Charles W. Radcliffe

1922 - 2013

Charles W. Radcliffe
Feb. 14, 1922 - Dec. 6, 2013
Resident of Lafayette
After a childhood in Calexico, CA, Chuck went north to attend UC Berkeley in 1942, and in 1943 joined the US Navy's V12 program, serving on the USS New Mexico from 1944-1946, and becoming a LTJG USNR Engineer in the main propulsion division. He was awarded 3 battle stars for action in the Philippines and off Okinawa.
While his ship was in Boston in 1945, Chuck met Martha Clark. They married on February 18, 1946. Martha remained his love and life partner for over six decades, leaving his side in 2010.
After the war, Chuck resumed his studies at UC Berkeley, and became a member of the Mechanical Engineering faculty in 1956. He was a member of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, traveling the world to give lectures. He taught the theory and practice of mechanism design and worked for decades with the Veterans Administration. He invented the 4 bar Radcliffe knee and SACH foot, and worked with medical colleagues to improve artificial leg fitting techniques, receiving the ASME Design Division's Machine Design Award for his many contributions.
Chuck inspired his friends, students, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was always an enthusiastic engineer and problem solver, providing authoritative advice on any subject at a moments notice. He urged those around him to be the best they could be. Surviving to cherish his memory are his five children: Clark Radcliffe (Arlene), Kimberly Medlin (Jerry), William Radcliffe (Lori), Lisa Radcliffe, Kevin Radcliffe (Linda), his fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to the Bruns House in Walnut Creek, CA. The family plans a celebration of his life at the UC Berkeley Faculty Club. For information on the time and date, email: clark.j.radcliffe@gmail.com.