Charlie has been married to wife Karen Sue for 24 years. They have two children who attend school in Mount Vernon. Mathew is 15 and Megan is 12. Karen Sue is a Special Education teacher in the Mount Vernon School District.

Charlie received his Bachelor of Science degree in archeology from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and Karen Sue moved to Washington State in 1979 for an archeological project and soon realized they had come to their new home. In 1980, Charlie began work for the State of Washington in the Department of Community Corrections Officer. His primary duties include performing pre-sentence investigations for Skagit County Superior Court.

Charlie actively volunteers in the community in a variety of areas, and specifically enjoys working with youth. He coaches youth sports, including soccer and basketball; volunteers in the schools, and participates actively in the Junior Achievement program. He was formerly a board member with Skagit Rape Relief and Battered Women, Soundview (a non-profit group home for developmentally disabled adults), and Big Brothers/Big Sister.

When not busy with volunteer work, Charlie and his family are avid backpackers.