CHARLES AUGER MIRANDON Jr.

MIRANDON Jr., CHARLES AUGER Charles Auger Mirandon, Jr. was born on November 28, 1927 in Paterson, NJ, to Charles Auger Mirandon and Gladys Mirandon. The early days of Charles Jr.'s life were difficult, and in 1935 the Mirandon family lost their New Jersey home when they could no longer afford their thirty-five dollar monthly mortgage payment. For the next five years, the Mirandon family lived with family and friends in New Jersey and across the east coast. Charles A. Mirandon Sr., who was a cartoonist, struggled to provide for his family during this time, and for a short while they all resided in an abandoned train car. Eventually the family headed west, and Charles Jr. graduated high school with honors in Phoenix in 1945. Upon graduating, Charles served in the Marine Corps during World War II. A natural athlete, Charles excelled in basketball and football, and in 1946 his USMC basketball team won a national championship. Following his military service, Charles completed a BA in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix. A love of gardening and Mexican culture then led Charles to Sinaloa, Mexico where he grew cotton for several years, made lasting friendships, broke many hearts and became fluent in Spanish. In 1952, the Mirandon family settled in La Jolla, CA, and by 1955 Charles Jr. resided in La Jolla with his parents. When his father passed away in 1965, Charles took over the outdoor advertising business his father had started, Mirandon Outdoor. Under his leadership, the small business grew tremendously, and by the early 80's the name Mirandon hung beneath many billboards across San Diego county. Charles sold Mirandon Outdoor in 1986, and spent the remaining years of his retirement traveling and dancing to country western music with his long time companion, Shirley Jones. An avid reader, Charles read over four newspapers a day, and could beat the best Jeopardy contestants on any given night. A man of extreme intelligence, integrity and generosity, Charles was an eternal optimist who enjoyed making others laugh. He also had a big heart and was loved by all who knew him. He will be forever remembered for his quick wit, sparkling blue eyes, warm laughter, and ability to make even a bad joke funny. On September 12, 2010, Charles died peacefully in his home of natural causes. Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Noel Blase. He is survived by his daughter Michelle Mirandon-Reece, his two nieces Cece Blase and Leslie Lodestro, and many cousins. Charles was buried at El Camino Memorial Park with Military Honors on September 26. To view his online tribute, go to: www.tributes.com/mirandon