June 16, 1938 ~ June 18, 2012
Resided in:
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Charles W. Gail
Passed away peacefully June 18, 2012, age 74, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He had been an active outdoorsman and athlete, having run 100 marathons. He loved swimming, boating, hunting, and motorcycling. He played bridge and loved to do cross word puzzles and suduko. He had enjoyed a long and successful career in education, having taught art, and physical education in both public and special education settings. He loved to travel and had enjoyed many trips to Europe and Asia and especially Kauai, Hawaii. He will be greatly missed by many friends and relatives especially his wife, Bonnie Richmond-Gail, son Christopher, (Fran) granddaughter, Emily, sister Mary Tarango (Bob) and many nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces.
To honor his life there will be a memorial service at 3:00 pm Sunday July 1, 2012 at Rice Mortuary 5310 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, Ca. 90503, (310) 792-7599.
Guestbook
I love you I am so sorry for your loss.
I am sadden to here the news, sending Loveing hugs your way. I do see Charlie being of service in the meeting beyond carrying the message, always encouraging, hope for those new and old. He was a fine example! Love laurie L
My deepest Sympathy goes out to Bonnie and all of Charlie’s family. May they find comfort in all their wonderful memories and in the friends that surround them at this time. Sorry I can’t be there with you in person at this time but my thoughts are with you.
Goodbye old friend! We had some great times together over the years swimming and running together at the beach and hunting together in the mountains of Montana. I grieve for your loss and know that the world is a better place because you have passed through it. I’m gonna miss you Charlie.
my cousin, billy, always to me. i always had fun at your house and when you visited me. the red ants you always took home on the streetcar. i remember when dad took us to the circus in his cart. we threw empty peanut shells onto the people below us. that was your idea. my love goes to your family. you fought a long battle, may peace be with you. ps: i have many more adventures that i could tell. love, jane
So very sorry for your loss. I love the combination of art teacher and phys Ed teacher. A perfect fit. All the wonderful pot lucks in the perpetual summer that is your yard – a gracious man.
my heart is full for bonnie and all of charlies family…what a fine example of a husband, father, grandfather and friend he was..his words were simple and profound and he walked his talk..he will leave a legacy of service and love for all of us who loved him..love is eternal, big love, kathleen
Never have I admired a man with so much reverence. Charlie spoke a truth that gave me strength to be who I am and love my fellow man. Charlie was so loved and I will miss his candor, honesty and gentle bravado. I loved watching him look up from his crossword puzzle to give us the simple truths. Trusting him was easy. God Bless Him forever and always. Thank you for being in my life, Love you, Lynn and Kevin
I will always remember watching TV with him and sharing pleasant dinners that he had prepared. He was always willing to share time and made me feel weldome always.
I just heard the news and was so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept our condolences and sympathies. The Miles Family
I first met Charley on a Monday night nearly 25 years ago. He was getting ready to run a marathon. He inspired me then and has ever since. I’ll miss him as will many others. I know he will live on in all our memories.
Dear Bonnie – My fondest memory of Charlie is the broad smile and kind words coming from him that would greet me and everyone else each Sunday evening. I’m grateful for that memory and for the vast number of people who loved him and continue to surround you with their love.
I will never forget my friend Charlie and his gentle but firm friendship! I thank God he was brought into my life and will remember many fun and rich experiences with him. He took me sailing one day, he promptly took a nap and I think I learned to sail that day :). I am praying for the precious family and friends who will grieve the loss of our friend and especially his beloved wife Bonnie. Love Dan
I first met Charlie when I was in need.. and came to realize what a special person this was. He lived such a life of truth, and from the heart (he always gave the best, big bear hugs!). I will always remember his talent w/a pocket knife & a styrofoam cup! Always there for others.. Will be missed as well as celebrated by many.
Dear Bonnie and family: I am so thankful to have had Charlie in my life even for just a little while. His kindness and love reached all of us. My prayers and love are with you. Katie
Bonnie, it is a beautiful tribute to Charlie. He will be missed. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and the way he carried the message to the still suffering. He was an inspiration to me. Love, Mary
Dear Bnnie You know how much I love you and my Teddy Bear, Charlie. You both are in my heart and tho he will be sorely missed by many, he is still with us. Helen
Dear Bonnie and family, So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and I am sure his brave spirit will go on in all his loved ones and friends. Susan Einbinder Kaplan
You were a great mentor and a true inspiration
We will all miss Charlie’s presence, but his spirit lives on through so many
Jim and I have spent many enjoyable, sober hours at Bonnie and Charlies for birthday celebrations, dinners and the many time they were gracious enough to have us as house guests. I will miss watching T.V. with Charlie reclining in the lounge chairs. The 6:30am Palm Desert meeting also sends their prayers and blessings.
Charlie gave me a key piece of advice (strong suggestion) my first month in sobriety. He asked me if I had gotten a sponsor yet. I said no, not yet. He wondered why? I told him I was moving to Portland in a few months, so figured I would wait until then. He said something to the effect of: “that’s bullshit. you go get yourself a sponsor right now!” So I walked across the room to his lovely wife, Bonnie and asked her to be my “temporary” sponsor. She agreed. 🙂 Charlie was pragmatic, like my Dad, and a straight-shooter. I could always count on getting the honest truth from him, no matter if it hurt or not. I took it, because I knew deep down he was right. Charlie and Bonnie have been instrumental in my life. I will miss him….
Thanks to all of you for your kind words about Charlie. It means a lot to me. Sincerely, Bonnie Gail