Message from the Family
Thank you for your comfort and support during this difficult time. He will be missed dearly, he was an awesome father, husband, soulmate and best friend. We'll love him FOREVER! Please enhance this tribute to Chuck by adding your memories and photo.
Arrangements made by
El Camino Memorial - Pacific Beach
4710 Cass Street
San Diego,
CA
92109
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Memories & Candles
Previous
“I met Charles when I was 16 working at Safeway in Serra Mesa. We worked together for three years and became pretty good friends at work and after...Read More »
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1 of 52 | Posted by: Deron Dodero - San Diego, CA
“letter from an organ recipient.
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2 of 52 | Posted by: MIchelle Lara - Chula Vista, CA
“Dad,
I can't believe it's been two years it feels like yesterday that you were teaching me how to hit a softball. I miss you so much. I wish you...Read More »
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3 of 52 | Posted by: Alexandria Lara - Daughter
“Chuck,
It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since you were taken from us.
My love for you is endless, like an eternal light that keeps on...Read More »
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4 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle Lara - Wife
“Hey babe,
Thank you for looking down on the Lady Barons this season.........it's been an amazing season so far. The team is 11th Nationwide and...Read More »
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5 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle - wife
“Good night my love............your in my thoughts every day :-) LOVE YOU!!
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6 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle - wife
“Hey babe....
I really miss you...I'm still trying to figure out why this happened. It seems as if it was yesterday and it's been almost a year, I can...Read More »
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7 of 52 | Posted by: MIchelle - wife
“What an awesome story/tribute to our Family.
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8 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle - Chula Vista, CA - wife
“THINK ABOUT IT........................
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9 of 52 | Posted by: Anonymous
“DADDDY<<<333, My Best Friend,My Hero,My Coach, and My Dadddy<3 You have been there for me throughout everything and you have cared about...Read More »
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10 of 52 | Posted by: Andrea Lara - Chula Vista, CA
“Thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!
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11 of 52 | Posted by: MIchelle Lara - Wife
“Chuck you'll be truely missed!
It still doesnt seem true that your gone.
But you'll never be forgotten and always have a place in our hearts. You...Read More »
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12 of 52 | Posted by: Vanessa
“When I think back on these times, and the dreams we left behind, I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get to have you in my life. When I look back on...Read More »
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13 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle Lara
“Everyday I still cannot believe your gone.. it still is not real to me in anyway what so ever. All I do know in my head is that you are in a good...Read More »
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14 of 52 | Posted by: Gaby Torimaru - Chula Vista, CA
“I've never felt a hurt like this where it feels as though someone had stuck a knife through my heart. I can barely breathe knowing that I can't hold...Read More »
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15 of 52 | Posted by: Michelle Lara
“Hi Michelle, As I sit here at work I find the days get a little tough every time I walk by our case board and see the name Charles Lara, well to say...Read More »
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16 of 52 | Posted by: pacificbeachchapel@stei.com - CA
“AS WE SIT HERE READING ALL THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES THAT EVERYONE WROTE, IT SADDENS US TO THINK THAT YOUR NO LONGER HERE. WE CAN'T IMAGINE HIGH SCHOOL...Read More »
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17 of 52 | Posted by: TAWNYA RAMIREZ
“Uncle Bedo, you were like a father to me and I love and miss you very much. I don't think you knew how much you meant to me while I was growing up...Read More »
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18 of 52 | Posted by: Nichole Vidaurri - San Diego, CA
“Michelle, Alex and Drea, our love and prayers are with. I remember the time when I was the manager of our softball team in National City and Chuck...Read More »
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19 of 52 | Posted by: LINA & ALYSSA SOTALBO
“I'll never forget driving with Michelle to El Cajon, Every time she wanted to see you Chuck (Beattle). I didn't mind because I knew how much you...Read More »
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20 of 52 | Posted by: Holly Fialkosky
“Michelle, Alex, Andrea
What an awesome memorial for Chuck. I am literally in tears reading all the entries. What an amazing husband, father, friend...Read More »
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21 of 52 | Posted by: Nikki Reyes
“I will miss my brother (BEDO) more than I can imagine. I was 7 years older than he was so we didn't have alot in common and we didn't hang around...Read More »
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22 of 52 | Posted by: Jesse Lara - Chula Vista, CA
“My brother Charles/Bedo is the funniest person I have ever known. I remember when I was little and he would make me do push-ups until I was beat red....Read More »
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23 of 52 | Posted by: vanessa lesley - spring valley, CA
“My deepest sympathy to the Lara Family. I just found out today and honestly, I am shocked. I worked with Charles at the Hillcrest Post Office ... off...Read More »
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24 of 52 | Posted by: Deb Lehman - San Diego, CA
“Chuck Lara,
I remember being at the softball banquet this year&you being upset cause i didnt write i love you in your card but i wrote it in...Read More »
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25 of 52 | Posted by: Jaycee Carlson - Chula Vista, CA
“From what I hear, this candle fits him the best. Our hearts go out to you, Michelle, Alex and Drea.
