I am so sorry for your loss and I am sorry I’m not there to celebrate his life. I’m pretty awkward socially so it’s probably for the best. If I had just one memory I’d share it. But what I have are many flabbergasted faces and many silly moments  that I won’t forget. Chuck was the most enthusiastic worker I’ve ever seen and working with him was an adventure. His perfectionism was unmatched. I think about him a lot and every day, when I pass a certain house on my way home, it makes me smile. He treated me with respect and appreciation, he treated me like a friend  and I considered him one of mine. We loved talking politics and about our families. I will remember him fondly and without hesitation as a kind, generous and funny guy. I will miss knowing he’s living his best life. Because he deserved that. Again Carrie and Alden I am just so sorry.  Love Robin

Beautiful Friends,
Please join us for Chuck's Celebration of Life:
March 21, 2025; 6:30-9:00
Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge- Ballroom
Open house style
All are welcome!

TONIC

If You Could Only See

Open Up Your Eyes

Lemonade Parade

🎶  The Sound of Music  🎶

My Favorite Things

.....CONTINUED

From first meeting you at Kampai Sushi at 18,  to the many fun adventures through different social circles,  to the heartfelt conversations,  to debating politics and sharing health/nutrition advice, to sharing good food and wine,  and to the milestone celebrations over the last 30 years;   It has been fun, life-changing, meaningful and a TRUE HONOR to call you a friend!  One memory in particular....A casual Kampai Sushi lunch about a year after we first met... I was questioning  a life path decision...and like a Big Brother you said, "Jules, you are a 'Diamond in the Rough'.  Stay focused on your goal. Keep your chin up and it will all work out!"  You  were always there with a smile and a solution. 😀

You lived fully, loved deeply, and made the world a better place with every adventure  you embarked upon. I am deeply saddened that you suffered and left too soon for us all to understand;  It is the difficult moments of life's mysteries!

Your curious optimism, genuine encouragement for the success and goodness for all and your laughter will echo in my heart and mind forever.

 Knowing that you will never be forgotten, 
I am sharing just a glimpse of a few of my favorite things that remind me of the experiences we shared together with friends and your beloved  ~ Carrie ~ throughout the different "seasons" of our frienship over the last 30+years.

You will me missed, but not forgotten!
May you climb and soar in the heavens... 

KAMAPI ~ CHEERS to your life!

In Grace, Love, Peace, and Light, my friend!

JULES
"Diamond in the Rough"

 
.

The woven fabric that makes up the tapestry of our lives is an intricate and vibrant blend of experiences, choices, relationships, and moments. Just as a tapestry is crafted from countless threads, each representing a unique event, emotion, or influence, so too is our existence shaped by the interconnectedness of all that we encounter. The threads may vary in color, texture, and weight—some bright with joy and accomplishment, others darkened by hardship or loss. Yet, each thread plays a vital role in creating the whole picture, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden, but always essential.
In this tapestry, we find the pattern of our identities formed by our upbringing, our values, and our beliefs. Relationships, whether fleeting or lifelong, add richness and depth, their connections forming knots of memory that anchor us to our past. The fabric also stretches and adapts, reflecting the evolution of who we are as we navigate through changes and challenges, much like a piece of art that evolves with time.
The beauty of the woven fabric of life lies not in its perfection but in its complexity. No one thread is identical to another, and no one life path is ever the same. The imperfect, frayed edges tell stories of resilience and transformation, while the bright, tightly woven sections speak of love, laughter, and connection. Together, these contrasting threads weave a unique narrative, one that is ever-growing, ever-changing, and forever meaningful.

CHUCK ~ 

I am grateful to say you have been a thread in the woven fabric of my life, making it richer by who you are!  The beautiful comments of family, friends and colleagues are a testiment to the life you lived, the legacy you leave behind that continues to inspire and guide those who have had the opportunity to know you.  You have impacted many people in such positive ways.  

.......

Dearest Carrie, Alden and Family,

My heartfelt compassion extends to you all for your loss and as you go through this incredibly difficult time!  I am deeply saddened by Chuck's passing.  It is surreal....too soon....difficult for our minds and hearts to understand.  While there are no words that can fill the void of your loss, may the love and memories shared comfort you forever!  

Carrie, you and Alden are the "LOVES" of Chuck's life, you always have been and I hope that "knowing" wraps your hearts with warmth forever and guides you through bright and dims times ahead.  Chuck is a beautiful man in so many ways.  It has been an honor sharing in some of those memories that made Chuck's life incredible!

