Steve Bayer

I grew up down the street from the Sullivan’s house and spent more time there than any other of my friend’s homes. Chuck influenced the direction of my youth more than anyone other than my parents. As a young kid hanging out at the Sullivan’s, he was always kind to me and took a genuine interest in the details of my life. His interest was more than just neighborly, it was just how we was, a compassionate and engaged person. As a 7th grader at El Roble, and one that wasn’t adjusting as well as others, Chuck (I later found out) arranged for me to become a student counselor. In that role I found out that others had struggles similar, and different, than mine. He was responsible for awakening an empathy and compassion in me that lives on to this day. He also connected me into the broader school community which was very much struggling to do on my own. As a high schooler (and even before) David, Darren and I were always more adventurous than conventional rules allowed. Chuck was always the one that caught us. He had a way of handling our missteps in a way that left our dignity in-tact and with the understanding that we were not ever to do those things again, and we didn’t. I think what I like most of all about Chuck was that he was steady. I recall every year he sanded and re-sealed the wood exterior paneling on the front of the house. It was an all weekend job and he did it with expert skill and patience. It looked better 20 years on than it did when it was new. He faithfully took care of his wife and family. He was an active, caring and contributing member of the community. He did good by everyone, for the benefit of everyone. I will miss you Chuck. Thank you for everything.