Charles Henry Mayo Jr.

Charles Henry Mayo, Jr., a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away January 14, 2022. He was 91 years old.

Charles was born October 21, 1930, in Pueblo, Colorado. When he was 11 years old his family moved to Santa Monica, CA. Charles loved the ocean and enjoyed swimming and surfing there. He attended Santa Monica High School, where he was captain of the basketball team. An avid athlete, he won most valuable man honors each year. He later attended Santa Monica City College, where he met the love of his life, Swetlana Laura Mayo in 1949. They were married on November 25, 1951, at the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Hollywood, CA. Charles was devoted to his wife Laura until her passing on September 10, 2021. After her passing, he still spoke of her and how he missed her every day. They were married for 70 years.

Charles joined the United States Air Force on August 9, 1950, during the Korean War. He served in the war as a military police officer, where he was stationed for one year near the 38th parallel line in Korea. He served for four years in the Air Force, and he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

After his military service, Charles worked in banking, first at the Santa Monica Bank and then later at Bank of Sonoma County, as a Bank Officer. He worked in the banking industry for 25 years.

Charles moved his family from Southern California to Petaluma in 1972. Charles and his wife Laura were both excellent tennis players, and they both loved playing tennis and being out on the tennis court. They belonged to many clubs and tennis associations, namely La Cantera Tennis Club in Santa Rosa. Charles excelled in tennis and won many awards and trophies. He passed his tennis ability on to his grandchildren, with one of them playing on the Cardinal Newman tennis team. Charles loved the town of Healdsburg and spent time in the summers with his family in his Russian River cabin. He and his wife Laura also opened a plant nursery business on Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg in 1981 called the Healdsburg Garden Center. They received special recognition in the Healdsburg Tribune for beautifying the area downtown with their nursery.

Charles and Laura enjoyed both Petaluma and Healdsburg, spending time in both communities. They would reminisce and laugh and laugh about spending time with Zelma Ratchford driving around Fitch Mountain looking at homes as Zelma drove speeding around the corners in her big, long car.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had three daughters; Marie Mayo, Elise Kennedy, and Tamara Mayo Postal, a sister Jodene Jacobson, and three grandsons; Nolan and Colin Postal and Adam Kennedy. He also had a great granddaughter, Tatiana Kennedy. Charles always referred to his grandsons as "my boys", as he considered them his own sons. He was extremely devoted to them as a grandfather. He told them "Honest and hard work pays off in the end." Everything Charles did and all the hard work and sacrifices he made was done for his family. Always fair and honest, he was continuously complimented on his unending kindness. He adored his children and grandchildren. He spent a lot of time with his grandchildren and always spoke of his fondness for them.

Charles passed away just four months after his beloved wife, Laura. He missed her and spoke of her every day after her passing.

Dad, you are so greatly missed. We would give anything to walk into your house, see you smiling and sitting in your chair watching your favorite old movies. Just to see you one more time, when we would laugh and talk, and listen to your old stories. You are so greatly missed, and we would give anything for one more day with you.

We were so blessed to have had you as a parent and grandparent, and to have spent the time with you that we did. We all love and miss you, Dad. The only peace we have now is knowing that you are with Mom again.

Charles is laid to rest at Oak Mound Cemetery, Healdsburg, CA.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · May 22, 2023