Chester was born December 20, 1951, in Bridgeport, Nebraska to Chester Vincent Jay and Charlotte Ruby Kepler Jay. He was the youngest sibling of five including his brother Richard “Dick” and his sisters Meredith “Merdie”, Irene, and his only surviving sibling Agnes “Tottie” Abeyta. He spent his childhood in Nebraska and California, where he graduated from Excelsior High School in Norwalk. He spent the past 37 years living in Newbury Park, California.
Chester began his career as a rough carpenter and became very well-known and respected by many in the industry. In 1989 Chester founded C&H Construction, which he grew into a thriving family business that continues today.
Chester’s passion was his family. He loved planning holiday trips to his vacation home at the river, where family and friends were always welcome. He believed that more was merrier and he was always the life of the party.
He enjoyed golf with his sons and colleagues as well as rides on his Harley. Harley Davidson was a brand name in his household.
Chester’s favorite holiday was Christmas. Every year he decorated his yard so elaborately that it rivaled most theme parks. On any given December evening, a steady stream of traffic could be seen cruising the street in front of his home in anticipation of the spectacle they were to experience that year. The inside of his home was also a Christmas wonderland, created with love by his talented wife. They were often referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Chester also enjoyed April Fool’s Day very much. His family and friends were always on the look-out for his pranks on this day.
Mostly though, Chester was a mentor and a confidant to many. He was always available with an ear, a nudge, a joke, some honest advice and of course a shot of Jack Daniels when needed. He touched many lives and possessed a charisma and sparkle that most are not gifted.
He is survived by his wife Debra Jay, his children Jeffrey & Lauren Jay, Brandon & Courtney Jay, Brieanna Jay, Jarrod & Mary Tiner and Aaron & Tina Tiner. He left a legacy of ten grandchildren Ashley, Ryan, Jackson, Kolton, Austin, Justin, Easton, Samantha, Nicholas, Noah and his beloved dogs Harley and Bailey.
He was bigger than life and truly one of a kind. He will be missed by so many.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Newbury Park First Christian Church, 801 Knollwood Drive, Newbury Park, California. A celebration of his life is to follow the service at 868 Patriot Drive, Suite A, Moorpark, California.
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