Charles Edward Tamagni

Charles "Chuck" Edward Tamagni left this world on September 9, 2023, in Boulder Creek, California. Chuck lived side by side with the love of his life, Kay Kiesow Tamagni for 64 years, in the same home that they built in 1961. Chuck was born in Chowchilla, California on October 20, 1934. He spent his school years helping his dad, a mechanic and milkman, which encouraged his incredible mind and mechanical talent. Chuck also loved music, playing his saxophone to the tunes of John Phillip Souza, and playing in a dance band. After graduation from Chowchilla High School, Chuck went on to college, first at the University of Redlands, then on to Stanford, graduating with degrees in Physics and Mathematics.

While working at Stanford Research Institute, he lived in Menlo Park, and was fortunate to meet a talented teacher from Oregon, Kay. They married in Toledo, Oregon, and shortly afterward, began building their life together in Boulder Creek. Chuck started and ended his career at Lockheed as a rocket scientist, a career he loved immeasurably. His little commute through the redwood trees to the Bonny Doon campus on his motorcycle made work so enjoyable.

Following loving parents' footsteps, Chuck and Kay raised three children; Sue Tamagni Wilkerson, Charles (Chip) Tamagni, and Marijane (Jane) Tamagni Wensley. Chuck was very involved in their many pursuits, including horses, minibikes, fishing, cheerleading, high school sports, teenage driver calamities, and through everything, Chuck was able to build loving bonds and trust with all three of his children. There was never a question that he couldn't answer, whether mechanical, computer or life-related.

After retirement in 1993, Chuck's hobbies diversified! After retirement, Chuck volunteered at Ano Nuevo State reserve, touring groups through the largest mainland breeding ground of the North American Elephant Seal. He treasured the friendships he made on those long walks. This experience led the way for him to take the trip of a lifetime on the Shogun, a research vessel out of San Diego, where he was able to forge lifelong friendships, while exploring Baja and the Sea of Cortez. He LOVED tennis, especially with his favorite Jade Street tennis group. He played with them for over 15 years, and truly loved every minute of it.

Chuck loved spending time with family and friends, from coffee (or a beer) with the neighbors, to many vacations to Cabo and Hawaii. He always had the time to help – spending hours on the phone consulting on computer dilemmas, solving problems about building things, or giving his generous views on life to those in need. Chuck loved his Siamese cats, most recently, Murphy & Millie, who miss him a lot. Chuck loved reading, watching tennis & football, tinkering on projects, working on computer challenges – but more than anything, his love for Kay never faded. He appreciated everything she did to keep life humming along. Although never directly in the military, Chuck supported them throughout his life, contributing his time, expertise and resources to ensure their success.

Chuck was preceded in death by his sister, Margie (Tamagni) Baxter & her husband Russ Baxter, his parents, Edith and Charlie Tamagni, numerous Tamagni family cousins, aunts, uncles, and many close friends.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Kay; daughter Sue and family Eden & Sailor; son Chip and daughter-in-law Rachel; daughter Jane and son-in-law Scott Wensley; grandchildren Kate & Emma, niece and nephews, so many wonderful friends, and the cats, Murphy & Millie.

Chuck's loss is felt deeply with all who knew him, yet his wonderful views on life will live on in all of us that were part of his life.

The Celebration of Chuck's life will be held on March 23, 2024, at Scopazzi's, where so many family gatherings have been held over the years. To be kept updated, please email Sue at sue@alwaysogden.com

In remembrance, the family requests contributions be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America pva.org or Woundedwarriorproject.org

Published in Press Banner · September 27, 2023