He was born in Compton, California on October 26, 1953 & was raised in Norco, CA. From a very early age Charlie had many struggles, especially bullying as he was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy. Despite all the challenges & tough years he grew up to be kind, giving and helpful to all he knew and loved.
Charlie attended St. Edwards Catholic School in Corona, St. Mel’s in Norco and Norco High, class of ’72. He grew up learning about plants & the selling of them at our family owned business in Norco, the El Camino Nursery. He was a jack of all trades as he knew how to repair almost anything – radios, televisions & cars etc. I remember him asking repairmen “why are you doing that” or “what’s that for” & although I’m sure it annoyed them, that’s how he learned. Charlie loved to fish, cook & eat – especially steak.
He loved Country music & Johnny Cash was his man. Movie favs were old John Wayne westerns, comedies & cartoons. He didn’t drive & walked everywhere, grabbed the bus or he would “hitch a ride” with friends that happen to see him on his way to “somewhere”. Charlie was a member & sponsor at the Corona Serenity Club where he spent much of his time with his family there. Very proud that he celebrated 18 years of sobriety this past Cinco de Mayo.
Unfortunately on July 18, 2007 at 9:30 am, Charlie was hit by a truck while walking across the street in a crosswalk; in Corona where he lived. It was tragic & his injuries were severe as he was in a coma for 6 years, when he suddenly woke up in his new home, Corona Rehabilitation Hospital. There he was “gifted” with a wonderful new family in the doctors & nurses. Bed ridden & on life support for the past 11 years, a smile or an occasional laugh was a true blessing. On Cinco de Mayo 2015, A non profit was founded in Charlies honor to help educate pedestrian’s regarding safety and drivers on awareness. It seems that distracted driving has become an epidemic. When I told Charlie about Charlies Cause Inc. in 2015, he smiled & gave me a proud thumbs up!
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles William (1976) & Mary Garcia Wolcott (2015). Until we meet again; he leaves many friends, his Sister’s: Arlene Strand (Verlo J.) & Dianne Wolcott Ward, his brother Gary Wolcott, nieces Rochelle Strand, nephews: Verlo Strand, Chad Weiss, Andrew Weiss (Mary), grand nieces & grand nephews. A remembrance of Charlie's life will be held on October 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Crestlawn Memorial Park & Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside 92505 - 951.689.1441
In loving support of keeping pedestrians safe, in lieu of flowers or gifts we ask that you donate to CharliesCause.org in Charlie’s memory online or checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 234 Bedford TX 76095. Your donations will help purchase hundreds of flashing lights in Charlie's memory that will be handed out to Children so they can clip on backpacks, caps etc. and just in time for all the “trick or treaters." Charlie’s Cause Inc., is a 501©(3) & is dedicated to keeping pedestrians safe, one step at a time.
FAMILY
Arlene StrandSister
Dianne Wolcott WardSister
Gary WolcottBrother
Rochelle StrandNiece
Verlo StrandNephew
Chad WeissNephew
Grandnieces & Grandnephews
DONATIONS
Charlies Cause Inc.PO Box 234, Bedford, Texas 76095
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18