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26 of 52 | Posted by: Mary Beth & Sam Evans
“hmmm. chuck i have way too many memories with you to write out, you were like a father to me. and i will remember each and every memory with you. i...Read More »
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27 of 52 | Posted by: kylie Randall - chula vista, CA
“To Michelle, Alex and Drea. My deepest condolences. Chuck was a very special person in my life--I will miss him greatly.
Coaching JV softball with...Read More »
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28 of 52 | Posted by: Mark Alvarado - Bonita, CA
“My heart is heavy & my prayers go out to the family & friends of Charles. I worked with him from the time he came to the Hillcrest P.O. &...Read More »
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29 of 52 | Posted by: Bob Hershey - El Cajon, CA
“Siempre recordare todas las veces que charles me ayudo cuando yo era ptf, sera siempre recordado como un companero de buen humor. Les doy el pesame a...Read More »
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30 of 52 | Posted by: soralla mallett - san diego
“My condolence to all of Charles' friends, relatives and family. It was a tragic and sudden loss for our good friend and co-worker, Charles. I've...Read More »
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31 of 52 | Posted by: Noel Obtera - San Diego, CA
“Michelle, Alex and Drea ... we were shocked and saddened by Chuck's untimely passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. We...Read More »
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32 of 52 | Posted by: Carlos and Emily - Chula Vista
“As I sit here trying to gather my thoughts I can't help but smile thinking about all of the good times you and I had together. All of the years...Read More »
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33 of 52 | Posted by: John Carlson - Bonita, CA
“Chaow, How I will miss yelling at you. You would make me mad and then turn around and tell me that I can not stay mad at you. You were such a...Read More »
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34 of 52 | Posted by: Anna Perry - Murrieta, CA
“CHARLES........CHARLES.....CHARLES.......you were taken from us way too soon. You were a great friend and co-worker to all of us. I will miss you...Read More »
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35 of 52 | Posted by: patrick schwartz - san diego, CA
“I worked with Charles for Many years at the Hillcrest/Mission Valley Post Office. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with Charles...Read More »
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36 of 52 | Posted by: STEVE WATERBURY
“i met charles in dec 1993 while working at the downtown post office..we didn't hit it off at first. you see he thought that i was a (well lets just...Read More »
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37 of 52 | Posted by: terri greene - san diego, CO
“My condolences to all of the Lara family. Charles will be greatly missed. He was the most humorous agitator I ever met. He was so quick witted, I...Read More »
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38 of 52 | Posted by: Victor Rico - National City, CA
“Sylvia, Jesus & Mrs. Lara,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Bedo was a wonderful young man. I remember him playing baseball as a young boy or...Read More »
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39 of 52 | Posted by: Tony Isabella - San Diego, CA
“My heart goes out to your family. Beatle loved to laugh and horse around weather we were playing football, baseball or a pick up game of basketball...Read More »
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40 of 52 | Posted by: Jose Gutierrez - Oak Hills, CA
“I worked with Chatles at USPS. He was an exceptional friend and co-worker. He would always tease me and call me Gina from The Martin Lawrence Sitcom...Read More »
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41 of 52 | Posted by: DeAndrea Baez (USPS) - San Diego, CA
“I knew Charles from working with him at the PO and playing softball....I know he loved his family, and was a fun guy to work with...I sure he will be...Read More »
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42 of 52 | Posted by: jeff olsen - encinitas, CA
“Chuck was always so sweet every time I would go over. I remember when he took me and andrea to Wrestle Mania, that was probally the best time I had...Read More »
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43 of 52 | Posted by: Paulina Reyes - Bonita, CA
“Dear Michelle, Alex and Andrea,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Charles at the post office for 14 years. He was a great letter carrier and...Read More »
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44 of 52 | Posted by: Karen Lemont
“I was your age Alex when my father died 20 years ago. i can remember it as if it was yesterday. I found comfort in seeing how may people he touched...Read More »
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45 of 52 | Posted by: Marisa Torres - San Diego, CA
“When we think of Chuck, one of the many things that comes to mind is his love for SPORTS! He was always happy to share his knowledge of what team was...Read More »
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46 of 52 | Posted by: Mike & Becky Brockman - Avondale, AZ
“I remember when I spent just about everyday with Chuck and Andrea durig spring break.I knew he was probably tired of me but i just couldn't resist...Read More »
