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
Michael Adamson says:
October 20, 2009
I had the honor and priviledge of working for Chuck for many years while he was a Councilman in Hawthorne. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the news, and my thoughts and prayers go to Barbara and their daughters.
Chuck was always fair, friendly, professional, and extremely civic minded. He was a good person, and he will be missed.
Nellie Revelle says:
October 20, 2009
Words simply cannot express our sadness at Chuck’s passing. We pray that the family find comfort in knowing that he touched so many lives and left a lasting impression on each of our hearts. We will cherish the many wonderful memories he left behind. May God bless and hold you in His loving arms during this difficult time.
Ruth Hayles says:
October 20, 2009
My sincere sympathy to the Bookhammer Family. Chuck was a warm and wonderful man, and we had just started to work together with LACBOR. He will be missed by me and the entire community. Warm Regards, Ruth Hayles, Realtor
Dan Akins says:
October 21, 2009
I had the opportunity to work with Chuck for a brief period of time prior to his retirement. Chuck was a consumate professional and a joy to be around. He was so fond of his daughters and shined with pride whenever he talked about them. Chuck will be missed considerably.
Jim & Theresa McRorie says:
October 21, 2009
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family.