Charles Kaminski

Charles A. Kaminski, CFA, a

25-year resident of Mercer Island, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 22, 2017 of complications resulting from a fall at home. He leaves his beloved family: Lisa Wick Kaminski, his wife of 31 years; his daughter, Catherine, of Seattle WA; his sons Ian, of Los Angeles CA, and Wick, of Costa Mesa CA; and his sister, Charlotte Seatter, of Colchester, CT.

Born on August 30, 1948 and raised in Norwich CT, he graduated from Norwich Free Academy, received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering from MIT, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He found his passion as an investment manager, including stints as Chief Investment Officer at GE Financial Assurance (now Genworth), Director & Portfolio Manager at Baring America Asset Management, five-term board member of the Washington State Investment Board, and President and Owner of WLK Asset Management, LLC.

Charlie was seen virtually every day for 14 years walking Bear, the family’s beloved Australian Shepherd, around Pioneer Park. Arrangements are being made for a bench honoring Charlie and Bear at the northwest corner of the park. An original season ticket holder at Seahawks Stadium, now CenturyLink Field, he loved taking friends and family to games, raising the decibel level better than anyone. He was an active member of MIRO, the amateur radio operators who provide back-up communications for the City of Mercer Island and its Police and Fire Departments, for 20 years. He was formerly treasurer for the Mercer Island Lacrosse Club board of directors, board member of the MIT Enterprise Forum of the Northwest, member of the Chapman University Investment Committee, and of the Mercer Island Beach Club.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Monica’s Catholic Church on Mercer Island, with Rosary at 10:25 a.m. Private burial will be at a later date.

Gifts in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Mercy Vet Good Samaritan Fund at 2707 76th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Visit FLINTOFTS.COM for full obituary and guest book.