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47 of 52 | Posted by: Lauren Miranda - Chula Vista, CA
“Having known Chuck from the time when he married my sister, the memories are many and all of them bring a smile to my face. There was never a time...Read More »
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48 of 52 | Posted by: Jon Brockman - Colorado Springs, CO
“Coach Chuck,
i just wanted to say thank you for what you have done for me,being on your team down at Bonita Valley so many times was great.You taught...Read More »
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49 of 52 | Posted by: Chelsea Bayless - Chula Vista, CA
“I will miss my Uncle so much! Bedo was of the BEST uncles anyone could have! I have so many memories of Bedo I dont even know where to start. I will...Read More »
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50 of 52 | Posted by: Dorian Vidaurri
“Chuck's sprinkler dance! I will always think about him when I see someone else do that dance :)
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51 of 52 | Posted by: Kyndra Countryman - Chula Vista, CA
“I remember when my family and I went to california for Alex's graduation and Andrea's promotion and on our last night in town, Uncle Chuck made the...Read More »
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52 of 52 | Posted by: Sean Brockman - Avondale, AZ
Charles Anthony Lara, 45, of Chula Vista, California, died June 28, 2009, at Sharp Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. He was born June 8, 1964, in San Diego, California, the son of Elisa Lara and the late Carlos Lara. He was the second youngest of 4 siblings. He served in the U.S. Air Force at Tinker Air Force Base as a radar technician from 1988 to 1990. After his discharge, he moved back to San Diego and starting working for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier for 16 years. He loved spending time with his daughters so he became a volunteer coach for Bonita Valley Girls Softball and later coached his daughters at Bonita Vista High School. He was an amazing man with a great disposition! He is survived by his wife Michelle, his daughter’s, Alexandria (Alex) and Andrea (Drea); brother, Jesus Lara; sister Silvia Bredenkamp and sister, Vanessa Leslie.
Funeral Service
July 10, 2009
2:30 PM
to 3:30 PM
Glen Abbey Memorial Park
Bonita, CA
Interment
July 10, 2009
2:30 PM
to 3:30 PM
Glen Abbey Memorial Park
3838 Bonita Road
Bonita, CA 91902
Life Tribute Films and Favorite Videos
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Play Video → View Description →
X Bonita Vista High School Time capsule part 1
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Play Video → View Description →
X Bonita Vista High School - Chuck's Time Capsule part 2
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Play Video →
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Play Video → View Description →
X "There You'll Be"
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For You Chuck <3>
Bonita Vista softball players looking to make their mark
By P.K. DanielWednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7:46 p.m.
Eduardo Contreras /p>
Andrea Lara (left) and Kayla Jordan are among a talented group of Bonita Vista softball players who are undefeated this spring.
Jennifer Hartman
Last month, Bonita Vista High softball coach John Carlson entered his team for the first time in the Cougar Classic, a tournament traditionally stacked with North County powerhouses.“North County teams are tough,” Carlson said. “We decided to throw our hat in the ring to see how we measure up.”
The Barons not only measured up, they shut out four-time defending Division II champion Mt. Carmel 5-0 in the championship game and outscored opponents 54-3.
“It worked out pretty good for us,” Carlson said.
As has the season thus far. The Barons have outscored opponents 162-23 en route to a 17-0 record. The team is ranked No. 1 in the San Diego Section and No. 13 nationally by MaxPreps.
While Bonita Vista is no stranger to leading the South County’s Mesa League standings — the Barons have gone undefeated in league three of the past four years with a 39-1 record — the team has fallen short in the Division I playoffs.
The Barons, who’ve never won a section title, earned two postseason victories last spring before losses to Torrey Pines and Granite Hills ousted them from the double-elimination tournament.
“We struggled for a long time just to get a win in the playoffs,” said Carlson, who’s in his eighth year at Bonita Vista. “Last year, I thought we had an outside shot.”
In years past, Carlson said he had three or four players who carried the team. This year, he has depth and high expectations.
“It’s top to bottom and off the bench that’s been really key to our team,” he said. “Some (players) have power. Some have speed. Some have power and speed. Defensively we’re solid. Pitching we’re deep.”
Leading the Barons in the pitching circle is junior Jennifer Hartman, who is 11-0 with a 0.74 ERA.
“Jen has real good quality pitches to go along with above-average speed,” Carlson said. “She actually throws a drop, curve, screw, rise and changeup.”
Complementing Hartman is freshman Alex Vargas (6-0, 2.10 ERA), who has been somewhat of a surprise for the Barons. Carlson said Vargas doesn’t match Hartman’s pitch quality but has good speed.
“It’s kind of nice to have two pitchers you can go to instead of hammering one for a whole season,” Carlson said.
