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Charles Garrison Obituary
(1959 – 2014)
Charles H. Garrison III (Chuck) died unexpectedly at his home in Long Beach, California at the age of 54. He was our brother, our friend and a gift from above. Chuck graduated from NC State University in 1981 with a degree in engineering. He was a US Army officer for 4 years, an airborne Ranger, and his passion for the deep waters led him to dive school in Panama City, FL, achieving the rank of Captain. Chuck was an underwater engineer holding a PE license in ten states. He received his Master's degree at GW University and ended up working for the Port of Long Beach before retiring in 2012. Chuck was an avid runner and his other hobbies included bicycling, hiking, skateboarding, swimming, diving for lobster, home construction projects, and collecting art. His philanthropy efforts helped others with their dream of higher education. He helped many students; including relatives complete their degrees through various sponsorship programs. Chuck is survived by 4 sisters and 2 brothers, plus 2 nephews, 3 nieces and numerous friends. His smile was magical and he touched many lives. He will be missed by us all. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Garrison
Joel Pinnix
August 30, 2014
Chuck was one of a kind and one of the best. Remembering him from JEB Stuart and NC State very fondly - always upbeat and smiling. He once bicycled from Raleigh to Wrightsville Beach (over 130 miles in a day) where we met up and spent a uproarious weekend. The only time I ever saw Chuck tired was at the end of that ride, but he recovered quickly. He was tireless, upbeat and relentlessly good natured! He will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family.
Brenda Mayer
July 27, 2014
Chuck,
You were a high school friend and such a great guy. Your smile was amazing and you kindness was too. It sounds like you touched many people with your life and that doesn't surprise me. You will be missed good friend.
Brenda Mayer (Baker)
Anita Hartke
July 24, 2014
Chuck, I miss you but am sure you are in heaven and will catch up with you there.
You were my high school prom date and ventured to ride horses with me when young. I was so happy to have known you, a wonderful and honorable guy xo
Brian Lutz
July 22, 2014
Heaven look out! This guy has one of the purest hearts you'll ever see!! All my highschool memories of you make me smile ...
Cynthia Dejoie
July 22, 2014
He was always such a sweet kid in high school. I sat with him at our 20th reunion and he shared some of his life stories. Chuck was a man who was happy with his life. The universe will miss him.
Kim Brichant
July 21, 2014
Chuck, ever the smiler. Such a warm, genuine person. Your frienship was a gift to many. So glad I was fortunate enough to have spent time with you growing up into the wonderful man you became. Sleep sweet!
April 20, 2014
Happy Easter my beloved brother. Thinking about you daily and missing you so much.
Beth
Terry Ballard
April 6, 2014
So long for now Chuck… What a great guy you are. I will always remember you coming down the slopes at Whistler, British Columbia in 1994. And ice skating on New Years Eve at the sculpture garden in downtown, D.C. Thanks for all the laughs over the years. We will miss you.
Elie Hleiss
April 4, 2014
My sincerest condolences to the family of a great person, may he rest in peace.
April 4, 2014
you are and were sorely missed
P Brian Duffy
Crandall Dry Dock Engineers
Jim Lisehora
March 2, 2014
I am still in shock from the email from Stan on January 19th. Chuck had so much life, so much youth, so much energy. For now I will not accept that he is gone and I will continue to be inspired by him and keep trying to catch up with him (and his dog Space, who was always faithfully at his side). A fellow engineer, ACC grad, runner, cyclist, skier, swimmer, traveller, landlord/renovator. Right down to liking the same songs off the same Lightning Seeds CD, we lived such parallel lives. How can it be that his was cut so short?
February 10, 2014
A true Gentleman !!!!!
February 10, 2014
So sad to learn of Chuck's transition. One could not ask for a more loving, giving and genuine friend. I'm sure Chucks up there running circles around all of the other Angels. In Sobriety, Tim L. Brown, Palm Springs
February 10, 2014
To the best older brother a gal could ever ask for, thank you Jesus! Can't wait to see you again!
I love you forever, Barbara
Sheryl Bender
February 10, 2014
Sorry to hear this sad news- my condolences to the family.
Emmanuel Lamptey
February 10, 2014
Hi Chuck, I really miss you. I was shocked when I heard you passed away. I remember when you gave your sister to me during my wedding. It was a blessing knowing you, I could have seen you more and more but you lived far away. I really miss you a lot. Rest in Peace.
Mark Perras
February 9, 2014
It was great being stationed with you in Turkey, where you taught me how to snorkel.Camps on the beach were fun! Meeting back up in DC years after we left Turkey, and then both ending up in Long Beach. Your constant positive attitude and perpetual smile will be missed. God bless you And rest in peace Chuck.
your kiddo (Caroline)
February 9, 2014
I miss you brother!
Faye Heller
February 6, 2014
Chuck,
I had only known you through several Port projects. But your kindness and friendly smile had touched me just like it did so many people around you.
It is sad to hear your passing, but I'm also glad that you are at a better place now, a forever home with the Lord.
Jorge C
February 6, 2014
So sad to hear this...he was a great person full of enthusiasm who enjoyed his work. Rest in Peace.
Bruce Hong
February 6, 2014
I'm sorry to hear this unexpected passing of Chuck. He was a great person to work with. He'll be missed.
Todd Henry
February 6, 2014
Chuck was one of the best. We had many great times together and I still quote him often, "Why are you moving like pond water?" A big hug to all of Chuck's siblings.
Gail Wasil
February 6, 2014
I am so sorry. He was such a nice guy. I had worked with him on a few things and then saw him volunteering at the Long Beach triatholon. He was very encouraging. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Ramanjit Brar
February 6, 2014
News of Chuck's passing is an utter shock. He had fathomless passion for Marine Engineering. I had pleasure of working with him for short five years. His unique sense of humor will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace Chuck...
jose carrasquillo
February 6, 2014
you were the most genuine person I ever new. I ache for your family and all of those that knew you. Rest in peace, but keep training. They must have 10ks in heaven.
Diana Reznik
February 6, 2014
I wish I was able to Thank you in person for giving me advice how to prepare for my PE license. Your suggestions helped me, I passed the test. RIP, you will be missed.
Diana Reznik
February 6, 2014
I wish I was able to Thank you in person for giving me advice how to prepare for my PE license. Your suggestions helped me, I passed the test. RIP, you will be missed.
sheri conley
February 6, 2014
Rest in Peace, Chuck and take that smile and humor with you. Sorry we never got to go lobster diving. You have been missed.
Stan Wasinger
February 6, 2014
Chuck was a unique friend that I had the privilege of knowing for 28 years. His warm heart and generous spirit enriched my life in so many ways. He leaves a legacy of kindness and companionship that will be sorely missed.
Dana De Vera
February 5, 2014
Rest in peace Chuck...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I enjoyed working with you at the Port.
Peter Forsythe
February 5, 2014
I'm very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. It is a shock. I have good memories of hiking and walking at lunch time with Chuck. He was a very intersting man with a variety of interests and a warm smile . . .
Tony Chemali
February 5, 2014
May you rest in peace Chuck.
Gamal Elgaali
February 5, 2014
Sorry to hear this bad news!
My thoughts are with him amnd his family...
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