Charles-Tester-Obituary

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Charles J. ""Coach Chuck"" Tester

Richmond, Virginia

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DIED
August 8, 2013
LOCATION
Richmond, Virginia

Obituary

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Funeral and Cremation Service Obituary

Charles ?Coach Chuck? Junior Tester, 74, went to coach his beloved game of basketball with the supreme coach. He had a long battle with heart disease and melanoma cancer and fought bravely with the same compassion and skill that propelled him to be one of the winningest coaches in Virginia. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Tester. He is survived by his mother, Annie Tester; long-time devoted partner, Linda M. Bourgeois; son, Jonathan ?Drew? Tester and his wife, Jessica and their daughters Katherine Belle and Ruby Pierce; son, Michael Tester and his wife, Lorie; daughter, Tanya Rosser, her husband Bill and their children, Paxton and Hank; daughter, Crystal Sawka and her husband Andrew and their sons Greyson and Thomas. ?Coach? will be greatly missed by his longtime golf, billiard and poker buddies and far too many students, friends and community members to mention. Born Charles Junior Tester in Elizabethton, Tenn., the only child of Raymond and Annie Tester, he graduated from Happy Valley High School and Milligan College playing key basketball positions with both teams. After a brief time teaching and coaching in Southwest, VA, he moved east where he taught and coached in the Chesterfield County School System for over 40 years. He joined L.C. Bird High School in 1978, the year it opened and taught P.E., driver?s education and coached girls? and boys? basketball, track, golf and served as Athletic Director. He retired from teaching in 2000, but continued to coach. After a brilliant career that yielded numerous regional and district Coach of the Year awards, L.C. Bird and Chesterfield County School System honored him by naming the gymnasium the ?Chuck Tester Gymnasium? and retiring his jersey for his years of service. He was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame at L.C. Bird and The Country Club at The Highlands Men?s Golf Association. The family will receive friends at his memorial gathering at the ?Chuck Tester Gymnasium? at L.C. Bird High School, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday August 16, 2013. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the name of Charles J. Tester Athletic Scholarship Fund and sent to L.C. Bird High School, 10301 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

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Rest in peace "Coach Chuck"

I am sorry that he's gone. He was my gym teacher and a very nice guy--he played volleyball with me when no one else would. I graduated with his son, Drew, in '95. My condolences to his entire family.

Chuck Tester was my basketball and track coach from 1984 to 1987. I can't began to tell you all the things this man taught me. I will truley miss him.

Words cannot express our sympathy for his loving family and partner, Linda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

Coach Tester was a major influence in my son, Jed Birch's life. Jed worked for Coach Tester doing a variety of jobs from setting up fields, take scores during basketball games or filling drink machines. Coach Tester gave him behind the wheel training and inspired him in so many ways. He was a great male role model for my son. Thank you for being there for him. You are missed!! Shirley Tourigny

Chuck Tester was my coach in 1975 at chester middle school - he was a mentor of mine then and always will be - I will keep your family in my prayers

Our prayers to his family. Celebrating the joy and laughter he brought to those who knew him. He was a great friend.

Celebrating a life well lived. To the Family you are in our prayers. Thanks Coach for all of the life lessons you taught us and that ride to the State championship Game.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.