Charles “Skip” Endress

Charles “Skip” Endress, age 85, of Hamburg, NY and formerly Laurens, NY and most recently Olympia, WA died at home in Olympia with family by his side on August 4, 2026. Diagnosed with metastatic cancer in recent weeks he said he didn’t like the diagnosis but he “accepted it” despite his frequent claims that he intended to live to 100.

Gentle, quick with a smile and a sparkle in his eye, Skip was eager to laugh and always the optimist. He was a friend to many and friendly to all he met. As an avid reader, he stayed up to date on current events and had a bit of knowledge (and opinion) about most things happening in the world. One of his best attributes was his ability to get along with just about anyone and enjoy almost any situation. He preferred comfort but was sensible enough and tough enough to tolerate difficult circumstances without bringing anyone down. He was capable, adventurous, kind, persevering, community-minded, and entrepreneurial.

Skip was born in Buffalo, New York to parents Louise J. (Vaughan) and Elton J. Endress on November 9, 1940. His family were longtime residents of Back Creek Road in North Boston, NY. He graduated from Hamburg High School, studied at Alfred Technical College, and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia. He met his wife of 53 years, Sara “Sally” Tatnall, at Alfred and together they raised three children.

During most of Skip’s career he sold fertilizer to small dairy farmers with Agrico Chemical Co. and Crop Production Services which meant he drove all over central Pennsylvania, northwest New Jersey, and central New York. His work ethic was ever-present; his occupation required early and long days especially in the spring planting season. His career progressed to farm center manager, and he also worked briefly with Doebler Seed Co. before he took the leap to start the first of his own businesses. He launched Bed Shred, recycling newsprint for animal bedding, which was successful until state parameters unexpectedly changed. With the advent of internet commerce, he established Farm and Field and Country Craft Supplies. He foraged and sold natural items to interesting and interested customers from all over. He also created the first corn maze in Otsego County before they were a thing. In retirement he continued to grow and sell pumpkins in Laurens and on Back Creek Road in North Boston. He planted giant pumpkins from seeds this spring and we look forward to having at least one on display in Olympia this fall.

He was a leader in his community– serving on the school board; the athletic and music booster club; as an active member in church congregations, Kiwanis and Lions Club; volunteering with hospice, Cooperative Extension, and Meals on Wheels; as well as participating in many fundraisers for others in need.

Skip survived a major car accident in 2004 with a traumatic brain injury and navigated short term memory loss as well. His true nature never wavered despite the challenges of these circumstances. He relied on a small notebook to record things he wanted to remember or he found interesting and enjoyed reviewing his notes and telling the jokes he captured for future entertainment.

Skip and Sally shared a love for each other, core values, and a sense of adventure. In their retirement chapter, they spent “snowbird” winters initially in Guadalajara Mexico and then Leesburg, FL. They also traveled across the US and north to Alaska, camping along the way. They relocated to Back Creek Road across from Skip’s childhood home and Dan and Jackie in 2014, and Skip lived with Wendy and her family in Olympia beginning in 2024. His grandchildren shared the stories below during the celebration of Skip’s 84th birthday.

His parents gave him the name Charles Stuart Endress, after his paternal grandfather. When he was born, the family put nicknames in a hat and his sister, Mary, picked out the name “Skip.” Everyone has called him “Skip” since, except in professional circles where his customers and associates called him “Charlie.”

Skip and Mary grew up on a small cattle farm with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all around. He was a member of 4H and raised and showed his own calf at the Erie County Fair. From an early age, his parents sent him to fetch fresh milk in a bucket at his grandparents' farm. He loved to play in the creek and roam with friends and cousins. He witnessed his family's barn catch fire from lightning and burn to the ground. He loved the farm horses, Kit and Bess, and his pets growing up which included a baby racoon!

When he was 20 years old, his dad got him a job shoveling coal on a Great Lake freighter in George Steinbrenner’s fleet. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1963 and served through 1967. He and Sally lived in Duluth, Minnesota and Galveston, Texas where he was stationed. Sally visited him when he was stationed in South Caicos and Skip, Dan, Julie, and Wendy traveled there together in 2023. His love of boats continued as he bought and sold many over the years. He partially fulfilled his never-waning dream of taking new boating adventures by navigating a stretch of the Erie Canal on a weeklong excursion with his son-in-law, Bill.

Skip was very active for most of his life. As a kid he even lost his tooth playing hockey on a nearby frozen pond. He owned a motorcycle in South Caicos and never stopped scheming to own another one. As a homeowner, he did all his own yard work and gardening, home improvements, chopped wood for heat, built playhouses, and installed swing sets and swimming pools. In his 40s he took up running as well as downhill skiing. As a youngster he learned piano from his aunt and as a senior attempted to learn banjo. In the last two years he attempted ukulele, harmonica, and the Irish whistle. He could play and win euchre, his favorite card game, in his sleep and introduced the game to card aficionados at the Olympia Senior Center.

One of his greatest loves aside from his family was his love of fishing. If the fish are biting, the fishing is good anywhere and his favorite spot was a beloved cabin, Wonatatym, on the French River in Ontario. He returned to Wonatatym with Dan and Bill as recently as 2024, visited Back Creek Road and traveled with Julie to Chincoteague Island in fall 2025. He also visited his dear sister Mary and niece and nephew in spring 2026.

Skip’s wife, Sally Endress; granddaughter, Christine Handelsman; nephew, Greg Tatnall; brothers-in-law Peter and Fran Tatnall; and dear friend, Kent Addis, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Mary Davis; sister-in-law, Donna Tatnall; nieces and nephews; children Wendy (Bill), Julie (Amiel), Daniel (Jackie); grandchildren Will and Phoebe Livingston, Jacob and Zander Handelsman, Eliana and Parker Endress and Colton Wick; and great grandson, Marshall Wick.

Of his many accomplishments, the most treasured are the values and loving stable home he and Sally fostered. The family is considering when and how to celebrate his life with no plans in the immediate future. The family would like to thank the new friends and caregivers in the Olympia community and all the friends and family who shared their lives, care, and support over the years.

Skip regularly contributed to support children in need through Compassion International, Heifer International, or Habitat for Humanity International and donations in his honor are welcomed.