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Charlie Min Chan

1954 - 2018

BORN

1954

DIED

2018

About

University of California| Berkeley

Charlie Chan Obituary

Charlie Min Chan passed away on February 25th from a hiking accident at Hanauma Bay in Hawaii. Born on June 12, 1954 in Sacramento, Charlie received his degree from UC Berkeley and his MBA from CSUS. He recently celebrated 3 1/2 years of retirement from the State of California. Charlie was the life of every party and extremely gregarious, hosting Chan Family Dinners and various social gatherings. His passions were traveling the world and volunteering for numerous organizations. Survived by his daughter, Alexandra Chan; sisters, Stephanie (Dennis) Woo and Pearline (Creighton) Wong; brother, Stephen Jr. (Cindy) Chan; 5 nieces/nephews; 7 grand-nieces/nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. M. Chan; and niece, Kimberly Bagley. With his self-description of being "hip, hop and happening," Charlie not only lived life on his terms but with a flair for dramatics. His bright smile and effervescent personality will be immensely missed. Per his request, no service will be held. Guests may visit at his home on Saturday (March 10th) from 12 to 3. Direct questions to [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Charlie Chan

36 Entries

Andy SooHoo

March 2, 2024

Charlie,

Still think about you from time to time.
You left us too soon!

Andy SooHoo

March 2, 2021

Hey Charlie! This popped up on my email so I just want to say something to keep your memory alive!

Andy SooHoo

Steven Picco

September 30, 2018

Dear Chan Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Charles. I worked closely with him for many years at DHS, and he attended my Superbowl parties. He was a great guy to know. I am very sad he passed.
Steven Picco, Esq.

Andy SooHoo

April 28, 2018

I met Charlie at Cal in a Cantonese class back around 1972. He was forever laughing and loved good gossip. I remember how meticulous he was with his house when he first had it built. He even included a spacious in-law unit with a private entrance for his mom if she ever wanted to move in.
Charlie, thanks for inviting me up to Sacramento that summer where I joined you in Japanese line dancing at your Obon festival.
I was shocked to hear the news from Russell Kan just last week while we were playing golf. Always thought we'd get together for a few laughs.
You're going to be missed.

Anonymous

April 20, 2018

Wow an amazing man , I am glad to have met you and my children are very saddened. You have touched so many and will always be a part of our life .

Justin Jang

March 16, 2018

Charles and I shared a cubicle wall. But we shared more than that, jokes, laughs, and so much sarcasm. Charles taught me how to never let anything anger you, the ability to let something go. He taught me that there's way more to life than just working for a pay check. Thank you Charles for always making me laugh. One reservation to Cafe con Carlos please!

Always a place at the Mah Jong table for you.

March 16, 2018

Mah Jong was in Charlie's blood... you will always have a seat at the table and a place in our hearts. Our condolences from the ACC Mah Jong Club. Aloha, Liz

Anonymous

March 14, 2018

I had mr.chan as a sub since I was in 4th grade now I'm in 8th grade I've seen him throught the Elementary school and I'd say hi and he would always make me laugh because he would put these earrings on but the were stickers and I'm really going to miss him a lot

Robert & Anita Yust

March 13, 2018

He was so much fun to hang out with at NAVY softball games....he was a joyful personality that blessed us all. He will be missed.

Michael Fitzwater

March 13, 2018

I will miss Charlie. I knew him from work. He was always so optimistic and cheerful when I saw him. A ray of light that was extinguished much to soon.

Lorna and Marty Ammond

March 12, 2018

Alex,
We are so sad to hear of your Dad's passing. He was so much fun to hang out with at softball and other Academy events. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Randall Ishida

March 10, 2018

It's hard to believe a good life cut short. I've known you since junior high & High school . I remember after school we walked to Sac City, ate in the cafeteria or go to the Library and pretended we were college material. The homecoming & turkey games were fun too....we never did watch the games but watched the cheer leaders instead. Everytime your mom would serve some herbal tea ...(we never knew what kind it was -but it sure tasted good ). These are fond memories - Thanks for being in my life ...RIP...

April Fab

March 10, 2018

I have always been impressed at how Mr. Chan has always seemed ever-cheerful, up-for-anything, always willing to help.

