Charles Leialoha Dietz

Charles “Charlie” Leialoha Dietz, 61, passed away due to Covid-19 at St. Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Red Bluff, California. He was born on May 10, 1960 in Corning, California to Cleo Eugene Dietz and Jacklyn Ululani Aiwohi-St. John. He was raised on Orange Street in Red Bluff, California with his six siblings.

Charlie spent his early childhood years working alongside his mother and siblings at the local newspaper. In 1971, during his sixth grade year, Charlie caught the attention of locals as a paper route boy who rode a unicycle. This well deserved attention convinced new readers to support the Red Bluff Daily News, making him the first person to have every house on his route subscribed to the paper. Later that year, Charlie was presented with a trophy honoring his commitment to his job along with a new bicycle for his winning efforts. He would then work a series of jobs throughout his highschool years including the local A&W Root Beer Stand with his sister Chirlene. He graduated from Red Bluff Union High School in 1978.

Shortly after graduating, Charlie moved to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska where he ran a large parts department for the state’s pipeline.

The next few years Charlie worked in garages and fabrication shops that would eventually spark his passion and love for fast cars, heavy machinery, and semi trucks. By the 1990s, Charlie would start a successful business, Dietz Equipment and Sales, in Proberta, California. His shop provided secure jobs within the local community. In his later years, Charlie’s business fabricated, outfitted, and repaired emergency vehicles and aided in wildfire relief services contracting water trucks and equipment to the US Forest Service and other agencies.

Adding to his achievements was his commitment to the Red Bluff community. Charlie was known for his active sponsorships and contributions to the famous Red Bluff Round Up, Monster Truck rallies, Tehama County Fair, and dirt bike races, as well as fundraisers for the local schools and community. He was an American motorcycle enthusiast and loved taking scenic rides and attending rallies. He also had a passion for classic cars and participated in local car shows.

Charlie always had a large personality, big dreams, and a passionate and generous heart. His son, nieces and nephews looked up to him. His nephew Keoki Silva says it best, “He was always my inspiration to be a go-getter and achieve the best in life. A man that never settled for less than the best.”

Charlie is survived by his son Chase Leialoha Dietz, fiancée Réan Simone Yearton, his siblings Cinderella Kealolahilahi Silva, Cleoann Ululani Dietz, Chirlene Ku‘ulei Hamburg (Mike), Cevin Kapua Dietz, Cathryn Kaleponi Weaver, Cates Kealaonapuaonaona Dietz (Tiffany), and his nieces and nephews.

He will be dearly missed by his family, loved ones, as well as his lifelong friends, business associates, and our community members.

Rest peacefully Charlie, you’ve earned it.

A Celebration of Charlie's Life will be on Saturday, October 16th at 1:00 pm at the Red Bluff Community Center, following a private graveside service.