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Wittenberg University

William Charles Obituary

William Riley Charles Surrounded by friends Bill passed away at Kaiser Hospital, Marin County Jan 2, 2013 one week after an accident at home. He was born to his mother Ruth and father William Von Waibel in Los Angeles, along with his twin brother, Richard Winship Charles. After his mothers second marriage to Robert Charles the boys were adopted by Mr. Charles and the family moved to Mansfield Ohio.
Bill attended Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio. He was an active and popular student serving as president of his fraternity and also working as a model for fashion magazines.
He served in World War II in the United States Army in Hawaii. He later lived in Florida and at one time owned and operated an eponymous men's clothing store in Palm Beach. Subsequently he moved to San Fransisco in 1955 where he became a successful Real Estate broker. In 1964 he moved to Sausalito California where he purchased "the Sausalito Sweet Shop Restaurant". After building it up after about 10 years he purchased the historic Fiedler General Store building next door. His intention was to move his place into a new expanded home. In the early eighties he extensively remodeled the building and added a second floor. Upon relocating the restaurant in its new digs he then changed the name to "Winship Restaurant" in honor of his mother (Winship was her maiden name). Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for many years and famous for its New England clam chowder (that Bill often made himself). The operation was very popular with locals and tourists alike. In 2011 he sold the restaurant after 48 years and retired.
In his lifetime he traveled extensively - often with his brother who had a very successful travel agency and import business in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Bill owned many fine automobiles and was active in the Rolls Royce Owners Club serving at one time as president of the Northern California chapter. In his lifetime he also loved yachting and owned some lovely boats which were always beautifully maintained.
There will be a small private service at Christ Episcopal Church in Sausalito on Friday January 11 at 2 pm.
Bill is survived by his many wonderful friends including J. Gwynne Wilson, MD and Tom Mahoney.
He enriched the lives of many with his quick wit, infectious smile and boundless generosity. He was known to always be intelligent, fair, thoughtful, gentle and kind. He will be missed by many.
A tribute memorial party is to be held at a future date in the parish hall of Christ Church in Sausalito. Those wishing to attend the party should please email [email protected] or call 415-754-3044 to obtain the details including the date and time.
Donations may be made to the Marin Audubon Society or the American Lung Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for William Charles

19 Entries

nancy benn

December 14, 2020

I stumbled upon this when doing a search for the Sausalito Sweet Shop - I worked for Bill as a food server in 1970 - 71! I'm in the midst of writing a memoir. I can still visualize him in the back corner of the restaurant cooking on the weekends :) He made up a playful name for me: "Duma-flitchet -- or Dumy for short. Amazing.

November 18, 2020

As anyone who knew Bill...... Simply a delightful soul. Always kind, considerate, intelligent, humorous, an individual whom you always looked forward to being within his company. Truly a gentleman, making the world a better place each day. I wish the world was abundant with such.............

Louis Mitchell

February 2, 2013

It was only within the last few minutes that I learned of William's passing. I regret I missed the memorial service. He ran a fine establishment(Winship Restaurant). I use to see him now and then at the restaurant and would say hello or goobye to him. May he rest in peace.

David Dyer

January 16, 2013

So saddened to hear this. I've known Bill for many many years. Once lived across the street from him. Always kind, great sense of humer. He will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Austin & Barbara Kilburn

January 14, 2013

We have known you and Gwynne for a long time in the RROC(Rolls Royce Owners Club). We'll always remember your fun manner, your lovely Phantom I, and the support you gave our club over so many years. We will miss you
Bill. Austin and Barbara Kilburn

Liz and Doug Watts

January 11, 2013

Bill was such a genuinely nice person. He instantly made you feel at home and wanted to make sure your every need was met. We have many fond memories with him when we visited Sausalito, most of them from 23 years ago when we were first married and living in Sunnyvale. Rest in peace Bill...we know you are chatting it up in heaven and making sure everyone has what they need!

Dusti & Adrianne Rhodes

January 11, 2013

Bill was one of the first people we met when we arrived in Sausalito over 25 years ago. His engaging wit and the twinkle in his eye will remain a constant in the landscape of our memories. We'll miss him.

"No one ever really dies until the last person who remembers him is gone."

Twins - Bill & Dick - 1988

Steve Meyer

January 10, 2013

Twins - Dick & Bill - 1988

Steve Meyer

January 10, 2013

January 9, 2013

When I first came to Sausalito in 1970
I ate almost every meal at the Sweet Shoppe. He was always encouraging in our conversations. For me it was like that small town family atmosphere. And all the years that followed.
I will miss you Bill.
Bernie Feeney , Sausalito

January 8, 2013

I met Bill over a year ago while we rebuilt his deck. What a great man...I really enjoyed our conversations and listening to his stories, about the car business and restaurants..and so on..He was a very gentle and kind man.I'll never forget him....Rest in Peace Bill
Kevin Zydonis

Patty, Jerry, Tony Murphy

January 8, 2013

We will miss seeing Bill when we visit Tom in Sausalito. His kindness, intelligence, and knowledge was inspiring. Sharing his passion for his cars was esp. appealing to my son and husband as they too appreciate a classic car. We will remember Bill fondly and he will be missed very much. May he rest in peace.

Carlen Colgett

January 8, 2013

I will remember Bill as a great admirer of the classic cars and with a great style himself.

John Baldwin

January 8, 2013

A kind and delightful gentleman who
shared his car interests with so many
of us. We will miss you Bill, God Bless.

January 8, 2013

To a great man who had a great life. I will miss him dearly. He was a man of depth and integerity.Always enjoyed his conversations and his thoughts about lifes matters.
Richard Charles

Tim Rosaire

January 8, 2013

I lived across the street from Bill for almost thirty years, so I got to know him quite well. Often, while he was out polishing one of his classic cars, I would stroll over to talk with him about automobiles, boats and local politics. Bill was a very intelligent and insightful person with a wry sense of humor. I feel sad that he is gone. My condolences to Gwynne, Tom and all of his many other friends. Bill, you will be missed.

Sabrina N.

January 8, 2013

I have only known Bill the last year, when he and Tom would come to Paradise Market for lunch on Saturdays. There was an instant kinship between the three of us--it is like I don't remember not knowing them. Bill always had a twinkle in his eye and a quick wit that makes me smile. Life changes in an instant and I could count on Bill (and Tom) to give me a lift when I saw them. I will always remember Bill.

January 8, 2013

Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory,
they'll live on in the heart.
- Unknown Author

Maria and Matthew Farina

January 7, 2013

We are so saddened by his sudden and tragic death. It was a delight to know Bill. He was a gracious man and gracious, and generous host. It was our pleasure to be his guests on land and sea on many occaisions while visiting Tom. Our thoughts and prayers will follow you as you join your Mother and Brother in heaven.
Bill and Joyce Mahoney

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