Charles (Chuck) C. Reese's Obituary
Today we said goodbye to the original "Good Time Charlie." He passed peacefully surrounded by his family in the early hours of the morning on Sunday the 31st of August.
Chuck was an incredible father to Jason (Lisha) and an adoring Grandpa
to Mya and Jaxon. He was the best brother to Mike (Joyce), Susan, and Barbara. He was devoted to being there for his nieces Dani (Matt), Natascha, Micah and Amanda.
Charlie was born in Salt Lake City in 1948 to Neil and Bessie Reese and was the oldest of four kids. He watched over his brother Mike and his sisters Sue and Barbara. We all had the best childhood. Mike and Charlie built cherry bombs in the backyard, Sue and Barbara played in their playhouse and we all ran in the streets till dark, all while he watched over us. All the while, it was his dream to grow up and become a Marine. In 1967 Chuck voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The Vietnam War was at its peak and that's where he served. Chuck was a rifleman in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He served our Country proudly and always said if there was room for an old man today, he'd go back in a second.
After returning stateside Charlie went to work on a horse and cattle ranch in southern Utah just outside of Kanosh. He also got to spend a lot of time there with his cousins, Dwan, Leann, Jan and Lane while working for their father, Lee. Four years later he returned to the city. He married the love of his life and raised a family. He worked his tail off and eventually retired from Pacific Coast Building Products in 2014. Now this is a man who truly thrived being retired! He loved going on what he called "walkabouts," just enjoying the day, grabbing a coffee, browsing at local gun shops, and just meeting people. Sitting on the patio on Saturdays having a cup of coffee with the family was always a great time. You can bet it turned into discussions that would sometimes last the rest of the day and into the evening. Chuck was very outspoken about his beliefs. If you were lucky enough to be present for these little get togethers and you could keep up with his banter, in the end you just may have learned something. In addition to loving to hang out with his family, Chuck was also a hell of a golfer. He golfed every week with his same crew of guys, his brother Mike, Larry, Shawn, and M. Tucker.
In the last years of Charlie's life, he was lucky enough to be able to return to a little bit of the ranch life that he loved so much in the beginning. He spent time at the M-V Ranch tending to a wide variety of animals. Time spent with Mike and Liz, Russ, and Shawn were memories almost too good to be true.
Charlie was honored with a recent trip to Washington DC to recognize our Veterans, still with his brother Mike by his side. His quote in summing up his views on life was this, "Family and good friends are the life blood of a good life." Anyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with Chuck would know this was more than just a quote, this was how he lived his life. Raise a glass and make a toast (he loved to "make a toast") to your best memories with Chuck. We're pretty sure that's how he'd want it.
A private graveside burial with military honors will be held in the coming days at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles (Chuck)?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles (Chuck)?
Share a story where Charles (Chuck)'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles (Chuck) you’ll never forget.
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