Charlie 'Bones' Gookin

Charles Owen Gookin, age 85, departed this life on Friday, September 10, 2021. Charlie or ‘Bones’ as he was known to many, was resting peacefully at the home of his nephew Todd and wife Suzy, in Morgantown, WV. Charlie was born on September 21, 1935, in Central Falls RI a son to Frank and Gertrude Gookin. Charlie was a US Army veteran and was honorably discharged in 1960. Charlie was a graduate of Richmond University where he received his Bachelor of Science and later his Master of Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Charlie went on to work for Avon as a Chemist for more than 40 years until his retirement. He had progressive ideas that often fell on deaf ears among the executives, but it didn’t dampen his spirit for creativity. He was ahead of his time when it came to skincare and would often formulate his own sunscreen. He and his best friend would also collect and restore antiques for nearly 50 years. As a young man, he raised pigeons and maintained a love of animals even to his last days, as his faithful canine friend, Koda, kept vigil to ease his final days on earth. Charlie split his time between Waldwick NJ and Bridgton, ME, where he was well known among patrons of The Old Mill. Some might say he was the ‘Norm’ of this towns beloved watering hole. His wit was sharp and his sarcasm even quicker. He had a colorful vocabulary that would often end with him shaking his head and uttering UFB. He was a champion for many causes and not shy about writing his local representatives about issues of passion. You always knew where you stood with Charlie. Left to cherish his memory, are his brother, Kenneth ‘Bones’ Gookin and wife Sue of Hershey, PA’ sister Patricia ‘Dot Toby’ Anderson of Tallahassee, FL; sister-in-law, Kathy Gookin; seven nieces and nephews, Todd Gookin, Stacy Stevens, Kim Flack, Jeff Anderson, Kelly Ganz, Chris Gookin, and Karen Gookin and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Gertrude Gookin, his friend Jack; one brother Frank M. ‘Horse’ Gookin, Jr. and brother-in-law, Gordon Gump Anderson. Cremation was arranged by the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home in Morgantown, WV. A private scattering service will be held by the family at a later date at Long Lake, ME.