Charles Albert McCullough

Charles A. McCullough was born January 6, 1919 in Nevada City, CA He was one of 7 brothers and sisters, who all preceded him in death.

His family were pioneers of Nevada County moving there shortly after the gold rush. They worked in the gold mines and ranched both in Sierra and Nevada County. Charles put himself through college at UC Berkeley by working in the mines. On December 7, 1941, he was working on a fuel-depot mine in Honolulu, Hawaii. While sitting on a hill waiting to start his shift, he saw the war begin over Pearl Harbor. After his WWII service, Charles completed his civil engineering degree at UC Berkeley. During this time he met and married Betty Wight. Betty passed away in 2001 after 53 years of marriage. Together they had 3 children, Joan McCullough, Kathy McCullough Landwehr, Debra McCullough and son–in-law, Craig Landwehr, who will miss the love and friendship of their father. He also had two grandchildren, Tessa and Brynn, who were the apple of his eye.

Charles had a very fulfilling career with the Department of Water Resources, and was instrumental in the implementation of the California Water Plan over many years. He has been retired for almost 30 years, and lived most of that time in Placerville, CA, where he took advantage of fishing rivers, streams and lakes. Charles was also a dedicated volunteer to the literacy program, both in Sacramento and Placerville, and will be missed by his many students.

After a recent move to be near his family in Vancouver, WA, Charles suffered a heart attack, and passed away peacefully on May 3, 2012.

At his request, there will be no memorial service, but donations in his honor can be made to Partners In Care, P.O. Box 845 Placerville, CA,95667 who provided loving care to him, and Tessa’s High School Equestrian Team, send contributions to: Hockinson High School; c/o Ms. Carla Kalian, 16819 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie, WA 98606.