Charles Rider
Obituary
Charles Rider, known to everyone as "Butch," lost his battle with cancer on December 24, 2025, at his home in Corralitos, California.
Butch was born and raised in San Jose, California, where he lived until the age of 27, when he moved "over the hill" to Corralitos - a place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. He worked in construction in Santa Cruz County for more than 35 years, helping build and remodel homes throughout the Monterey Bay area.
A lifelong musician, Butch played bass in several bands during his 39 years in Santa Cruz. He was a devoted Grateful Dead fan, a Volkswagen enthusiast, fly fisherman, a self-proclaimed "squirrel whisperer" and a loyal and generous friend.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Rider and Charles Rider, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Boatwright (Portland, Oregon), and his siblings: Richard Rider (Normandy, France), Lee Rider (Fort Bragg, California), and Patti Rider (Sacramento, California), as well as many friends near and far.
Rest in paradise to a beloved father, brother, and friend. "What a long, strange trip it's been."
Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Published in The Pajaronian · January 6, 2026