Charles Louis Ferchaud Jr.

Charles Louis Pierre Ferchaud passed away on July 1, 2015, in Paradise, California from respiratory failure. He was surrounded by family during his passing, going quietly into the gentle night. Even though his full given name was fitting for a French Nobleman, everyone just called him "Charlie". Charlie, the son of Charles Ferchaud and Katherine Marie Schuh, was born on September 17, 1930, in Hollywood, California. Charlie lived in the L.A. area until 1951, when he joined the Navy, serving sea duty on the USS Reclaimer. The Reclaimer took him to many parts of the world including Japan and Korea. While in the Navy, Charlie met Ellen Anna Kiker. They were married at Pearl Harbor, March 8, 1952. They had five children: Catherine Hutchinson of Magalia, Pete of Red Bluff, Daniel of Rough and Ready, Steve of Paradise, and Greg of Isaaquah, Washington. Charlie also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, and 7Great-grandchildren. Charlie and Ellen were together for 59 years, until her death on March 2, 2013. After his Naval Service, Charlie enrolled at Cal Poly, majoring in Soils. He graduated in 1958, and began his lifelong career with the Department of Water Resources. In 1966, with his family in tow, he moved to Red Bluff, to form the Northern District. In 1987, Charlie took over as chief of the Land and Water Use section. Charlie had a major role in the 1991 Drought Water Bank, where his knowledge of crops and the workings of hydrologic cycle helped assure the Water Bank purchases truly added to the overall supply. One final test of each deal was," What does Charlie think". Charlie officially "retired" from the Department on November 1, 1993. Charlie, a member of The Knights of Columbus, was always quick to volunteer for any event held by the Sacred Heart Parish. Charlie, a cancer survivor, also participated in all the local Walk For Life events held by the Cancer Society. He always did it with a generous heart and a welcoming smile. Charlie took an interest in everyone he met. His charming nature made it easy for him to gather friends from all over the world. Before anyone would part company with him, they would feel as if they just made a special friend. Charlie was a life force of fun, and always made sure that everyone would be included in his circle of celebration. Services for Charlie will be held July 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Parish. Rosary will be held at Hoyt-Cole Chapel, Thursday, July 9th, 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Parish or the Salvation Army. It was said that when Charlie died, the world lost a bright light. The light was never lost, it just got dispersed to everyone he met.