Charles "Charlie" Seitz

Charles Dayton Seitz was born on March 1st, 1945, to Frank and Lois Seitz and died November 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the comfort of his own home.

Charles (Charlie, Chuck, Mr. C, Chuck Country, Papa Chuck or even Mr. Seitz) was born in Pittsburg, California but became a lifetime Montanan. Music was his first and longest love affair. The guitar was his instrument of choice. In fact, so proficient at a young age he began teaching others to play while still in high school. A story goes, "I was too young to play in bars, so mom and dad would come with me and dance all night so I could." Chuck referred to his own playin' as "chickin pickin". He was a country shredder.

Mr C. played and sang rockin' tunes in the 60's with one of Missoula's favorite bands of the time: The TNT's. Charles also was a member of Solid Ground, Cat and The Fiddle, and Remington Ride. Many a musician had Chuck Country accompany them on guitar during the National Fiddle Competition in Weiser, Idaho and the Montana State Fiddle Championship. He was loved and loved his music.

Charlie also enjoyed gardening, cooking, dressing well, dogs, collecting Coca Cola and Highlander memorabilia, old cars, long car rides, and the stock market.

Papa Chuck is survived by his wife of 20 years Beth Seitz, his sister Faye Seitz, and his children Christine (Marco) Littig, Candice (Todd) Harrison, and Dave Seitz. Stepchildren: Grace (Willie) Thomas, Pearlynn (Aaron) Houck, and Maria Gilleece. Grandchildren: Julia (Ryan) Sears, Kendahl (Graysen) Ludiker, Georgia Littig, Maggie Neaves, Liza Littig, Matthew Neaves, and great grandson Calvin Sears.

Charlie was a skilled and hard-workin' man. DJ's Sound City was an early employer he valued and a company that introduced him to life-long friends. He followed that experience by working for the Burlington Northern Railroad for over 20 years. This opportunity led him to one of his favorite Montana cities, Plains. There he worked for the BN and owned and operated The Circle Drive In for over a decade. Chuck Country ended his string of careers by sending himself to school to become a luthier. He repaired instruments from the stringed instrument family for Western Montana until the end of his life. "I love putting instruments in the hands of children", he would say. Should you decide to honor Charles in any way, please send funds to Liddi Elrod at Missoula County Public Schools, Building B 900, South Ave West, 59801. Be sure to memo: music programs.

Chuck requested a celebration of life. To those who knew him this comes as no surprise. Join us for a story, a quick tune (bring your instruments), and a bit of food. Come and go as you please. We look forward to seeing you at The China Garden December 11th from 5:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Flowers are unnecessary.

"Keep on rockin' in the free world!"