Charles Richard Hill, aged 59, a longtime resident of Van Nuys, California, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2014 after a long battle with a relentless illness. Charles was born in San Francisco on an Army base and spent his childhood in the San Fernando Valley, California. A lively, spirited and fearless child, he was well known to the local medical community from his wild antics with his brothers and friends.

Charles was a devout Christian.  Proud of his faith, respecting all religions, Charles embraced the Christian spirit to the fullest extent.  He always carried his Bible and cherished the Cross that he wore with pride. Holding Christ in his heart, he also embodied the values of Christ in his daily life, never hesitating to help someone in need, or rescue a stranded driver on the side of the road.

Charles was born with two amazing gifts: his golden hands and an infectious humor. He used his gift of golden hands throughout many household projects, including adding a wiring to his house, and throughout his career as a partner with his dad in a mechanic shop.  The man could fix anything, with or without wheels! He even met his wife of 15 years when he fixed the fender on her car.

His gift of infectious humor stemmed from his smile and laugh, as well as his great sense of humor.  He could brighten any room.  Able to find humor in any situation, Charles could inspire laughter with as little as an eyebrow wiggle.  One example of his sense of humor was his use of the P.A. system he installed on his pride and joy, "Betsy" the truck. He would drive around making noises causing people to look around in wonder.

Charles also had an incredible love of life and the outdoors.  His hobbies included camping, bicycling, fishing, and riding a motorcycle or, really, anything with a motor. His greatest love, aside from his wife and family, was piloting airplanes.  He studied hard to learn how to fly and successfully completed his licensing requirements.  Charles would often fly from Van Nuys to Paso Robles to see his parents and take his family and friends for a ride.  Although he always dreamed of sky diving, he settled for bungee jumping on his honeymoon.

Charles is survived by his spouse, parents, two brothers, three sons, five grandchildren and many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association at 4221 Wilshire Blvd # 400 Los Angeles, CA 90010 or at www.alz.org/donate and select Tribute/Memorial donation.  Please reference Charles Hill.

Funeral service will be Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 10:30 am, held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Interment at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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