Charles Russell GOSLEE

Charles R. Goslee, known to his friends and family as Russ, passed away on July 24, 2014 after a long illness. Russ was a long-time resident of Santa Rosa. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Anna J. Goslee. He was born in Centralia, Washington to David Grover and Ora Ellen Goslee on October 28, 1924 into a loving family including two older brothers Robert and Ernest, deceased. Russ is survived by son David R. Goslee and daughter-in-law Keithette Laughton, of Tempe, Arizona, son Richard D. Goslee, and daughter-in-law Ann Elizabeth Goslee, of Oakland, California, and daughter Mary Reyes and son-in-law Jose Reyes, of Vacaville, California, his grandchildren Katherine and David Robert Goslee, Brittni and Brian Reyes, and Laura J. Goslee, step-grandchildren Justin and Brandon Reyes, and great grandchildren Dylan and Dodge. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Josephine Ballard of Healdsburg, California. Russ was a loyal, loving husband and father who served his country, family and community faithfully in many positive ways. Russ retired from the US Navy in 1970 with a distinguished service career that spanned World War Two, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. Like many of his generation during World War Two, he joined the US Navy while still in high school. After the war, he worked at Hamilton Air Force base in Novato, California. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Russ stayed in the US Navy and made it his career. The family was always excited to see him return safely to port from the many extended deployments during the 50s and 60s. After retirement from the service in 1970, the family moved to Santa Rosa. He then began a second career working for the Santa Rosa School District. He retired from the district in 1989. Russ had many and varied interests, both while working and in retirement, including coaching girls softball, playing cards, abalone diving, fishing, gardening, travel and most importantly, enjoying family gatherings and holidays. He was an avid sports fan of both the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He was a 20-year season ticker-holder with the 49ers. He also enjoyed playing golf, and in retirement could be found teeing off early on weekday mornings with his friends at Bennett Valley Golf Course in Santa Rosa. Friends and family are invited to a reception and celebration of Russ's life at the Eggen and Lance Chapel, 1540 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, California, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 1st, 2014.