Charles Rickershauser Jr.

Charles E. Rickershauser, Jr.

With sadness, his family announces the death of Charles E. (Chuck) Rickershauser, Jr., an exceptional man. He passed away on October 8, 2014 in Santa Barbara of complications from dementia.

Chuck taught us, made us laugh, introduced us to adventure, challenged us to think critically, and modeled solid values. He was a loving and generous man, privately sensitive, and loyal to family and friends. Under his lawyerly exterior, he could be mischievous and sometimes outrageous.

Born June 23, 1928 in Los Angeles, he graduated from Hollywood High School. He earned both his B.A. and law degree from UCLA. He graduated first in his class from UCLA Law School and served as editor-in-chief of the law review. Before law school, he served in the U.S. Army in the U.S. and Germany.

Following law school, Chuck clerked for Justice William O. Douglas at the Supreme Court and served as a special adviser to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Later he was a close ally of and served as California Corporations Commissioner for Gov. Pat Brown. In 1965 he joined the Los Angeles law firm that then became Munger, Tolles, Hills and Rickershauser, where he specialized in corporate and securities law. It was there that many of his favorite and most-admired people came into his life. Later in his career he served as Chairman and CEO of the Pacific Stock Exchange, Chairman and CEO of P.S. Group, and general counsel for Good Samaritan Hospital. He also served on the boards of City National Corporation, Vons, Lee Enterprises and the Constitutional Rights Foundation.

Chuck enjoyed people from all walks of life. Known for his rapier wit, great storytelling and wicked sense of humor, he enjoyed hiking, camping, sailing, traveling and pursuing many hobbies. He loved the Eastern Sierras and spent time there throughout his life.

Chuck had two children from his first marriage. He was pre-deceased by his son Paul, a loss he felt the rest of his life. He is survived by his beloved daughter Janet Rickershauser, son-in-law Jose Estabil, grandson David, sister Mary Frances Blackstone, aunt Rosemary Bauer and nieces and cousins. His second wife Robin grieves his loss and will be forever grateful for the large life she shared with him.

A memorial celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, 130 Harbor Way, from 3 – 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hollywood-Wilshire YMCA, Attn: M. Ochoa, 1553 Schrader Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 (ymcala.org/hollywood), the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (sbnature.org), or a charity of the donor's choice.

We are all unique but Chuck was truly off the charts. We treasure his part in our lives and will miss him always.