Chuck loved apple pies. Once Chuck and his friends harvested all the apples from the trees in our yard and made 20+ apple pies. He gave some away, froze many of them, and we enjoyed eating them for weeks. It was a good time for David and me.
Simon and I made this apple pie on the one-year anniversary of his passing.
My father, Chuck Sullivan, bought the Mustang from a neighbour back in 1980 (about then). I was not even in high school yet. He was hesitant at first to spend the $7500. My mother made the decision for him knowing it was his dream car and he would regret it forever if he didn’t buy it. Since then she refers to it as ‘her’ car.
I have many years of memories being driven around in the back seat. Going to Las Vegas was fun, but extremely hot with no AC. The beach was always fun. Once in a while, we would go up the central coast! While in university, I came down to LA with a friend to show him around Southern California. He loved the Mustang and my father offered him the keys. He said ‘Take it for a spin!’ He never let me or my brother drive it, yet he just offers the keys to a stranger. I was cross with him for years about that. My friend still won’t let me forget that.
My father would drive the car regularly and kept it running perfectly. He didn’t do the work himself as he was not mechanically inclined. We had a family mechanic who took care of it. Since he retired, our Volvo mechanic has taken over the work. He loves working on it.
It is far from a perfect car but does look perfect from afar. The Pony interior is faded from the California sun but is otherwise perfect. The white convertible top did have a split glass rear window, but that never worked out well. It always had problems with dirt getting between the glass and cracking them. It is now a plastic window. The paint is not original. It has been repainted twice. Once back in (about) 1995 and again a year later. My dad thought the colour was not quite right.
After I moved out of the country I was given permission to drive the car. I guess he didn’t think I could do much harm while living in Amsterdam. When I did, he would not let me drive it very far. He was naturally very protective of it. He was not confident it would handle a 2+ hour drive without breaking down. We tried to explain to him it needed to stretch its wheel on the open highway now and then and go for a good long drive. When I am able to fly back to LA safely, I will give it a good long run. Perhaps to Palm Springs.
I don’t think I will ever consider it really my car. It will always be my father’s car that I am now the keeper of.
My American dad.
Chuck a warm welcoming friendly man, that”s how i remember him. He had a great speech talent, which he did show perfectly on my wedding.
As guest of the Sullivan family i visited together with my grandfather of 90+ Chuck and Ruth at there beautifull home…and even grandfather Antonie did not speak English i never saw him so relaxed. Chuck thank you so much….
Dietrik.
As my El Roble counselor and a newcomer to Claremont, Chuck made we feel welcomed and let me know that I could always come to him if needed. Later, as a troubled and rebellious teen, Chuck and Ruth were always there for me, without judgement and with open arms regardless of the trouble that David and I often got into. They were my rock and source of stability growing up and part of the reason I am who I am today.
Chuck was the most loving, gentle, and caring soul that I have ever had the pleasure to know and I will miss him and his smile dearly. Claremont won’t be the same without you!
Throughout our lives, our paths cross with many people! However, some seem to “stick” to our hearts❤️forever, whether we are near or far. My friendship started with Chuck and Ruth 30 years ago. We met at church and their warm and accepting love won my heart instantly. I remember many fine dinners and fun parties (including a lovely wedding shower for my daughter) hosted at their lovely home. Always lots of laughter and fun.
In time, I learned that Chuck and I had a mutual love for racquetball. After playing a game or two I knew he was a few leagues above me!! He was so kind and patient but played a A++ game for sure!!!😊 Soon I knew I made a better “ cheerleader” for him, than an opponent!! Great memories.
I’m thankful the times I had with Chuck, and look forward to seeing more of you Ruth. My love and prayers are with you and your family.
I think our first real encounter with the Sullivans was at a class we attended together at our church. I don’t remember much about the class, but from then on have enjoyed Ruth and Chuck. Have loved seeing them at the grocery store, concerts in the park, Christmas parties. Other than loving Chuck’s gentle, fun personality, our family truly appreciated and valued him as a counselor at El Roble middleschool. He was the guidance counselor for all three of our children and a grandchild. How comforting for us to know our children were supervised by a Godly, caring and wise friend.
God promises to be a husband to the widow. May you find peace and great strength in those promises, dear Ruth. May God bless you as you embark on this new phase of your life. I trust you sense the power in the prayers of your friends who love and care.
Chuck Sullivan will be in my memory for his open smile and lasting hug. Each time he greeted me it was with open arms and a warm welcome. Although I have known Chuck for over 50 years; it has been the past eight years that have come to mean so much to me. Chuck was so gracious and patient as he chauffeured Ruth and I (Ruth) around to the many Garage Sales that were on our schedule. One time we took his red Mustang out on one of our excusions and came back to their home with the back seat full of 4′-5′ tall plants for the their yard with me in the middle of the greenery. What fun we had, and of course, we always treated Chuck to his favorite lunch spot in Clarmont. So many memories over the several decades to cherish. My condolences to Ruth, David and Darren and thanks for sharing Chuck with so many of us! Ruth Wenger Humes
Harold and I have many fond memories of spending time with Chuck and Ruth. Whether it was at Forest Home or in their home, there was always laughter and good food.
I remember garage sales, playing games, and treasured conversations. We loved Chuck’s sense of humor! When I had a heart valve replacement Chuck’s comment was that he had that done on his car!
Harold and I are so thankful for many years of memories with Chuck and Ruth. Our love and prayers are with Ruth and the family.
I met Chuck through Ruth as she and I met in college in 1960 and became best friends. After graduation Ruth took a teaching position in California and I remained in Illinois. I told her she would meet someone within a year and get married. Ruth did just that and our friendship expanded to now include husbands. Over the years we were able to see each other but because of the distance not as often as I would have wished. The telephone and mail kept us in touch. Our families grew up and our daughter chose to attend a California college. Ruth and Chuck went with us to visit the college. They completely supported us and helped us get Pam settled. Even to the point of helping us gather furniture for her. Other memories that come to mind are a week long California driving trip together and another trip to the Island of Kauai. They always welcomed us to their home with opened arms. We have been blessed to have them in our life. Chuck is very missed and will always be family to us.
What I will remember most about Chuck is the way his smile made you feel that everything was right in the world. A smile from him would blanket me in the warmest feeling of love, tenderness and care.
A truly genuine, loving, kind and gentle soul who will remain forever in our hearts.
My love and condolences go out to Ruth and Family….