Charlie was the first baby of the year in Trinity County when he was born in Weaverville, CA on January 4th, 1956. He left this earth peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on June 1st.
Charlie was raised in Salyer, CA by his Mother and Bill Chase. He met the love of his life, Jodi Farnum at the tender age of 11. Charlie and Jodi married in the winter of 1976, purchased their first home and lived happily off grid at the east fork of the Trinity River where they started their family with two baby girls. During the 10 years in the community he built many lifelong friendships. He was an avid hunter and trapper, he was up for any adventure and really loved getting his adrenaline going by racing across the lake on a speedboat or across the mountain on a snowmobile.
At the young age of 15 Charlies work life began. He always worked hard and with the utmost integrity. He held many positions in the heavy equipment field during his 45 year career. His most cherished accomplishments was his ability to mentor and help build the talent of the younger generation. He also truly loved working to restore the fish habitat on the Trinity River.
He was an expert at river work, he was well known for his finesse on an excavator. He always said it was an extension of his hands. In 2007 he took the big leap of business ownership where he created Charlie’s Custom Excavating. He took great pride in the reputation of his company and his ability to provide jobs to many.
Charlie was very proud of being a tribal member of the Tsnungwe Tribe. He had a passion for eeling with his friends at the mouth of the Klamath. He always had a hotrod or a hotrod project from the time he could drive. He enjoyed them so much that both of his daughters had one for their first car. Over the years he had many from his Nova to his 68 Camaro and never to forget his 52 Ford pickup that he had for over 36 years. In Charlie’s later years in life he became an avid Texas Hold’em and Blackjack player traveling to play in multiple locations and tournaments. Over the years cards played a key role in most all family get togethers and holidays.
When it came to generosity Charlie led the pack. He loved to pick up the tab and provide when there was a need. He was full of joy when he was able to buy a special something for his love or give his girls some extra fun money. He was always the one during Christmas morning handing out presents to all, in partifcular he loved seeing his grand babies excitement. To spend some quality time with his Nephews he created “Nephew Night” where they always enjoyed a good Niner game. He felt blessed to have Christopher and Alex as his Son-in- laws knowing their care for his family. Charlie’s friendships ran deep and a handshake with Charlie sealed the deal. He had many friends up and down the Trinity and Klamath rivers. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. GO GIANTS!
During what ended up being the final 18 months of life Charlie was surrounded by his “team” which became immersed in the learnings of natural medicine, organic foods, spiritual teachings and all things holistic. He became well versed in meditation and journaling. He focused heavily on the journey of his soul and found great peace in his knowledge of an everlasting spirit. He was greatly touched by special spiritual teachers. He also developed great dislike for GMOs, big pharma and unhealthy politics. His wish was to share all he had learned about a healthy lifestyle and to encourage all to begin as early as possible.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean (Collins) Chase, Brother Mike Jurin, Bill Chase, paternal grandparents John and Lillian (Carpenter) Jurin, maternal grandparents Frank and Mable (Ward) Collins, and best friend and Cousin Paul McClellan. Charlie is survived by his wife, Jodi, children Cori and Chris Olney, Shawna and Alex Camarena, sisters Evelyn, Renee, Kathleen, JoDean, brothers Rick and Ronnie, and father Charlie.
Charlie will be deeply missed by his six grandchildren Alexandria, Gauge, Douglas, Charlie Dayre, Ame, and Chloe. Also, his in-laws Shirley and Tommy. Special thanks goes out to Chris Wisinger for being with Charlie to lighten his burdens and ease his mind. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 26th, 11:30 to 4:00 p.m. at The Elks Lodge, 250 Elk Drive, Redding, CA, 96003.
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The obituary above was submitted by Charlie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.