Charles Ballbach

1936 - 2022

With heavy hearts we said goodbye to our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather on August 31st, 2022. He fought hard to the end and, with his sharp mind, gave us memories in his last days that we will cherish forever!
Charles was born in Flushing, New York and moved to Alpine in 1946. He graduated from Grossmont High School. During summers and in his time off, from the time he was 15, he volunteered for the Forest Service. This garnered him the nickname "Ranger Chuck", which he loved, from the Jones family. He then attended Grossmont Jr. College and earned a master's degree in Fine Arts from San Diego State University. Charles was proud of his education, as he accomplished this while working at Teledyne Ryan as a tool design engineer, retiring in 1996. After graduating, he made the decision to stay with Ryan to provide for the family. His education was not directly related to engineering, but gave him opportunities to grow in his career. He became a supervisor, union steward, and had an opportunity to travel to Israel with co-workers on business. This was a highlight in his career, and visiting Israel again became one trip left on his "bucket list". Charles also taught adult education. He felt he learned a lot about himself and human nature through teaching, and met many of his longtime friends through these classes and various art groups.
We hold warm memories from Charlie's two long and loving marriages. Charlie married Jacqueline in 1957. They spent 40 years together until her early passing. Charlie and Jackie had two daughters, Jo Ann (born in 1957) and Nancy (born in 1959). Jo passed away in 1972. Charlie and Carol married in 1997 and were able to spend the past 25 wonderful years together.
Charlie was deeply passionate about art, travel, theater, music, and golf. He peered into history, culture, and politics with a penchant for heated debate. You can find many of Charlie's letters to the Editor in the San Diego Union Tribune. He loved corresponding with the editors. Charlie loved to travel to help deepen his understanding of various cultures. His travels often resulted in gifts to his friends and loved ones to help broaden their horizons. Carol and Charlie took many trips together as well, and also enjoyed attending the local theater. Their favorites being Off-Broadway Live in Santee and Cygnet in Old Town.
We may or may not miss his "rants", but we will surely miss Charlie, Dad, Grandpa and all the joy he brought into our lives. Our families will come together with strength and continue to live life to the fullest, just as Charlie, Dad, Grandpa, would want!
Carol (Buckborough) Ballbach - Sons Mike, Mat, and BJ Jones, with their families. Mike & Donna, Michelle, Stephanie & Brent (and children Ellie & Beau); Andy; Mat & Schalena, Nyla; BJ & Jewellee, Katie and Allison.
Nancy (Ballbach) Chambers - Sons John and Brian Chambers, with their families. John & Jill (and daughter Avery); Brian & his partner Ava Selbach; Nancy's partner Dennis Mills, Brian and Sean; Nancy's Danish "Siblings", Lise, Kristian and Mette.