KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Chuck Morris, a longtime activist for veterans issues in the Santa Clarita Valley, died earlier this week.
Charles “Chuck” R. Morris was born on Feb. 9, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois where he lived until 1948 when his family moved to Studio City in California. He later served in the U.S. Army between 1952-54, received an honorable discharge with the rank of Private First Class and was awarded the Army of Occupation-National Defense Medal during his service.
Charles R. Morris Army Portrait
Chuck was happily married to the greatest love of his life, Barbara, for nearly 63 years. Together, they had two children.
In 2000, Chuck retired after working 40 years in the automotive industry, moving to Santa Clarita in 1991 and then to Friendly Valley in 1994, a move he touted as the best he ever made.
Charles R. Morris & Barbara
A proud former serviceman, Chuck dedicated himself several veteran organizations, including Operation Gratitude, Habitat for Heroes, Friendly Valley Veterans Club, Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center Veterans Club and Veterans Advocacy Network Inc.
In the summer of 2012, Chuck learned of Lancaster’s moveable Vietnam Memorial Wall, which inspired him to spearhead a local project to have it displayed on a float at Friendly Valley’s next Memorial Day Ceremony in Santa Clarita.
Chuck garnered tremendous community financial support, starting with Carl and Jeri Goldman of KHTS Hometown Station and Arif Halaby of Total Financial Solutions.
The wall, containing all 58,320 names of American personnel killed in Vietnam, measures 8 feet tall and 360 feet long.
Chuck negotiated an agreement with the Valencia Town Center management and in September 2013, a four-day outstanding event was held and attended by over 20,000 visitors with every fallen warrior’s name read around the clock by 300 volunteers.
Chuck was honored as 2014 Veteran of the Year for the 38th District by then-Assemblyman Scott Wilk (now State Senator).
“Santa Clarita lost a jewel. Chuck and my wife Jeri were instrumental in bringing the traveling Vietnam Memorial wall to Santa Clarita. Chuck was a delight to work with and get to know. Santa Clarita lost one of its heroes. We will miss him,” shared KHTS owner Carl Goldman.
Chuck died at the age of 87. He is remembered by friends, family, and the community he served.
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Chuck was one of the nicest people I ever met. May he rest in peace.
Thank you…Please join us to Celebrate my Dads life on February 4th @ 1 o’clock at The Friendly Valley Auditorium.
Chuck was one of the great ones. He helped so many people and organizations. He always had a smile and nice words to say. We will miss him. Santa Clarita will miss him. May God bless his family. Rest in peace brother.
Tim, please join us on February 4th @ 1 o’clock in Friendly Valley’s Auditorium. He treasured your friendship.
Chuck was a caring soul and one of the SCV’s most active volunteers. He and his wife were very involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs Annual Auction and The Festival of Trees for many years. We are both US Army veterans and often attended various Veterans events. A true & solid citizen of our City and Country. Rest In Peace.
Jim, you know how my Father felt about you and The Boys and Girls Club…you all became family, so Please join us on February 4th at 1 o’clock at Friendly Valley in the auditorium.
So sad, we need more people like Chuck. R.I.P.
He will be missed by lots of us. He was a true gentleman who loved lots of us and was always friendly and caring. Rest in peace Chuck.
Chuck, rest in peace and enjoyed our many ventures in supporting our veterans of SCV and memorials of our veterans.
God bless you.
Jim
Thank You All…
PLEASE JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 4TH @ 1’OCLOCK FRIENDLY VALLEY AUDITORIUM TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF MY DAD CHUCK MORRIS; all are welcome.
My Father loved this community, and the friends he made became family. He was a good man who wanted to help where he could.