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Charles Gavette

Charles Gavette

Charles Gavette passed away on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, in the arms of his loving wife, Alice. Charlie was born in Las Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 7, 1918, to Clinton Gavette and Bertha Corriveau Gavette. Charlie was the oldest of four brothers, all who preceded him in death. He went to school in La Honda and graduated from San Mateo High School in 1937.

  Charlie and Alice Sweeny were married on Aug, 8, 1941, in San Bruno. They were married for 71 years.

  A veteran of World War II, Charlie served in the Army from 1941 until 1945. He served at Fort Cronkite, Drakes Bay, with the Army Coast Artillery guarding the copper mines and training solders in Chile and as a staff sergeant at Camp Blanding, Fla.

  Charlie and Alice lived in several California cities – San Mateo, San Carlos, Quincy, Larkspur and Alturas, before moving to Sonoma in 1999 to be closer to their children.

  Charlie was an automotive machinist and owned Charlie’s Machine Shop in Greenbrae until 1989. He also owned the Cedar Tavern in Quincy, for five years.

  Charlie was a Scout master for five years and past president of the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce. He joined the American Legion Post #313 and was post commander for two years. Charlie also belonged to and served as president for the Corte Madera, Larkspur, Alturas and Sonoma Mission Lions Clubs. He was also an advisor emeritus of the Lions Eye Foundation and contributed many years to helping this cause. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

  Charlie is survived by his wife, Alice; his six children, Ron Gavette (Kay), of Virginia, Linda Bjerre (Bill), of Mendocino, Tom Gavette (Linda), of Petaluma, Gerry Gavette (Kim), of Napa, Janell Routley (Rick), of Penngrove and Charleen Gavette, of Rohnert Park. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

  A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., in Sonoma. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Leo’s Church, 601 W. Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8. There will be a reception and celebration immediately following the service.

  Charming Charlie’s wit and smile will be greatly missed.

  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Lions Eye Foundation (lionseyeca-nv.org/contributions.htm).