Charles T. Finch

Charles T. Finch was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Charles was born on April 21, 1931 in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Pearl and Hermina Finch. Charles grew up in San Diego, California.

Charles was raised with five siblings. He had an older brother, Marvin, three sisters, Doris, Mary and Margaret, and a younger brother, Richard. Charles was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Charles had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He attended Kearny High School. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Charles enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ron Smith, Wendy Norton, Buzzy Croft and Glenn Gobble. Later in life, he became friends with Len Farness, Tom Adams and Jesse Lunsford.

On November 5, 1950 Charles exchanged wedding vows with Rachel Anna Fish at The Little Chapel of the Roses of Bonita, California. Empathic and loyal, Charles was committed to making his new family happy.

Charles worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Charles was blessed with two children, one daughter, Karen, and one son, Steven. Another blessing for Charles was the gift of seven grandchildren, Katelyn, Breanna, Dayna, Austin, Adam, Tiffany and Tyler.

Fortunately, Charles enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Charles worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Vice President of Operations. He was employed for 60 years at RCP Block & Brick, Inc. Charles always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Charles was a Marine veteran. He was drafted in the Korean War and was stationed at Camp Pendleton for one and a half years. He served his final six months in Japan. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Corporal (E-3). His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Charles enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits as a young adult were working with pit crew at Balboa Stadium on the Jalopies and midget cars. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Charles found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included golf. Charles was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were Nascar racing, football and golf.

Charles enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included travels through Europe, cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico, and traveling throughout the United States in his motor home.

Charles was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Otis, a cat. They were best friends for 15 years.

When Charles’s retirement finally arrived in 2007, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf, traveling in his RV and cruising on Sundays in his 1932, two door, cherry red, Ford Coupe show car that he entered in local car shows. Even in retirement, Charles continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Charles was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Charles passed away on February 10, 2010 at home surrounded by his son, daughter and wife. Charles fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Rachel; his children Karen and Steve; his grandchildren Katelyn, Breanna, Dayna, Austin, Adam, Tiffany and Tyler; his sister Margaret; and his brother Richard. Services were held at The Little Chapel of the Roses. Charles was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Charles was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Charles leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Charles T. Finch.