March 10, 2018

My condolences. May God's Word and loyal love comfort you at this time. ~Psalms 136:23

March 9, 2018

I am still in disbelief about Charlie's passing. My sincere condolences. As many others
have posted, Charlie was blessed with an infectious smile, engaging spirit and upbeat personality that he freely shared with all around him. Truly, he was a character, in the best sense of the word, and an unrelenting ambassador for CKM's class of 72. Thank you, Charlie. You will be missed for many reasons and your memory will always invoke a smile for me.
Rhonda Rhoades Lake

Leslie Jones

March 9, 2018

I worked with Mr. Chan at LCS and we always had a great time working with him. The children loved him and he was such a caring person. He will be missed my me. I am so sorry to hear such sad news, my prayers are with his loved ones. God Bless

Jim Briggs

March 9, 2018

I met Charlie at CK McClatchy High School and I can honestly say I've never seen him without a smile on his face and a laugh on his lips. My condolences to all of his family and many, many friends. His sudden passing is a reminder to all of how precious and fragile life is. RIP Charlie

Karen Nelson

March 9, 2018

Family and friends of Charles,
My heart sank when I saw his name in the paper - how could someone so full of life be gone already. I worked with Charles at Dept of Health for many years. He had such an upbeat personality and that awesome smile. He always brightened my day. My deepest sympathy.

Cece

March 8, 2018

Mr. Chan. So shocked and sad when we heard of your passing. We loved working with you at Lighthouse Charter school. Always smiling and willing to help in any way. You will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family.

Tess Morris

March 8, 2018

I am so sorry to hear this news. Mr.Chan was always our "go to" substitute teacher. Mr. Chan I will miss your laugh and your bright spirit.

Lena Herrera

March 8, 2018

My sincere condolences to a true friend, who lived next door to us as a young boy on Norm Circle.

Love Lena (Frank) Herrera

Tami Moy

March 8, 2018

I've known Steve and Charlie since junior high school.

Yes, Charlie had an infectious laugh and a handsome smile.

The last time I saw him he was an usher at the B Street Theatre.

Charlie will be truly missed.

My deepest sympathy to the Chan Clan.

Anthony Oreglia

March 8, 2018

Charles was one of our best research analysts in the Center for Health Statistics. I enjoyed working with him and his great sense of humor.

May Linn & Barry Lee

March 8, 2018

Having to known Charlie since high school, he has not changed one bit. He has always been the life of the party with his infectious smile, laughing & joking all the time. He was just the social butterfly then as he was now. Charlie will truly be missed but my memories of him will live on. Our deepest condolences to the Chan family.

Danh Truong

March 8, 2018

Definitely the life of the party and one of the most interesting people I've met.

RIP Charles

Frank Sullivan

March 8, 2018

Charlie, you will be truly missed as you have been missed here at DHCS. You were always an positive and up beat person of personality. I am happy you had the opportunity to enjoy the last 3 1/2 years doing what you loved the most. RIP my friend!!

Missy Alemu

March 8, 2018

I am deeply saddened by the news of Charlie passing. My heart felt condolences to the family. He will be truly missed and I will included him in my prayers. May his soul rest in peace, I firmly believe that God will accept him with open arms for all the goods he has done while he was on this earth. RIP.
Missy

Christina Alires

March 8, 2018

You will be missed Charlie and God bless you.

Shane Singh

March 8, 2018

Deepest sympathy to your family.

Grant Gassman

March 8, 2018

I worked with Charles for many years. I could always count on him for an interesting conversation, as well as a few laughs.

Char & Joe Yuke

March 8, 2018

Charlene and I were shocked to hear of Charlie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very, very difficult time. God Bless you all and Charlie!

March 8, 2018

I am deeply saddened by the news of Charles passing. My heart felt condolences to the family. He will be truly missed and I will include him in my daily prayers. May his soul rest in peace, I firmly believe that God will accept him with open arms for all the goods he has done while he was on this earth. RIP!!

Missy

March 8, 2018

In sympathy:

Michael Alexander

Serene Erby

March 8, 2018

I worked with Charles for years and was his friend after his retirement. He was ALWAYS the life of the party, I called him the social butterfly, laughing, laughing, laughing. He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest.

Cori Mallonee

March 8, 2018

My condolences to his family. I always enjoyed speaking with him in passing.