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Charles Sonne Obituary
December 10, 1938 - May 1, 2022
Orinda, California - Charles George Sonne, much better known as Pete, of Orinda, California, left us on May 1, 2022 at the age of 83, after a lifetime of making friends everywhere, filling the room with funny one-liners, playing a prank or two on his friends and family, and working hard in multiple long careers. Whether he was frequenting the college bars of Berkeley, rounding up cattle with his horse pals, or roaming his almond orchard with one of the many dogs who "found" him, Pete always brought out some bright side of life (except when he was watching a 49ers game).
Charles was born on December 10, 1938, in South Pasadena, California. At an early age, he stopped looking like "little Chucky" and soon became "Pete." He attended South Pasadena High School and UC Berkeley. Pete had a 33-year career in sales, mainly selling corrugated packaging, and a 31-year career as an almond farmer. Pete also served in the US Army and US Army Reserves from 1961 to 1974, retiring as a captain. He was passionate about his work and cared about doing the right thing for his colleagues and employees. His four-month retirement, starting in January 2022, was far too short.
Pete is survived by his wife Muriel, his son Peter and wife Holly, daughter Linda and husband Scott, and grandchildren Annika and Ashton Sonne and Peter and Scotty Harrison.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation or Bay Area Ridge Trail.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Sonne
2 Entries
Clem Shute
July 24, 2022
Pete was a very special friend although I had not seen him for years. I particularly remember our time playing softball together. He heckled opposing team players, always had a joke to tell, played pranks on us after games and always led post game beer drinking. In one game he pitched for the other team when they were short players. When I came up to bat, he told them where I usually hit the ball and laughed. I got no hits that night! But if you ever needed help, Pete would be there.
Bill & Sandy Rodriguez
May 7, 2022
Muriel, our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
We will always remember him and the good times we had attending the many clinics and dinners together with you.
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