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.
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Lara Honors Father’s Memory with Stellar Play
Fri, May 28, 2010 Sporting News By John Philip Wyllie
... READ MORE → Posted by Michelle Lara from Chulaq Vista, CA - Wife on June 01, 2010
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.
Comment →
Memories & Candles
Previous
“Good night my love............your in my thoughts every day :-) LOVE YOU!!
”
1 of 47 | 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 »
”
2 of 47 | Posted by: MIchelle - wife
“What an awesome story/tribute to our Family.
”
3 of 47 | Posted by: Michelle Chula Vista CA
“THINK ABOUT IT........................
”
4 of 47 | 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 »
”
5 of 47 | Posted by: Andrea Lara Chula Vista CA
“Thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!
”
6 of 47 | 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 »
”
7 of 47 | 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 »
”
8 of 47 | 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 »
”
9 of 47 | 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 »
”
10 of 47 | 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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11 of 47 | 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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12 of 47 | 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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13 of 47 | 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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14 of 47 | 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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15 of 47 | 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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16 of 47 | 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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17 of 47 | 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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18 of 47 | 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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19 of 47 | 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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20 of 47 | 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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21 of 47 | 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 »
”
22 of 47 | 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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23 of 47 | 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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24 of 47 | 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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25 of 47 | 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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26 of 47 | 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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27 of 47 | 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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28 of 47 | 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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29 of 47 | 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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30 of 47 | 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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31 of 47 | 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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32 of 47 | 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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33 of 47 | 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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34 of 47 | 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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35 of 47 | 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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36 of 47 | Posted by: DeAndrea Baez (USPS) 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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37 of 47 | 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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38 of 47 | 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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39 of 47 | 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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40 of 47 | 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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41 of 47 | Posted by: Mike & Becky Brockman 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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42 of 47 | 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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43 of 47 | Posted by: Jon Brockman 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 »
”
44 of 47 | 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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45 of 47 | 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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46 of 47 | Posted by: Kyndra Countryman 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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47 of 47 | 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.
Photo Albums
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"
Good night my love............your in my thoughts every day :-) LOVE YOU!!
Posted by: Michelle - wife Jun 05, 2010
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't pull myself out of this funk. I miss you so much and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and the good times we had. I hope you know how much I love you and how lost I feel without you. It's like I've shut the rest of the world off and I'm all alone. I miss our talks after work, I miss nagging at you about being at the field all the time, I miss our arguments, even if they weren't serious, what can I say.....I MISS YOU!!! The girls are doing ok but at times they seem to struggle, it seems as if they are angry with each other and they can't figure out why, but I know it's because they miss you and the empty void that they have can't be filled. I do believe that your in a better place and most of the time I wish I could be with you. I will try and stay strong for the girls because I know that's what you would want. Please know that I have always loved you and always will. Until were together again..... Sweet dreams, I love you!!
Michelle
Posted by: MIchelle - wife Jun 03, 2010
What an awesome story/tribute to our Family.
Posted by: Michelle Chula Vista, CA - wife Jun 01, 2010
THINK ABOUT IT........................
Posted by: Anonymous Feb 19, 2010
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 me for the longest time...<3 i love that you have always helped me with everything... Softball,Boys,and just issues<3 You have made me laugh and smile since i was baby tiny and i love that so much.<3 You passed away on June 28,2009 and it was the saddest, hardest, and worst day of my life... it also has changed my life in so many ways that you cannot even imagine.. i cannot focus that much.. i dream about you everynight.. your always on my mind.. and everyday i still feel like you are going to walk through that door at 3:30 and tell my fat a... to go to practice ahaha<3 Daddy its not fair how you left this special place.. i feel i cannot move on without you.. but i have to try... i love you daaaddy and i miss you so much<3 i just wish you were here with me instead.. RIP DADDY<<<3333
Posted by: Andrea Lara Chula Vista, CA - Daughter Jan 22, 2010
Thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MIchelle Lara - Wife Jan 06, 2010
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 were a great coach and friend. Your in a better place now and we shall meet again one day.
Posted by: Vanessa Oct 11, 2009
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 these days, I'll look and see your face, you are there for me! In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky,
in my heart there always be a place for you for all my life. I'll keep a part of you with me
and everywhere I am there you'll be! You showed me how it feels, to feel the sky
within my reach and I always will remember all the strength you gave to me. Your love has made me make it through and I owe so much to you! You were right there for me, Cause I always saw in you my light, my strength and I want to thank you now for all the ways you were right there for me for always!!!! Love….Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Lara Aug 15, 2009
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 place & being well taken care of, and that always makes it just a little easier for me. I just wanted to take this time & truelly thank you for all you have ever done for me, and especially for just always being you. I could never be anymore thankful then I am that I had the amazing oppurtunity to play for you & John all those years growing up at Bonita Valley. You were always there to encourage me, always had comforting words when I needed them most, and were always there to pick me up when I was down. You had this over bearing power to turn any frown upside down. I will always miss running into you and being able to talk, catch up, and somehow always manage to get a good laugh in there. You always wondered how I was doing even if we didn't have softball in common anymore you still cared to know, & that meant more then you know to me.. One of my many "Softball Dads" but you always stood out to me. I will never forget the times you made me laugh or even cry.. but of course always with good intentions haha. Like you were always there for me I will always be there for daughter & family. You've left a huge mark on my life & I thank you soooo much for it. Love you Chucky & always will miss you! To me, a softball field will always solemly bring one memory, & that is you.
Posted by: Gaby Torimaru Chula Vista, CA Aug 11, 2009
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 you, hug you, and kiss you. I've missed you so badly from the moment you were out of my sight. I choked on tears and could not manage to breathe. I don’t know how I am going to live without you I love you so much that neither words nor actions could express my feelings for you. I could spend the rest of my life describing how much I love you and it still would not come close to the way I really feel. I don’t know how to handle this pain - this feeling of loss. Without you I feel alone and helpless. The fears I have is that I will forget the little things, though I pray I never will. I’m afraid that I’ll forget the way you feel, and your smell. The little things that I love so much, I am afraid that I will forget them. As the days go by, I think about all the memories we made, the good times we shared, and the love between us. You were not only my husband, but my best friend and soulmate. I thank you for all the things that you did for me and the girls. Not only were you a wonderful husband, but a terrific father, provider, and friend. You gave so freely to everyone you knew in such a loving way. Your generosity inspiring! I love you, more than words, more than life. I'm forever grateful for your love and proud to be your wife. As I sit here thinking about you, I still can't believe this is real. I hope you know how much I love you and always will. Our love will continue to grow and forever it will be you and me. You're the perfect one for me and you forever will be!! I can't find enough ways to let you know, but you can be sure I'm yours for always. I will love you always!!
DEDICATION....Like a comet blazing cross the evening sky...gone too soon. Like a rainbow fading in the twinkling of an eye...Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright...here one day gone one night...like the loss of sunlight...on a cloudy afternoon...gone too soon. Like a castle built upon a sandy beach...gone too soon. Like a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach...gone too soon. Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight....Here one day gone one night, Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon....gone too soon.
I LOVE YOU NOW AND ALWAYS WILL......
MICHELLE
Posted by: Michelle Lara Jul 31, 2009
Interment:
July 10 2009
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Glen Abbey Memorial Park
3838 Bonita Road
Bonita, CA 91902
