Charles 'Charlie' Lester III, 66

Charles “Charlie” Lester III, 66, passed away at his self-built home in Bigfork on Aug. 3, 2018, of cardiac arrest.

Charlie was born to Ida and Charles in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and raised in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he lived most of his life.

He worked for IBM Flight Operations for 24 years and was an avid private pilot, holding various ratings including an instructor rating. Having been very mechanically inclined throughout his life, he was passionate about firearms, race cars, airplanes and boats. Upon retirement he took up gunsmithing and was the chairman of the Bigfork gun club.

He is survived by his wife Christine, son Charles “Chuck,” and two grandchildren Cora and Charles “Chase.”

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.