Charles Kerwin passed away on December 23, 2007, in Eureka, California.
"Chuck" was born June 15, 1917, in San Jose, California. He grew up in Oakland, California, attending Our Lady of Lourdes elementary school (where he quickly became one of Sister Clara's favorite altar boys), and in 1934 graduated from Oakland High. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University, where he also won the Pacific Coast Lightweight Boxing Championship in 1939.
At the outbreak of WWII, Chuck joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained to fly the B-17 bomber as part of the 8th Air force, 303rd Bomb Group, 359th Squadron, based in England. He received numerous citations and medals for bravery, including the Oak Leaf Cluster and the Distinguished Flying Cross, retiring as Major Kerwin in 1946.
With first wife, Ruth, he settled in Oakland, California, working for Walker Engraving Co., and helping raise their 3 children. Chuck was a wonderful artist, famous for his humorous, hand painted birthday cards which were prized by friends and family. He built a cabin at Mt. Hamilton, California, where extended family and friends loved to swim, hike, hunt and fish, tell ghost stories, and play cards.
In 1971 he married Dorothy Franklin. They moved to Arcata where both were active with the American Cancer Society, driving patients to medical appointments, and with the Community Concert Series, hosting artists' receptions. Chuck contributed many hours to the Humboldt Literacy Project teaching adults to read and served on the Humboldt county Grand Jury.
He embodied the life of the heroes Tom Brokaw described in his book, "The Greatest Generation", who came of age during the Great Depression and WWII. He is lovingly remembered by friends and family for his easy laughter and gentle strength. We love and miss you.
Charles is survived by spouse, Dorothy M. Kerwin; son, John Kerwin of Reno, NV; step-sons, George Franklin of Castro Valley, CA, and Gary Franklin of Hydesville, California; daughters, Maggie Banducci of Arcata, California, and Katy Singlaub of Reno, NV; sister, Mary K Gunn, Minden, NV; grandchildren, Bryan Kerwin of Antioch, California, Brooke Simon of Boulder, Colorado, Mia Banducci of New York, N.Y., Bo Banducci of Arcata, California, Douglas Franklin of Castro Valley, California, and Ann Franklin of Los Angeles, California; nieces, Sally Gunn of Los Gatos, California, and Sue Ewald of Minden, NV.
He was preceded in death by brother, Jack Kerwin and first wife, Ruth Fite Kerwin.
A garden Memorial Service will be held at their home in late Spring, 2008.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Charles' honor to the Humboldt Co. Library, Arcata Branch, 500 7th Street, Arcata, or the American Cancer Society of Humboldt Del-Norte, 2942 F Street, Eureka.