Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 04:41:17 :
Marin Independent Journal
Sunday, October 14, 2001
WILLIS, Charles N. (Chuck), of Marin, passed away October 11, 2001. Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, 415-453-8440.
Charles N. (Chuck) Willis
A Marin county native born in San Anselmo (Yolanda) on October 16, 1926 died peacefully on October 11, 2001. He was raised in Kentfield and graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1945. During his high school years he was an apprentice and then journeyman machinist at Mare Island Naval Base during World War II where he worked primarily on the diesel engines of Fleet submarines. He then returned to the College of Marin and the University of California at Santa Barbara culminating in his Industrial Arts teaching credential. Before having a chance to use these credentials he was drafted and served in the US Army during the Korean War. On his return to civilian life Chuck married Joan Jarboe and completed his masters in education from San Francisco State University. He began his teaching career at Whittier High School, Calif where he taught autoshop. In 1955, he went on to start the first vocational program in automotive technology at the College of Marin in Kentfield. During his 31 year tenure of directing this program and teaching courses he left an active legacy of skilled auto mechanics and teachers filling the shops and classrooms of California. After retiring from the College of Marin, he brought his tools and expertise to Dependable Tire & Brake in San Rafael where he spent the last 15 years "cranking wrenches" and continuing to teach and mentor young colleagues in the shop. In addition to being a father, grandfather, teacher, and automechanic extordinare, he was also a loyal and committed member of the Marvelous Marin Breakfast Club for which he served as treasurer for several years. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 47 years, with whom he raised three children (Mark Willis, Nancy Lundy and David Willis). His survivors also include his brother Al Willis, his sister Betty Bacon and three grandchildren Eric Lundy, Jocelyn Lundy and Rachel Willis. A memorial service will be held in Saint Patrick's Church at 114 King St. Larkspur at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17. The family requests that in lieu of flowers people donate blood to a local bank in support of the many pints of blood that sustained Chuck over the last few years. Alternatively, please make a donation to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, Inc. For additional information please contact: Monte's Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, San Anselmo 453-8440. Monte Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo 453-8440
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