After 34 Years of Service, Char Carte Retires

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 14, 2026

For someone who once never imagined spending the rest of her life in Forks, retiring here after more than three decades of service seems fitting for Char Carte. After 34 years and four months helping seniors remain independent in their homes, Carte is stepping away from a career that touched lives across the West End and beyond.

The Carte family moved to Forks from Montana when Char’s father accepted a position as a meteorologist at the Quillayute Weather Station. At the time, Char was in the fifth grade. She graduated from Forks High School in 1977 before joining the Army, where she served for seven years with assignments that took her from Germany to Korea.

Following her military service, Carte attended Central Washington University. “I studied leisure services, and they turned me into a social worker,” she joked.

Her first job after college was in Ellensburg as a job coach helping developmentally disabled adults find employment. “I loved that job,” Carte said.

In 1991, a simple nudge from her mother changed the course of her life.

“My mom sent me a job announcement,” Carte recalled. “I interviewed on Dec. 16, 1991, and was offered the job with Olympic Area Agency on Aging.”

That position became more than just a career. Carte’s work focused on helping seniors remain safely in their own homes for as long as possible by connecting them with services and support before nursing home care became necessary.

Her territory stretched across a vast portion of the Olympic Peninsula, including Queets, Neah Bay, La Push, Beaver, Bear Creek and Sequim. In the early days, the work came without modern conveniences.

“There were no laptops or cell phones back then,” she said. “I would check on people in person at least once a year and stay connected with quarterly phone calls.”

Over the years, she met countless memorable clients, including Marie Lewis, daughter of the legendary “Iron Man of the Hoh,” and even the very first Seafair Queen. Some days also brought unexpected visitors stopping by her Fifth Avenue office to chat.

While much of the work was rewarding, there were difficult moments too.

“One of the hardest parts was seeing some of the living conditions or when people clearly needed help but would not accept it,” she said.

Now, as Carte retires, Christine Lee is training to step into the role and continue serving the community.

As for retirement, Carte said she plans to stay busy. She hopes to help veterans where she can, possibly make a trip back to Montana, and volunteer with Friends of Forks Animals as needed.

A few weeks ago, coworkers in Sequim celebrated her retirement in style.

“I had one hell of a retirement party,” Carte laughed. “I got a Seahawks hat, treats for my cat, and cake.”

Though she admits she won’t miss all the driving, she said she still plans to make occasional trips out to Neah Bay.

Friends, coworkers, and community members are invited to celebrate Carte’s retirement on Saturday, May 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the West End Tap Room – Tip and Sip, 70 A St. SW. Please stop by, share memories, and wish her well in retirement.

Christi Baron

Editor