Charles William Bookhammer
May 23, 1948 - October 15, 2009
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Charles William Bookhammer
May 23, 1948 - October 15, 2009
Obituary
Charles William Bookhammer, 61, was born May 23, 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia and passed away October 15, 2009 in Orange, California. He served in the United States Navy from 1965 1969 through three tours of Vietnam. On his third and final tour he was awarded the Purple Heart while serving with the River Patrol Forces. Chuck graduated from El Camino Community College in 1977 through the GI Bill and volunteered as a reserve police officer for the city of Hawthorne. With each passing year, Chuck became more involved in the community through the YMCA and was a long standing member and past President of the Kiwanis’s Club of Hawthorne. Chuck served on the Hawthorne City Council for 14 years from 1983-1999, of which he served as Mayor pro tem for a period of time. He served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for LA County Supervisor Yvonne Burke from 1992-2008. After which Chuck transferred to the CDC until his retirement in June 2009. Since June Chuck has worked part time as a government consultant to the LA Board of Realtors.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Jen Troy Pliska, Michelle Josh Curtis, Brandi Bookhammer, Tracy Bookhammer-Rose; brother, Robert Linda Bookhammer; sister, Carol John Christian and grandchildren, Tyler, J.J., Tanner, Connor, Madison, Evan and Jaxon. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret and his sister, Donna Meuse.
A Memorial Service will be Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:30am at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Charles’ name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, www.dav.org/donate/FAQ.aspx.
O’Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com
23 responses to Charles William Bookhammer
Dad Alderman says:
October 20, 2009
Love yea Chuck…will miss you and our golf games…maybe someday we can play the golf course in the sky. DAD A
David Alderman says:
October 20, 2009
Chuck was a wonderful man, husband, father and friend to many. My heart goes out to all those that knew him but especially Barbara & the girls.
Chuck, Barbara and the girls have always been like a 2nd family to me. I treasure all the wonderful times I shared with him and cherish them… even the tricks he played on me like when he sometimes used a fire extinguisher to wake me.
Love Ya Chuck!
Ivonne Umana says:
October 20, 2009
I remember Chuck with a twinkle in his eyes before Board meetings. Always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends.
Lourdes Saab says:
October 20, 2009
My sincere concolences over your loss. Chuck was somone who I looked forward to work with and ask for advice. He was a gentleman with a warm smile and always helpful. I admired his knowledge and reverence for the proper use of our U.S. flag and protocol. I will always remember his kindness. Lourdes Saab
Maria Beltran says:
October 20, 2009
Chuck,
It is with great sadness to know that I have lost a wonderful and kind man who helped me to escalate in my career with his professional and experienced knowledge of the county structured. Mr. Bookhammer was always there to listen, to give advice and to point me and everyone else in the right direction. He always shared his good times with his grand children, his daughters, his 2 boys as he would call them his Dogs and most of all with his wife who he always spoke the most wonderful things about her. He was a great boss, an excellent advisor, a good friend to everyone in our office. God Bless him and may God take him into his arms of glory.