News Local DJ Dies In Car Crash
posted by on January 23 at 13:08 PM
The Stranger received this sad email today:
I am a friend of Charles “Charlie” C. LaBenz, also formerly known as dj SooNami. I wanted to shoot an email to you to let you know what a great guy he was and how he was killed this last Saturday, the 21st in a car accident in Anacortes, Washington. I’m a friend who fell out of touch with Charlie in the last few years but was called yesterday and informed of the news. I can’t find anything in the papers or on the web about his death. I find this very sad. He has been an area dj and small business owner in the Seattle area for many years and was one of the greatest guys around. I’d love to see something posted about his passing. He deserves it. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27th at 2pm at the Christian Faith Center in South Seattle.
Im confused, it was actually sunday, as i was hanging out with him for a minute saturday night. and i thought he was on the pass somewhere not Anacortes. anyways, this is really wierd. I hadnt seen him in a long time then i do and then this....
Charles was a member our record pool for many years and more importantly, he was family. He will be sorely missed; God must must have needed a great DJ.
the services are actually scheduled for this saturday, January 27th.
he was a great guy and is missed by many friends and family. my condolences to all.
I loved the guy and I don't know anyone who was blessed with his presence who didn't. He had a huge heart and so much love for people, animals, music, and life in general. Anyone who knew Charlie will always remember his "wise words of wisdom". Most of all, he lived everyday to the fullest. Charlie has traveled much and had many wonderful experiences that many of us will never try once in a lifetime. He lived every day like it could be the last; one final lesson in Chuckanese. It seems so surreal, I just saw him, and now he's gone. He made an impact on many of us and has taught great lessons on love and projecting peace. My only guess is that he was too good to be here and the good always die young. He changed many of us for the better and gave us all something to think about. He will live on in our hearts and memories, and leaves behind a scene that will never quite be the same without him. I hope he's spin'n in heaven with Pita and Pricess, and that he knows how fortunate we all feel to have known such a great soul. He's a big part of who I am today and who I want to become; for that I will be eternally thankful.
a tear came to my eye when I saw the little blurb in the Skagit herald about charlie's accident. as I hadn't seen him since high school, I know not of his life past then. However, he was one of the brightest lights at a school filled with preps and jocks; he could come across lines of sociality and wealth like they aren't there. one of the few people there truly and honestly nice thru and thru. I will remember him.
From his family:
Charlie's journey ended in a car accident on Guemes Island at age 31, while attempting to avoid a deer.
He was born in Bellevue, WA February 17, 1975. He grew up in Carnation and Normandy Park. He graduated from Mount Rainier High School. While in high school he was the Senior Class President. He developed a love for photography while working on the school paper.
He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Sociology, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was also a photographer for his school paper Charlie became a DJ in college and learned the art of graphic design which together carried over to his business life in Seattle. He established Soonami in Seattle, doing photography and promotional advertising for the local clubs. His ebullient personality suited his avocation of DJ, which made him well known in the Seattle club scene. He is survived by his mother and stepfather Mary and Kim Ireland, his father and stepmother Jim and Susan LaBenz, two brothers Scott and Peter, and two step brothers, Randy and Jason. He is additionally survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Everyone loved Charlie for his enthusiasm for life, and his desire to make the world a more positive place, one person at a time. He loved his family and friends. Charlie you lit up our lives and we'll love you forever.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 2007, at the Christian Faith Centre at 21024 24th Ave S., SeaTac, WA, at 2:00 pm.
Memorials are suggested to Youth in Focus located at 2100 24th Ave S., Suite 2100, Seattle, WA 98144.
I am a close friend of the family. I was the babysitter, the older sister and I am glad to have been a part of the life of such a wonderful young man. I wish I could have seen him recently but I live in another state now. It is great to see so many emails about Charlie and how he touched so many lives. I know that he is with his Grandparents smiling down on us. He was in great spirits the morning of his death, he had spoken to a man on the ferry boat just moments before his accident. Life is so precious; be safe and enjoy it.
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