Charles E. Wamsley

A celebration of life will be in Santa Cruz on February 18, for Chuck Wamsley who passed away at his Santa Cruz home on January 17, 2012. Born in Oakland, California, he was 75 years old. Chuck served his country in the US Navy, joining in 1957 and married Jan Myers in 1958. Chuck has been a resident of Santa Cruz county for the past 58 years, and was an accomplished auto mechanic and welder. He began his career with Pioneer Service; later owning and operating both Chuck's Auto Repair, and H & H. Welding. His family will cherish the may memerories of Chuck's involvement with his daughter's girl scout project; where he created an 8' tall Winnie the Pooh float, winning First Place in the Begonia Festival. He was an accomplished woodcrafter and made beautiful pens that he gave to his friends and family. Harbor High School's football team was the recipient of its first 7-man sled that Chuck constructed for them. Some of his more creative works included squirrel feeders, and custom dog treadmills. He loved youth sports and activities and volunteered his time by coaching Gal's Softball, and helping with the Santa Cruz Band Review Committee. He was a familiar face in the 1970's at the original Ferrell's Donuts on Mission and Fair Streets, for two years drove racecars at Watsonville Speedway, and loved to go fishing. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan Wamsley of Santa Cruz, his daughter and son in-law, Laura and Jim Hunsaker; his daughter, Julie Wamsley, and his granddaughter Kaitlin Hunsaker all of Santa Cruz. Chuck also leaves his sister and brother in-law Shirley and Hank Werezynski of Monterey, his sister, Sue Reese and his stepmother, Hazel Wamsley both of Suisun City, California, along with many loving nieces and nephews. The memorial celebration will be on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Fellowship Hall of The First Congregation Church (900 High St. - Santa Cruz Ca. 95060) beginning at 1 o'clock p.m. Any kind acts of charity may be made to an account at Chase Bank: (Acct #3037863127 c/o Laura Hunsaker) established to assist the family with the many expenses incurred during Chuck's illness.