You are in my thoughts!  🩷
In God's Grace

Everyone who knew Chuck has a special memory, and I have shared this one repeatedly. Chuck taught me to kayak some 20 or so years ago. Our class came with 2 river trips. The first trip was to through town on the Sacramento, and was nothing to get excited about, but the second trip was on the Trinity River, class 2, Cedar Flat run. Not knowing much about rivers at this point, Chuck takes 8 students by himself and the flows were 6,000 csfs. We had 6 foot standing waves. Everyone swam at least once and one guy swam 6 times. Looking back that was crazy, but when we got off the river I ordered my first kayak before we even left the river. Thank you Chuck

Chuck was my go to paddling partner for Slate Creek many years ago. He, Jim Peppin, Craig Walls and I would rally in his Subaru up the road at speeds that would scare me. I would say, "Dam  Chuck do you have to go so fast?" He would look over at me with his big smile and reply, "This is the subby Michael. It rallies!"  And one day we were driving to put in talking about his work at Cal Trans designing roads and he looked over at me and said, "Do you know I was the first kid in second grade to memorize my multiplication tables?" I looked at him and replied, "Dam Chuck I'm a teacher, and I still don't have my multiplication tables memorized! I use a calculator."

I painted a hack gauge on Slate Creek so that we would have an idea on the levels which were good.  The next weekend we met at take out and Chuck showed me the gauge he made which is still used today.  Red, green and yellow on a white background.

Chuck and I were kayak instructors at the same time. I taught on the Klamath and he taught in Redding. He would tell me stories of brining pizza to his roll sessions. I said, "Nah I don't do that, I'm afraid someone will throw up on me."

Another memory was when we went to Cherry Creek to paddle and we hooked up with the Malee's in Yosemite for their all night rager. I tried to sleep by the creek, but not Chuck. He stayed up all night and partied with the best of them and paddled Cherry Creek the next day!

Chuck was also the one who encouraged me to go to Valor Oncology to get radiation for my Parathyroid Carcinoma. I talked to him on the phone and I remember clearly him telling me, "Don't wait. Don't wait, Get it done now." The last time  I say Chuck was at Roots in June when we met for lunch before one of my treatments. He was smiling his big smile and always looking at the positive side of life. 

I am sad and so sorry for the loss of such a fine man. My heat aches for his family and friends for such a loss of such an awesome human being.

My Dad was more than a role model… he was a provider a sanctuary to cry on and a part time stand up comedian, i think some times he loved me almost too much as he would hardly ever say no to me.. from bringing a friend over or sharing something he always wanted me to have a good time and to make memories.. ill really miss going to the beach with him and playing catch.. trying out new pitches in the back yard while he caught for me.. or even taking a baseball to the balls after pitching to me!!

Carrie and Alden, we are so sorry you are walking through such loss. It really isn’t fair. This world is so broken and so far from God’s will. We are mourning with you and praying for you both. We thank Jesus that we will get to see him again. This isn’t it. We love you all. 🩵

Chuck was an exceptional person. We will continue to celebrate his life through the way we live. We are better people because of him. Chuck’s love for life and persistent optimism has forever marked us. He didn’t limit himself or others. He saw the best in life and the best in people. There is no one else quite like him. We are heartbroken here on this side of heaven, but we thank Jesus that we will get to see him again… for all eternity.

Chuck was the guy you could always count on to bring the fun. He was endlessly optimistic and helpful. I loved kayaking with him and I knew he had my back…whether rescuing me if I was in a bad spot or carrying my boat for me down the treacherous Box Canyon put in. He always had a big smile for everyone and energy to spare. He was dedicated to Carrie and Alden above all else. The world has lost one of the truly good ones…but just because we can’t see him doesn’t mean his spirit and positive influence doesn’t live on. Chuck, thanks for being you. I am inspired by your love for life.

I am so sorry that we all lost Chuck so suddenly and so early in Chucks life, but what a life is was. He did so much and had so many adventures with so many friends and family and in the end what more can you ask for. I was hoping that Chuck and I could have many more days on the river after he got better and that was definitely the plan he shared with me. I have so memories with Chuck from the time I met him rock climbing at the limestone area to the countless times on Slate creek and box canyon, we both had each others back and got each other out of some scary situations but mostly just had a great time and enjoyed the outdoors. Alden your dad was one of a kind and I’m so sorry for your loss but he was so proud of you and still is. Carrie and family my deepest sympathies RIP my brother Chuck. 

Your friend forever Craig Walls

My deepest condolences, Carrie. Chuck and I worked on various projects over the years. I transferred to District 2 in 1991 so I can say we worked together over his entire career here. He always had a smile for me and even if we hadn't seen each other in a while, he made it seem like we had seen each other the day before. I will miss him and his smile.

