Charles Charlie Richard Lopez

Charles Richard Lopez (Charlie) of Vista, CA, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023 with family at his bedside. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles Leonard Lopez and Viola Lopez (Hamel), his beloved wife of 20 years Deborah Lopez (Rocheleau), and sister Carmen Gamez (sp. Enrique). Charlie is survived by his children, Wendy Cortez (sp. Jaime) and Charles (sp. Samantha), grandchildren Alyssa Romig (sp. Andrew), Gabriela, and Isabela, one great-grandchild Harrison Romig, brother Leonard Lopez (sp. Sandra) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Charlie was a loved and loyal friend to many. Charlie was born in Detroit, MI on April 11, 1945 and grew up in Southgate, MI graduating from Schafer High School. During his high school years, he honed his sports enthusiast nature by playing football and baseball and was a spectator for many more. After high school, he continued his scholastic and football career at Western Kentucky University. Upon returning to Michigan, he refined his approach in sales which later proved to be useful as he was the guy who liked to haggle with a car salesman. A majority of Charlie’s professional career was with the Loyal Order of Moose. While serving in many capacities, his commitment to the mission of the organization in service for children, seniors, and the community was unwavering. Through his dedication, Charlie was bestowed with the highest honor of the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 1988. Charlie served as the Administrator of the Kalamazoo- Portage Lodge for nearly 20 years before becoming the Area Manager for the California and Nevada region. While he retired in 2014, Charlie continued to serve as a mentor, never wavering on his commitment of caring for others. While his professional career meant a tremendous amount to him, his dedication to his family and friends were unmatched. As a man of large stature, he may have initially been seen as intimidating, but to know him for a moment, his gentle and caring soul was revealed. He passionately looked out for others and was generous in his offering of assistance. His humble nature made him a trusted confidant for many. While his steadfast dedication to his family and friends were incomparable, sports of all kind were a true passion. Charlie followed all of the Detroit teams: Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons. He was a long-time University of Michigan football season ticket holder and never missed a game. He enjoyed horse racing, NASCAR, and was an avid golfer. Family and friends will remember Charlie’s love, loyalty, friendliness, generosity, mentorship, sense of humor, and enjoyment of life. We miss him already. Charlie’s family will host a memorial service on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 1:00pm. The service will be at the Allen Brothers Mortuary in San Marcos, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mooseheart Child City & School (https://secure3.convio.net/moose/site/Donation2?idb=438786649&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&idb=0) or the World Central Kitchen in Charlie’s honor.