Charles A. Rich

Charles A. Rich - age 66, passed away at home in Chandler, AZ on December 9, 2013. He was the son of Allen Charles Rich and Mildred Bernice (Houck) Rich who was born on January 1, 1947. He was the first newborn of the New Year in Kingman, AZ. After completing high school Charlie and Carol were married. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He and Carol had two children; Joseph Rich and Stacie Marie Rich. Charlie worked in the construction industry for over 40 years where he was known for being a hard worker and was very well liked by his peers. His past-times were refinishing old furniture and working with leather crafts. Charlie is survived by his wife Carol, their daughter Stacie Marie Rich and granddaughter Sydney Rosenberg. Charlie was a good husband, father and grandpa who will be missed dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend 2:30PM Memorial Services at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Cave Creek) on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

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It is difficult to summarize the life of someone you love in a note. Thinking back on wonderful memories are what my mom and I had to do throughout the end of my dad’s life. Sometimes though, if not all of the time, that twinkle was still shining through. “Twinkle”? You ask?? You know… that twinkle he would get in his eye. The one that followed that chuckle or that laugh from his gut that could be so contagious it could lift you out of any funk that may have crept up on you that day. He was never short on jokes and an occasional prank was in order when he had the opportunity. I am almost certain that we all know what I’m talking about.

My dad loved people and felt compassion for all living things. He was so happy to finally become a grandpa. He enjoyed good music and was fascinated by old cars and most things vintage that had withstood time. He was fair, caring and a very hard worker. I remember my dad being called upon to complete jobs because of his work ethic, safety concerns and because his bosses and coworkers trusted him and knew that they could count on him. I remember beaming inside, “Yep!! That’s my dad!!” He enjoyed sharing the things he had acquired and was seldom boastful – unless maybe he caught a bigger fish than you. My mom built my dad up to be a “superhero” of sorts and as a child; we would wait for his arrival home from work so that we could squeeze the living daylights out of him. “Superhero?? Captain Super could very well have been his favorite one. My dad would make Ladmo bags for me on birthdays and fill them with gifts and treats. You get the idea – My dad was and always has been a kid at heart.

I will not be surprised if before his ascent to heaven, my dad sticks around just long enough to play a mild prank or two on a few of us. If so, may you hear his chuckle in the back of your mind and remember those twinkling blue eyes.