Less than ten days prior to his death, Carl had visited his timeshare in Carlsbad, CA. He had taken a tour of San Diego including a harbor cruise and a ride on the trolley. He had been looking forward to his trip for several months and had told a couple people that after the Carlsbad trip “he'd be ready to go.” He planned it perfectly.
Carl was born in Ottawa, Kansas on November 10, 1925. From a very early age, everyone loved Carl. He was a kind, caring, honest, trustworthy, and responsible person who was devoted to his family, his church, his country, and to people less fortunate.
In 1944, Carl enlisted in the Navy and graduated in the top three of his class at the Signalman- Quartermaster School in Farragut, Idaho. He served honorably for two and a half years as a Signalman on several Merchant Marine ships in the Pacific.
Upon discharge, Carl relocated to Southern California. He pursued an interest in photography, working in a couple prestigious photography studios in Hollywood, before starting his own studio in Pacific Palisades. During this time he also became active in the local American Legion where he ultimately became the youngest Commander.
On July 4, 1951, Carl married his first wife, Virginia. He volunteered with the American Legion that morning at the Fourth of July parade, then went home, took a shower, and went to the church.
Carl and Virginia had their first child, Cindy, in 1952. At that time, the couple bought their first home in Santa Monica, and Carl began working fulltime as a Service Advisor to disabled vets at the Veteran's Hospital in Los Angeles.
In 1958, Carl and his family moved to Springdale, Utah, the entrance to Zion National Park. Carl and Virginia had discovered the area on their travels and loved it. Soon they had their second child, Becky. While living in Utah, Carl worked at the Coleman Engineering Company.
Unfortunately, Carl's daughter, Becky, had been born developmentally disabled. In order to provide Becky with needed services, the family returned to Santa Monica in 1962 where Carl began working for Douglas Aircraft. In four years, Carl transferred to McDonnell Douglas in Huntington Beach, where they bought a new home.
In 1996, Carl quickly became involved in Huntington Beach. He and his family became very active in the Community United Methodist Church volunteering in many capacities. During this time, Carl also began going to Goldenwest College at night. He continued part time until he completed his Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration.
It was also during this time that Carl and Virginia began investing in apartments, first starting with a small triplex and ultimately over a period of years graduating to a 21 unit complex. Carl did almost all of the maintenance and the properties were always considered “pride of ownership.” His tenants loved him because he was friendly, responsive, and honest. Many continued to be friends, long after they bought their own homes.
In 1982, Carl's wife, Virginia, died of cancer. Carl was an exceptional husband and caregiver, providing all the necessary care for Virginia for the nine months prior to her death.
Carl and his wife had already caught “the travel bug”, and after Virginia's death, Carl took several trips. Approximately a year later, Carl began dating Jean, a fellow traveler that Carl and Virginia had met on some previous trips. After a couple of years, Carl and Jean got married and continued to travel all over the world.
Carl became a member of the Traveler's Century Club, signifying that he had been to over 100 countries. After he completed that goal, he organized additional trips that would allow Jean to also become a member of the prestigious club. Carl and Jean's other passion was bridge. They were both excellent players often winning at duplicate bridge.
Carl was often busy with volunteering. He continued to be very active at his church and also became involved with both the Newport Beach and Huntington Beach Kiwanis clubs. He served on the board of the Newport Kiwanis Club, ultimately becoming president. Informally, he was dedicated to visiting shut in's and others who were ill or forgotten.
Until Jean's death one year ago, Carl and Jean enjoyed life in Huntington Beach, with lots of international travel and annual 5-6 week trips to Carl's Maui vacation condo. Carl also enjoyed his timeshares at St. George, Utah and Carlsbad, California. Carl continued living at home with his caregiver Venus, and his beloved dog, Eden. He was a friendly neighbor, an exceptional father and husband, and a devoted church member. Carl will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, friendliness, dedication, responsibility, honesty, service, and commitment. Carl lived a very full life and he will be missed by many. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy.
Carl's memorial service will be Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 1:30 pm. It will be held at the Community United Methodist Church, 6652 Heil Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carl's memory can be made to the church for the music department.
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