Charles Linja

From lakes to rivers to mountains, Chuck lived a tremendous and adventurous life. Charles Andrew Linja, 78, passed away in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho on Janury 21, 2014. Born in copper country in Laurium, Michigan to William (Eino) and Saima Linja on February 8, 1935, he grew up speaking English and Finnish around Calumet in the UP of Michigan. He graduated Doelle High School in Tapiola, Michigan in 1954 and married the love of his life Jean Pohjola October 5, 1957. He served our country in the Army in Germany. He spent time on ships on the Great Lakes and in deep underground copper mines. Four boys were soon born within five years in Laurium. Then making a major life decision, Chuck and Jean moved west with their very young four boys in tow, three still in diapers in 1964.

Stopping first in Butte, Montana Chuck moved the family throughout the northwest mining and dam building as he was a skilled diamond driller. Chuck was hard-working and eventually settled the family in Orofino, Idaho in the 1970’s while working on Dworshak Dam and finally added a cherished daughter to the gang in 1975. Thereafter and as opportunity arose, he worked on the Alaska pipeline while living in camps and on other major projects. After saving some money, he decided to shift gears and bought a restaurant (Topper) in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho moving the family right along. As the kids grew, he and Jean eventually bought the Sunshine Inn bar, restaurant and motel in Kellogg, Idaho in the Silver Valley in 1984. Chuck flourished as an entrepreneur and always provided a hand to a friend or anyone needing help. After operating the Sunshine Inn for over a couple decades, he retired in Coeur d’ Alene and focused his life on family and grandkids who really supercharged him.

Chuck did a lot of things and made you smile, laugh and cry. He loved to sing silly songs, many in Finnish, play the harmonica and say outrageous things firing everyone up. When around, you always knew it. He certainly had a little bit of outlaw in him as his family can attest. Chuck was also an avid poet, writing hundreds of poems straight from the heart. He was a fervent hunter and had an amazing gun collection. Best times were always with family and friends on the river, at hunting camp, in the woods and up in the mountains. He loved his pets and his long-time friend Skye. Chuck was also a ‘hugger’, so if you knew him or met him, then you hugged him.

Chuck is survived by his wonderful wife of 56 years, Jean Linja of the family home of Coeur d’ Alene; sons Charles “Pat” (Jeanette) Linja of Pasco, Washington, Greg (Teresa) Linja of Kellogg and Rod (Sue) Linja of Boise, Idaho; daughter Tiffany (Travis) Curtis of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; his sister Arlene Kela of Hancock, Michigan; several nieces and nephews and many, many relatives and friends whom he considered family. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother Richard Linja, his son Scott Linja and his beloved dog Skye.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at the Kellogg Funeral Chapel of Kellogg with Rev. Art Fleming officiating. Interment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery of Kellogg next to Scott. Toasts and celebration of life will be held at the Sunshine Inn of Kellogg following services; everyone is welcome. See you on the mountain POP!

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Shoshone Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 884, Kellogg, Idaho 83837.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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