About

Charles H. Denault, Sr (1935-2024)

Charles H. Denault, Sr, 89, took his final flight on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 surrounded by family at York Hospital with the sun warming his face. 

Chuck (Charlie) lived a long, full life on his own terms. When he wasn’t bear hunting or flying a plane he built himself, you could find him at his easel painting another beautiful wildlife scene. 

Chuck was born in Acushnet, Massachusetts on January 28, 1935 to Florence Denault (Snell) and John Denault. Raised in Rochester, Massachusetts, he attended New Bedford Vocational High School. Upon graduation, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force in April of 1952. After serving in Vietnam, he retired in April of 1972 as an Illustrator Technician Supervisor. His illustrations graced propaganda leaflets and he chronicled his time in Vietnam with profound sketches. Following his USAF retirement, Chuck joined the US Capitol Police in Washington, DC where he continued to serve his country. He moved to Hope, Michigan in 1975 and was employed by Dow Chemical Company as a senior artist. While at Dow, he illustrated packaging for popular household brands such as Scrubbing Bubbles® and Alligator baggies. 

Following a second retirement, Chuck discovered his true passion as a wildlife artist. His renderings of wildlife in oil and watercolor reflected the love of nature that he fostered since childhood. Chuck created amazing art from his home studio, which he called The Buck Rub. His works appeared on national magazine covers and wildlife calendars, including Bowhunter, Outdoor Life and American Hunter. He also collaborated on the design of Realtree camouflage.  His artwork hangs on the walls of countless homes around the world. Many fans enjoyed the hidden extras that were strategically placed throughout his paintings, a camouflaged hunter on a stand, an arrow sticking out of the ground or a special posted sign. Chuck raised whitetail deer for many years, which inspired his paintings and helped him earn the title “Master Artist of the Whitetail Deer”.  

An avid hunter, Chuck lived for his annual hunting trips with family and friends. He enjoyed numerous hunting excursions to all corners of North America. Trips to Colorado, Alaska, James Bay, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan were just a few of his favorite adventures.  Annual trips to Foggy Mountain Bear Camp in Dover-Foxcroft with his old friend Wayne Bosowicz, in search of black bear were some of his most treasured memories. 

A lifelong aviator, Chuck’s love for flying began as a young boy after his first flight in his father’s Stinson, which led him to eventually obtain a multiengine commercial pilot’s license.  He built, flew and maintained many planes throughout the course of his life, sharing his passion and inspiring his sons, grandson and great-grandson to become pilots as well.

Chuck moved to Kittery in 2008 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He worked part-time at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Commissary and as a driver for NAPA Auto Parts in his spare time, working well into his 80’s. 

Those who really knew Chuck will confirm that there was a heart of gold beneath his ornery and cantankerous exterior. Touching many lives with his talent and character, people enjoyed his uncensored humor and fascinating stories. He enjoyed weekend coffee gatherings with his friends and was always up to date with the latest news and politics. He watched FOX News at a very high volume and we all knew not to ask him to turn it down.   Chuck was proud to be a 32 degree mason, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.  

Chuck is survived by his sister Janice Cocking. He also leaves behind his children Charles H. Denault, Jr (Cindy), Robert Denault (Susan), Karen Denault, Anthony Denault (Michelle), Jennifer Sharpe (Christopher) and his former wife and best friend, Carol Denault. 

In addition Chuck leaves behind 15 grandchildren. Camie Wiles (Robert), Charles H. Denault, III (Allyson), Robert Denault, Jr, John, Chris and Phillip Denault, Bert Miller, Ashley McGourty, Madisyn, Kian, Connoll and Kynlea Denault and Mack, Masen and Lily Sharpe. 

Chuck was also fortunate to have 4 great-grandchildren. Camden and Carter Wiles, William Denault and Briella Miller. 

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Chuck was predeceased by his first wife, Alice M. Denault (Johansen) and granddaughter Nichole Miller. 

The next time you are in the woods, surrounded by the rustling leaves and gentle whispers of the forest, take a deep breath and allow yourself to fully embrace the tranquility of the moment in a way that Chuck would have.