Charles Lionel Fowler III

November 8, 1937 – May 12, 2014

Retired TV and movie gaffer Charles (Chuck) Fowler passed away May 12. A graduate of North Hollywood High School (class of 55’), he grew up in Studio City. An avid hot rodder, Chuck spent lots of time turning wrenches on cars at home, as well as aircraft engines at Burbank’s Pacific Airmotive Corp.

1960 was a busy year for Chuck. He married Alice “Liz” Stinson, with whom he raised two sons, Charles and Robert, and joined the Naval Reserve as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. He also followed in his father’s footsteps, finding a career he loved in the studios. For over 40 years, he worked in television and film as a lighting technician on memorable productions such as The Big Valley, Gunsmoke, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart, The Waltons, Hill Street Blues, Cagney and Lacey, Remington Steele, Rocky, Friends, and many others. He humbly gave some of Hollywood’s greatest, just the right light.

In 1983 he re-married, and with Patricia they raised a third son, Richard. Together Chuck and Patti traveled the world enjoying life, and raising a very proud son. He even got to take one last trip on a Navy ship, after Richard, too, joined the service.

Chuck was well loved for his humor, colorful stories, and upbeat personality. He was a survivor of cancer and bravely fought Parkinson’s Disease in his later years. Throughout it all, he never gave up his love of reading, storytelling, and wit. His adventurous spirit never waned; even as his health did.

He is survived by his wife Patti, three sons, four grandchildren, and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 31, at Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary at 18728 Parthenia St. in Northridge.

Contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Rehab Program at the Northridge Hospital Foundation, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge, CA 91328-9920 (818) 886-8600 Ext. 2.