Charles "Skip" Warner

The passing of Charles “Skip” Warner has left a large hole in the world. Skip was big in all senses of the word. Tall and portly, as he often described himself, he was blessed with an out-sized sense of humor, a big heart, and a fiercely upbeat personality that helped him make the best of any situation.

As his many friends will attest, however, the biggest and best thing about Skip was his love for his wife, Judy, and his loyalty to his legion of friends and family. How we will miss him.

Skip was born August 13, 1941, in Greeley, Colorado, to Robert and Leona Warner. An excellent athlete, he played basketball in high school and then got a scholarship to play at University of Tulsa. Skip served proudly in the United States Navy. His stories from those years were hilarious and involved shenanigans sometimes fueled by a bit of alcohol.

Retuning to civilian life, he settled in Camarillo and began his career in insurance. Insurance was the perfect choice for Skip because he was a natural salesman and loved to help people solve problems. He owned Warner Olson Insurance for many years. Skip was active in the life of the city including Rotary and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce of which he was a past president.

Besides Judy, golf was the great love of Skip’s life. He was a member of Las Posas Country Club and then Saticoy Country Club of which he was president in 2008. He enjoyed the game and all the people he met through it. Skip and Judy loved to travel and made many friends as they played golf around the world.

Upon retirement, Skip was a volunteer with Score, a non-profit that matched people who wished to start a business with seasoned executives who could advise them. He also was a willing advisor should any of his friends seek help with insurance matters.

Life was not all sunshine for Skip. In 1992, he suffered a devastating car accident that left him in a coma for seven days. His heart and lungs were terribly damaged. Skipper’s recovery was miraculous, thanks to his strong constitution and determined attitude. It was also due, in no small part, to Judy’s devoted care and her determination that Skip would recover and return to the life he loved.

Skip was an enthusiastic and active member of the gym FasTrac. Skip didn’t just work out, he held court. The jokes he told were often repeated, but no one cared because everyone loved Skip.

As Skip’s illness became more and more serious, his good humor was severely tested, but he never wavered. He always wanted to put his friends at ease and always answered with a cheery, “I feel great!” even when we knew he didn’t. Skip Warner loved his life and lived it large. He passed away the morning of April 26, 2015. His friendship was a gift to all who knew him.

Skip is survived by his wife Judy Warner, step-sons Ryan Sisk and wife Christina of Ventura and Bret Deblin and wife Sara and grandson, Joel Deblin of Kilauea, Kauai. He also is survived by his sister, Janet Zimmerman and a nephew, Mikel Zimmerman of Fort Collins, Colorado.

A memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 7th, 5PM, at Saticoy Country Club. Donations in Skip’s honor may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.