After days of worrying about Charlie the Tuna, who was last seen wearing an orange hat and glasses, his filleted torso was returned to his home inCharleston, Oregon.

Charlie is believed to have made his home in Charleston in 1968. Although Charlie suffered from internal parasites (also known as termites), it was believed that Charlie still had a lot of life in him before the prank of two youths went awry.

On Saturday, June 14th, the town of Charleston celebrated Charlie’s life with a 1/8th km “creep and crawl” led by the Wild Women of Charleston, followed by his wake. The Charleston Volunteer Fire department led the ceremonies while the Wild Women and the Tuna Guys led mourners in song. Robert, aka “the filleter” said a few words. Charlie’s dear friends, including the Paper Mache fish, made an appearance and 3B’z Nursery donated plants and flowers for the wake.

Community members and visitors who wished to pay their respects brought their favorite tuna recipes and memories of Charlie.

The Charleston Visitor Center is located at Cape Arago highway and Boat Basin Drive.

RIP Charlie!

Special thanks to Ellen Keeland of Loon Lake who will be creating a new Charlie the Tuna at the Chainsaw Carving Contest in Reedsport.

Charlie the Tuna remembered: www.kcby.com/news/19987904.html.