet for Christmas, Easter, and other Masses.
Charles is survived by his mother, Michele, brother Henry, sister Camille, beloved Aunts, Barbara (Berg), Catherine (Kloster), and his godmother Angela Arralde, Uncles, Joseph and Michael Arralde, numerous cousins, roommate Tyler, and his best friend, Trey Funk. Charles was preceded in death by his father, Robert Tetreault, and his grandmother, Claire Tetreault and grandparents, Beverly and Joseph Arralde.
The family extends gratitude for the Central Washington University campus security, local and state authorities, and ultimately, the Pierce County search and rescue team who found Charles, to bring him home to his place of rest at Calvary Cemetery.
A Vigil Service will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral, 15 S. 12th Ave. Yakima, WA 98902. We miss you dearly, Charlie. Love, Mom and Family.
Charles will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, 1405 S 24th Ave, Yakima, Washington 98902-5124.
