Charles W. Rees

1936 - 2022

Charles W. Rees February 5, 1936 - February 5, 2022 San Diego Always with attention to detail, Charles W. Rees Jr., died on his 86th birthday, Feb. 5.
He was born that day in 1936 to Nancy and Dr. Charles Rees, Sr., and was the middle of three children: with older sister Nancy and younger brother Robert predeceasing him. Charles spent almost all his life in San Diego.
He graduated from San Diego High School (Cavers, Cavers, sis boom bah!) in 1953, then earned his bachelor's and law degrees from Stanford in just six years, becoming one of the youngest licensed attorneys in San Diego.
Charles joined the McGinnis Fitzgerald law firm in 1960, and quickly became a name partner and one of San Diego's most effective trial lawyers. He used his practical intelligence, integrity and keen wit to charm juries, clients and colleagues. He practiced with the same firm in his 45-year career, developing lifelong friendships and mentoring many younger attorneys in San Diego. He took great pride in the recognition of his work when admitted to the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.
He also valued his work with Powell Foundation, which he proudly served until his death.
Charles met his first wife, Dorothy, at Stanford; they married on campus in 1957, and had four children. The marriage ended in 1971, yet Charlie remained an active and engaged father in his childrens' lives.
Charlie then met the love of his life, Judith Marie Rees; they married in 1973.
Charlie developed a love for traveling early in life, touring Europe with his family in a VW bus. He traveled extensively as an adult, throughout the U.S. and Mexico and visiting Europe several times. He spent countless days skiing in the Mammoth area and backpacking in the Eastern Sierras. He summited Mt. Whitney (14,496 feet) three times.
He was also an avid and skilled woodworker, which he focused on in retirement, building many beautiful pieces of furniture for Judy, his children and grandchildren, signing most works with the inscription "Pops."
Charlie and Judy loved spending time together, traveling, attending social functions (particularly the Blackstone Ball), hosting parties and large family gatherings. They also cherished quiet, intimate dinners together.
Charlie loved animals, particularly dogs. He spent countless hours walking Tank, his basset hound, in Point Loma.
It broke Charlie's heart when Judy died in 2015. Yet he continued to travel, visiting England, Ireland and Paris, and many trips up the West Coast to see family. Appropriately, his favorite movie was, "It's a Wonderful Life."
He is survived by daughter Jane Stebbins; son John Rees; daughter Anne Rees (Dr. Shawn Slack); son David (Linly Rees) son Andrew (Mairyn Rees); and grandchildren, Erin Stebbins, Dr. Margaret Slack, Katherine Slack, Toms Rees, Carolyn Slack and Vivienne Rees.
He will be missed by his large circle of friends.
And we miss you, Pops.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the San Diego Humane Society, the Wounded Warriors Project and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Services will be announced later.