Charles "Charlie" Van Sickle

Charles “Charlie” Van Sickle, of Candler, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, at age 90. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Robert William and Ninabelle Ellen Van Sickle.

Charlie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s degree in Forestry Economics from Virginia Tech. He served in the U.S. Army during the Cold War. He spent most of his career with the U.S. Forest Service, ultimately serving as Assistant Director of the Southern Research Station in Asheville, NC.

He married Helen Ann Fasick on December 27, 1964. They shared 39 wonderful years together and raised two daughters, Page and Ruth. After Helen’s passing in 2003, Charlie was fortunate to find love again with Annie James, who he married before she passed away in 2021. He met Mitzi Oleinik in 2022 and they were devoted to each other until his death.

Charlie had a mind full of curiosity and loved learning, tinkering, and finding a good deal. He enjoyed shooting skeet, billiards, golf, bicycling, jogging, camping, and traveling. He collected clocks, pocket watches, fountain pens, and pocket knives.

He is survived by his daughters: Page Van Sickle and Ruth Van Sickle, grandchildren Devin, Sophie, and Helen, sister Janet, sons-in-law Eric and Bendik, and his beloved friend Mitzi.

Charlie was intelligent, kind, and thoughtful, deeply proud of his grandchildren, and truly one of a kind. He brought love, joy, and companionship to the lives of many. He was a very special man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Charlie’s Life
November 15, 2026 • 2:00 p.m.
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
433 Bone Camp Road
Marshall, NC 28753

Online streaming: [link to be added]

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to an organization close to Charlie’s heart, such as The North Carolina Arboretum (https://ncarboretum.org/donate/) or the Arbor Day Foundation (https://www.arborday.org/).