Instrumental to the team’s offense has been senior Kayla Jordan. The San Diego State-bound outfielder leads the team with four home runs, 29 runs scored and a .568 batting average (25-for-44).
“Quite frankly, I haven’t seen her have a bad game at the plate,” Carlson said. “She’s so incredibly fast that even (balls) she doesn’t hit well she gets extra bases out of ’em.”
As Carlson noted, the Barons have a lot of weapons.
In the team’s latest win, a 4-0 shutout of Ramona on Tuesday, senior second baseman Andrea Lara went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
“We have a lot of heart, great talent and a lot of chemistry on the field and off the field,” Lara said. “I have a really good feeling about us winning CIF.”
Posted by Michelle Lara from Chula Vista, CA - wife on April 12, 2011For You Chuck <3>
Bonita Vista softball players looking to make their mark
By P.K. DanielWednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7:46 p.m.
Eduardo Contreras /p>
Andrea Lara (left) and Kayla Jordan are among a talented group of Bonita Vista softball players who are undefeated this spring.
Jennifer Hartman
Last month, Bonita Vista High softball coach John Carlson entered his team for the first time in the Cougar Classic, a tournament traditionally stacked with North County powerhouses.“North County teams are tough,” Carlson said. “We decided to throw our hat in the ring to see how we measure up.”
The Barons not only measured up, they shut out four-time defending Division II champion Mt. Carmel 5-0 in the championship game and outscored opponents 54-3.
“It worked out pretty good for us,” Carlson said.
As has the season thus far. The Barons have outscored opponents 162-23 en route to a 17-0 record. The team is ranked No. 1 in the San... READ MORE →
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Lara Honors Father’s Memory with Stellar Play
Fri, May 28, 2010 Sporting News By John Philip Wyllie
For many years, Chuck Lara was a well-liked mentor within the coaching ranks of both Bonita Valley and Bonita Vista High softball. When he unexpectedly passed away a year ago it was a devastating blow to the group of athletes that had grown up almost as a family playing on his teams. None of them of course, was more devastated than Lara’s daughter, Andrea, who was then a sophomore at Bonita Vista High.
“I wasn’t going to continue playing after my dad died. It was very tough, but after a couple weeks I realized that he would have wanted me to keep playing, so I decided to play for him. He is the one who got me into softball, so every time I step up to the plate I think of him. Everything I do on the field is for him.”
He must have been watching down upon her last Saturday when the diminutive Lara, who is not known as a power hitter, smacked the fence with one of her two hits. Lara, a quick, sure-handed second baseman, contributed to the Barons perfect league season and their thrilling come-from-behind 5-4 CIF playoff victory last Saturday over Rancho Buena Vista. Monday night the Barons advanced even further with a stunning 2-1 victory over fourth ranked Poway.
“I have been coaching Andrea since she was eight. She and my daughter have been good buddies since they started playing at Bonita Valley together. Andrea is a great kid with great heart and she’s a tough competitor. She is not a big hitter, but she is scrappy and she is a battler. Andrea has played second base for me for what seems like forever. With her, you know that she is going to hustle, she is going to dive and she is going to get dirty,” said elated BV coach John Carlson following the victory.
Saturday’s victory was just the latest highpoint in a career that began while Lara was still in kindergarten.
“I started playing tee-ball when I was five. My dad was one of my coaches. He taught me how to throw and how to hit. He helped me a lot over the years and was always by my side every year up to last year,” Lara said.
In addition to the obvious competition and exercise that softball has provided her Lara has found that being a part of this team has also helped her through her grieving process. Her teammates have been very sensitive to her situation and have honored her father’s memory by placing his initials on their batting helmets, coach’s hats and on the right field fence.
“My teammates and coaches keep me up and it allows me to take my mind off things because when I am out here, my mind is focused on the game. Once the game is over we have a tradition of running out to right field and touching his initials on the fence as a way of thanking him.”
Their success and sportsmanship on the diamond this spring has been a fitting tribute to a man that gave so much of himself for so many years.Posted by Michelle Lara from Chulaq Vista, CA - Wife on June 01, 2010Lara Honors Father’s Memory with Stellar Play
Fri, May 28, 2010 Sporting News By John Philip Wyllie
For many years, Chuck Lara was a well-liked mentor within the coaching ranks of both Bonita Valley and Bonita Vista High softball. When he unexpectedly passed away a year ago it was a devastating blow to the group of athletes that had grown up almost as a family playing on his teams. None of them of course, was more devastated than Lara’s daughter, Andrea, who was then a sophomore at Bonita Vista High.
“I wasn’t going to continue playing after my dad died. It was very tough, but after a couple weeks I realized that he would have wanted me to keep playing, so I decided to play for him. He is the one who got me into softball, so every time I step up to the plate I... READ MORE →
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