Charles Massen
July 22, 1931- April 27, 2017
Charles Massen was a Marin County native who grew up in Fairfax and graduated from Fairfax Grammar School, Tamalpais High School and the College of Marin before entering the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After 4 years in the USN Construction Battalion serving in the Philippines and Korea, Charles earned his Architectural Degree from Heald College. He worked with various architects in the Bay Area, and ended his career as President of Roller and Massen, Architects, in San Francisco.
In 1959, he married Sandra Fraetis, and they raised two children, Jennifer and Mark. Charles enjoyed membership in the Marin Ski Club, San Francisco Rotary, S.F. Executives Club, Toastmasters, Marin Committee For Fair Play, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, and most of all, The Boy Scouts of America.
In retirement, Charles was able to pursue a life-long love of bird watching. He greatly enjoyed volunteering with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory and bird watching with the Grey Hawks.
Charles joined Boy Scout Troop 7 in Fairfax at the age of 8, and remained an active volunteer for his entire life, as camp counselor, cub master, scout master, swimming and life-saving instructor, and on leadership boards. He lived every day of his life according to the Boy Scout Law. As a family man, as an employer/businessman, as a friend and as a neighbor, Charles was Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Charles is survived by his wife of 58 years Sandra, his son Mark Massen, his daughter Jennifer Wolf, son-in-law Rob Wolf, granddaughter Cecilia Wolf and sister-in-law and brother-inlaw Renée and Hal Peters.
The family is grateful that Charles was able to remain at home with the loving assistance of caregivers from Home Helpers Agency and Hospice By The Bay.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 3, 2017. Please contact the family by email at massenwolf@aol.com for details. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, Charles wished tributes be made to Marin Council, BSA, Hospice By The Bay or Golden Gate Raptor Observatory.