So many good memories, so many good stories shared. Thank you for making an impact on so many of our lives. Thank you both for welcoming us into yours, where at the Albion River Inn just south of Ft Bragg, I proposed to my wife in Sept 2017. 
This photo will always remind me of your ever-present smile and the sound of your laughter... Our hearts go out to you, Carrie and Alden, we are so sorry for your loss. God Speed my friend... 
-Alex  & Andrea Peterson

So sorry for your family's loss.
Chuck was a good friend and a consummate professional at Caltrans. It might be months between work calls, but he always made time for my questions and helped improve our projects in any way possible. 
He is greatly missed.
Respectfully,
Lynne Anderson
Redding Engineering Services

I am deeply saddened to hear of Chuck's passing. I met Chuck through the Caltrans mentorship program. I could not have asked for a better mentee and colleague - smart, caring, thoughtful, and open minded. A great engineer, and an even better person...

We are all diminished by his passing...

Chuck was one of a kind. I met Chuck in the early 2000s. Kayak University was in full swing, Eskimo boats were represented in Redding, and Shasta Paddlers meet ups were a monthly event. Chuck was enthusiastic about growing whitewater kayaking in the community and he poured his heart into teaching others how to whitewater kayak so that they could experience the beauty and thrill of whitewater kayaking. My first two kayaks (eskimos) were purchased from Chuck (I still have them!). So many fun memories on the water thanks to him. Carrie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Alden are in our hearts. 
Stacy and Greg Gotham.

Chuck was a thoughtful, generous and kind soul who touch countless lives in our community.  
For 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of having Chuck,  Carrie and Alden as neighbors, watching Chuck exemplify what it means to be not just a great neighbor, but a devoted husband and father is unforgettable.  Getting to see his unwavering commitment and love for family throughout the years was truly an inspiration. He loved Carrie with all his heart and was such a proud father,  always talking about Alden’s love for baseball and beyond! 
Chuck’s spirit of generosity knew no boundaries.  Whether lending his expertise on home improvement projects, catch up on family, or playing with the dogs in the neighborhood, he  was always there with a helping hand and his characteristic big bright smile.  
His enthusiasm for helping others wasn’t just a gesture—it was simply who he was.  
His approach was always with a caring heart and cheerful outlook that made everyone feel valued and supported.   

His presence in our neighborhood was a gift, and while he will be deeply missed, his legacy of family values, kindness and community spirit will continue inspire all that knew him. 

My thoughts and prayers and with you Carrie and Alden.

The Lees are my neighbor. Chuck was an ideal neighbor from building a bridge together to fixing a household mechanical problem. But he (and Carrie and Alden) were more than your average neighbor next door. From dinners at Jacks, to feeding Tanner to a martini around the pond-we solved many of the worlds problems but he left before all of them were solved. I will hold a place in my heart for his memory.
Gus Faure

Carrie and Alden, Chuck was one of a kind with a huge heart. Smart, kind, generous and always gave me good advice from designing my home, health, finances, and with questions about the world. He knew the answers to everything. He was so happy and positive. He loved you both so much and was so proud to be a dad. I have so many memories of running into him in town, his frequent dinners at the sushi bar, and sake festival with Jackie. He brightened my day every time I saw him. He will be missed.

Carrie and Alden and family:
Matt, Philip, Paul and I extend our condolences to you. We have fond memories of Chuck, Matt and the boys going on trips to the Trinity Alps and exploring the outdoors. We will always cherish those memories. We are very sorry for your loss. 
With our love,
The Gowan family

Charles was such a vibrant man who provided whatever his family wanted or needed. His warm heart and warm smile brightened up citizens days even if he didnt know them. His fun hobbies, characteristics and willingness was unmatched. He started up a baseball team, built a full tree “HOUSE” built a halfpipe. Re designed bridges and roads. Built a batting cage in my backyard along with a hotub. We also have a rock climbing wall in our backyard that my sweet Dad made. May your kind, unselfish, greatful soul rest in peace and may your spirit thrive.

Carrie and Alden, 
I am saddened for your loss.  Charles was an incredible human being.  He was kind to say the least.  He was also an incredible brother.  One of my favorite stories to tell about the kindness of Charles is the time he and I, as kids, went hiking up on Simpson's Rest and we got caught in a summer storm.  It began to hail with marble size hail, Chuck without think twice pushed me against the side of a rock outcropping and shielded me from the hail.  He didn't move an inch until the storm had passed.  This story exemplifies my big brother, he was always the shelter in the storm for those he loved.  He was an amazing Man, Son, Father, husband, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to those around him.  This world will be a little less bright without him here. 
It is also worthy to note he absolutely adored Sammy and Sammy him.  One of my only regrets is that Sammy couldn't spend more time with him.  As is my regret.  He will be missed and will be celebrated for his honesty, integrity, and loving nature.

His brother

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Charles Joseph Lees

21 mars 1968 – 29 octobre 2024

Lawncrest Chapel & Memorial Park

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