There are so many fond memories I can share with our stepdad, Charlie.  Charlie was always a hard worker who provided for his family.  I remember the first house he and my mom purchased together.  Soon after, a swimming pool was put in the backyard.  We had so many fun times as kids enjoying that swimming pool.  Charlie would take us camping along the coast of California.  He would take us to the beach at midnight for grunion hunting.  He would dive for abalone- back when it was legal to do so.  He made the best ceviche!  He could have had his one DIY show.  I am amazed at all of the things he would make and the creative house projects he would do himself.  He was a true handyman.  It is funny when I think about us picking olives as kids and then he would cure them in buckets of lye in the garage.  I tell you what, if I had to live a survival challenge, I would want to be on Charlie's team.  He could catch and eat anything.  I know I ate a lot of different things growing up thanks to Charlie! My childhood was an interesting one for sure!  I'm grateful you were able to come to Colorado last summer to celebrate Shea's graduation.  It was great to see you enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, and white water rafting.  You always stayed strong and adventurous.  May you rest in peace knowing that you touched many lives.

Hi grandpa, i just want to thank you for all the great memories i have of you. From always being my strong grandpa doing push-ups, dancing anywhere, letting me capture boomerangs of you, making jokes, bringing me handmade leather purses, bracelets, slingshots, olive picking, fishing, bbq’s, showing up in dif cars every month lol, taking your long walks and running into everyone bc well, you knew everybody lol, being proud of all my accomplishments, going to my games, and the list goes on. My last memory i have of you is our fishing trip in February. It was just you and me for a second as we waited for everyone else and i told you i loved you and you said you loved me too. As we went our separate ways that evening i gave you tons of kisses and told you i loved you. Not realizing it would be the last time. You didn’t have to say much because your actions proved you loved me too throughout my childhood and adulthood. I’m thankful for all that you taught me, you lived a simple life and wouldn’t have it any other way. You enjoyed every day like it was your last. You were so funny grandpa! i just think about you and the silly things you did flood my mind and heart. I’ll cherish those memories forever. I love you so much and will continue to live in the way you have. Kind, strong, funny, giving, adventurous, and also, the don’t mess with me attitude haha i know you’re at peace, no longer in pain. I will miss you so much, and will miss buying you flannels and slippers for Christmas. Rest In Peace, my sweet Grandpa Charlie! I love you & know in my heart i will see you again in Heaven❤️ Love, your granddaughter Evangelina