Charles Banker McConica

Charles Banker McConica was known, admired, and loved by many around Ventura. Charles passed peacefully in his Ventura home on September 24, 2015, as the sun was rising. Rosena, his wife of 69 years, was at his side during his recent health challenges.

Charles was known as a strong golfer, an honest and trusted auto dealer, a Charter Member of the Scottish Rite as a 32nd Degree Freemason, an orange, lemon and avocado farmer, a World War ll Navy Veteran, a bridge player, a member of his church, a volunteer community servant and benefactor, a private pilot, or just a great tease. No matter who he met, whether it was golfing with the King of Malaysia or someone down the street, he was able to be comfortable and have a genuine personal conversation with them.

Charles practiced golf with tremendous intensity. This allowed him to carry a two handicap. He was particularly proud of shooting a hole-in-one six different times. Charles was even on the leader board at the LA Open one year. But, most of his golf games were just for joy, playing with other golf friends. They had a wonderful time teasing each other while betting a maximum of one dollar. Charles was able to shoot his age many times over in his later years. He just truly enjoyed the game.

Charles was born in Luseland, Saskatchewan, Canada, on August 28, 1921, to John Banker “JB” McConica and Helen Jane Williams McConica. JB had been very successful in Canada and decided to retire in California with the family. Everything was sold and the family moved to Ventura on September 1, 1929. Both JB and Helen McConica were born in Ohio, so the whole family reestablished United States citizenship. Trading the blowing snow of the Canadian plains for the sunshine of Ventura was not a hard decision, but then the Great Depression started. Unfortunately, the money due from Canada never materialized. The whole family rallied and started over, first with a gas station, and later a General Motors auto dealership. Charles attended Ventura High School, Ventura Junior College, and General Motors Institute; now Kettering University.

Charles worked in Belfast, Northern Ireland at Allison Aircraft Engine plant supporting the war effort. While there he met Rosena. He joined the Navy seven months later, taught LORAN, and served in the Pacific Theater until VJ Day. Over those two years, Charles and Rosena maintained a long distance relationship by letters. At war's end he sent for Rosena who flew across the Atlantic to be picked up by JB and Helen McConica and future sister-in-law, Jane. They drove to Ventura awaiting Charles' discharge. Charles and Rosena were married three days later on May 9, 1946.

Charles is survived by his wife; Rosena, his children; Charles Hastings (Carol) McConica, James Banker (Michelle) McConica, and Judy McConica (Rick) Harkins; seven grandchildren, Ian James McConica, Anna McConica (Robert) Linnenberger, Jennifer Brooke (Robert) Grumet, Jill Brier (Bill) Hageman, Patrick McConica Harkins, Timothy Noble Harkins, and Charles Cornelius Harkins; and six great-grandchildren, Ethan Charles Linnenberger, Owen Robert Linnenberger, Carly Christine Grumet, Aidan Robert Grumet, Abigail Rose Hageman, and Jack Christopher Hageman.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, John “JB” and Helen McConica; siblings, Jane McConica Burnham, John Robert McConica, Howard Williams McConica; and daughter Lynne McConica.

The family would like to thank the staff of Community Memorial Hospital, especially nurse Rachel and nurse Dan; and the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, especially nurse Nancy and caregiver Ray.

A short Celebration of Life service will be held at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA, 93003 on Saturday October 3, 2015 at 11:00 AM. As parking is limited, please consider car-pooling. A reception will follow in the church courtyard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or to Charles' favorite, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3160 Geneva St, Los Angeles, CA, 90020.