Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 597
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Subject: Obit of TM1(SS) Charles "Chuck" McKie Sterlet, Segundo and Bluegill
Charles Edward McKie "Chuck" ShareE-mail Visit Guest Book
World War II and Korean War Veteran TSgt. Charles Edward McKie, a long times resident of Fairfield, California died from cancer on June 6, 2009. His distinguished military career began in 1942 when he joined the Navy following high school and was assigned aboard the Navy's first night-time air craft carrier, the USS Independence (CVL22) and then aboard several Navy submarines during the Korean War. He then trasferrred to the Air Force to complete his active duty military career in 1975.
TSgt. Charles (we all know him as Chuck) McKie was born in Oak Grove (Clackamus County) Ore. Feb. 4, 1923 to Amelia Ann and Charle Nesom McKie (Both deceased). As a child he attended schools in Oregon, Washington and California. He graduated from Buckley Washington High School in June 1942 and then joined the Navy for training in San Diego, Calif. Following training he was assigned to the USS Independence in July 1943 until the war's end in 1945. While aboard, the ship participated in over 112 naval battles ending with their planes credited with sinking the cruiser "Oydo" in final battles against the Japanese homeland. Upon the end of hostilities Chuck separated from the Navy and then joined the Navy Reserve as a submariner. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War to serve aboard the USS Bluegill, USS Sterlet and the USS Segundo as a torpedo man.
At the end of the Korean War, Chuck transferred to the Air Force to become an airborne electronics technician where he served in South Carolina, Panama, Utah, Spain, and then here at Travis AFB, Calif., beginning in 1969 until he retired in 1975 with 27 years of military service. Following his active duty career Chuck worked as a civilian employee of the Navy at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1989 with 38 years of government service.
During his lifetime Chuck developed many hobbies. He was an excellent marksman and participated at the expert level in military M1-Garand and 22 cal. Target competitions both privately and as members of a base team. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and California Pistol and Rifle Association. He was active as a volunteer and leader in the Boy Scouts of America, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman. In later years he became a strong participant in senior bowling leagues in both local and state wide competition.
Of all hobbies, first and foremost Chuck was a "Rock-Hound." He loved to collect exotic rocks, and with his friends and family made many trips into the hills of California and surrounding states to search for gemstones and other minerals. He became proficient with the tools used to slice and then polish rocks into beautiful displays and settings, and also developed an encyclopedic knowledge of mineralogy and physical geology. He enjoyed teaching others, especially younger people, about both the beauty of these minerals and the science of how they were formed. Chuck was a long term member of the Fairfield Lapidary Society serving several terms as president. He was also active in the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Collecting rocks and traveling the world to collect these rocks was his passion.
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". - Erma Bombeck
Chuck is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy McKie; son, Dennis & Victoria Warren of Waterford, Calif.; granddaughters, Emily & Todd Miskell, and Mary & Michael McMenomey. Chuck is also survived by close family and friends in Washington, Maryland, South Carolina, and New York.
Chuck and his family are active members of Community United Methodist Church in Fairfield where Chuck volunteered as an Usher and Greeter. Services to honor Chuck's life will be conducted United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 11, at 11 a.m. by Pastor Tom Kimball. A Military Burial at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery will follow at 1 p.m. All friends and family are encouraged to attend and share in the celebration and remembrance of Chuck McKie's life.
In Lieu of flowers please send any donations to the Community United Methodist Church remodeling fund, the ASERA Hospice in Concord, Calif., or the American Cancer Society . Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home 425-4697.
Published in The Reporter on 6/9/2009 print
Guest BookAdd photos and more
You may leave your condolences or share memories by signing the Guest Book here:
On behalf of the USS STERLET SS392 Association our prayers go to his wife Dorothy and son
Dennis "May the Comfort of Your Friends be Your Strength". Attention on Deck Torpedoman
Chuck McKie has assumed the watch as he enters his Eternal Patrol. "Sailor Rest Your Oars"
Dick Jarenski
Commander/Secretary USS STERLET SS392 Association
|
Obit of TM1(SS) Charles "Chuck" McKie Sterlet, Segundo and Bluegill
