Charles R Young

Charlie Young Born in Larkspur in 1922 (Yes, a true Native). He was the youngest of six children and is the only survivor. His family had been living on Pacific Avenue in San Francisco but fled the earthquake ravished city and settled in Larkspur in 1906. Charlie attended LCM School and Mr. Neil Cummins was his 8th grade teacher and principal. When asked what kind of a student he was he said proudly, "I was the valedictorian. However, there were only seven kids in the class, there was not much competition!" In Charlie's early years, his father, Len, owned the famous Larkspur Bar which was located next door to the Lark Theater on Post Street. Charlie recalls that in the 1930's women were not allowed inside the bar. There was an outdoor beer garden in the back where women could gather. His father died when he was fourteen, and his mother then took over running the business. It was interesting to note that it was okay for a woman to run the bar, but women could not gather in the bar! And talking about bars, he fondly remembers Bob's Tavern, which is otherwise known as the Silver Peso. He recalls that there really wasn't much in Larkspur at that time. "The only restaurant was the Blue Rock with the best homemade ice cream in the world!" Charlie attended Tam High School by taking the train from the station (currently adjacent to Albertson's which incidentally was originally a ballpark and then a lumber yard) to Almonte station in Mill Valley. He spent his free time after school earning extra money delivering newspapers, groceries and telegrams. He could earn 10 cents for each telegram he delivered. In 1940, he went to work with Mr. Gilardi mostly delivering meat to Larkspur/Corte Madera residences. That was to become his introduction and interest in the meat business. In 1942, the war was raging and Charlie entered the Navy and found himself on a destroyer in the Pacific. Upon his return in 1945, his family was living on Locust Avenue which currently is part of the parking lot of St. Patrick's. Charlie then opened the butcher department in the Larkspur Market currently the site of SWING (on Magnolia), and in 1948 met Queenie at the Lion's Club Fiesta at the 4th of July parade on Magnolia. They married, had two children and eventually moved his meat business to the Rainbow Market. He worked alongside of Ernie Epidendio for close to 40 years, finally retiring in 1988. After Queenie died in 1992, Charlie fell in love with Gerry Mahoney and they remained together until they both passed away this year. He loved to travel and loved to garden. He is survived by his son Dan (Victoria) and daughter Dorie. He is the proud grandfather of three. Charlie fondly remembers the old Larkspur. "It was a very safe and friendly place. The front door on our grocery store was merely a screen door. I remember people calling the telephone operators (phone company operated out of where Rulli's is today) and telling Mabel Shine, Phyllis Benz, Mrs. Vandaveer or Mrs. Averdick, the switchboard operators, where they would be if they were going out and to ring them there.” He does miss the old Larkspur in many ways. "It was slower and more friendly then.” But when he is asked what he most likes about his trips he says, "Coming home to Larkspur; there is nothing more beautiful." He is right. Larkspur is a truly special place on Earth! Family and Friends are invited to a Rosary Service on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Nazareth House, 245 Albion Way, San Rafael, CA with Visitation from 4:00-7:00pm. Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, 114 King Street, Larkspur, CA at 10:00am on Friday, May 31, 2013. Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 270 Los Ranchitos Rd. San Rafael, CA. Services Entrusted to Keaton's Mortuary. For more information and online guest book visit www.keatonmortuaries.com