1931
2016
Charles "Chuck" Ernest Lester passed peacefully at the age of 84 on Sunday morning January 17, 2016, at his home in Rancho Mirage surrounded by his family. Chuck was born December 17, 1931 in Elgin, Illinois, the second child of Alice Glover Lester and Ernest Grant Lester. In 1936 he and his family relocated to West Los Angeles, California. In 1936 the Lester Family including his sister, Sally and brother, John moved to West Los Angeles. As a young man he delivered papers and caddied at Riviera Country Club where he found an interest in golf. He attended High School at University High for a brief period, but after his father died he moved to Unity, Oregon where he lived with and worked on his Uncle's ranch. He learned what hard work was all about. He learned to ride horses, herding and branding cattle, milking cows, tending to the crops and taking care of his own calf who had lost its mother. He attended Vale High School and graduated in 1949. He then returned to California in 1950 where he attended Menlo Junior College and worked for a tree service company while attending school until 1951 He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean war and served on 3 destroyers as sonar/radar and navigation operator. While serving on one of the ships in the Sea of Japan they endured severe storms and very rough water where he was nearly washed overboard. Thankfully there was another crew member close by who pulled him back on deck. He served honorably until his discharge in 1955. Chuck was extremely proud to say he had been apart of the United States military and supported them until his last day. In 1976, Chuck and his wife, Jacquelyn, purchased a home in the Silver Spur Ranch area of Palm Desert, they commuted between their desert home and their condominium in Century City for approximately 4 years, in 1981 he sold his interest in Charterhouse Investment Company to retire to the desert permanently. He had a great knowledge of property values and loved the challenge of buying, selling, remodeling and building homes in the desert area which were many. He was an active real estate broker and received his appraisers license many years prior to his move to the desert. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, mother to daughters Stephanie (Craig) Kastl, Kendall (John) Carson, Holli (Brian) Finan, son, Kirk Crompton, his daughter Lori Lester, son Gary Lester, stepsons, Steve (Debbi) Stone, Jeff (Eva) Stone and 14 grandchildren, Andrea, Evan, Shauna, Trevor, Andrew "AJ", Jordan, Randi, Mckenzie, Kelli, Kevin, Chelsey, Nick, Tom, Joe, Kaitlin and 2 great grandchildren, Cason and Hank. He will be remembered for his integrity, diligence, mentorship, zest for life, generosity, strong sense of family and a wit that never ended. He was our boulder.
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Just heard of his passing. Many tears. He was my Dad away from Dad. Loved him very much. My heart aches. All of my memories of him are fond. Take care and best wishes. Joni Tattersfield.
Joni Tattersfield
Family
January 9, 2019
Jackie, I was genuinely saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. You and Chuck came up when I lunched last Monday with a friend from the Charterhouse days who worked for Ione Haugh. You hired me in 1977 to be Chuck's secretary but doubt you'll remember me. I stayed 11 years; and while the work was still satisfying, I missed you both. No boss thereafter measured up to the easy-going Chuck who was kind, respectful, appreciative and trusting. I was pleased to see you have a large family for support and am sorry for your loss Best wishes, Suzanne Goodwin
Suzanne Goodwin
September 5, 2016
Dear Jackie and Family,
Please accept my deepest Sympathy.
He will be missed.
Arlene Daugherty
February 1, 2016
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 2Corr 1:3,4
B.Cagle
January 31, 2016
Bravo well said. Never forget
January 31, 2016
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your famiy for your loss. Ron and Marge Hanna
January 31, 2016
May the God of comfort and peace be with your family at this time of bereavement.
January 27, 2016
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