Daas, Charles

54, died after a long illness on November 27 in Norfolk, Virginia. Born in Detroit, MI, Charles was raised in Grosse Pointe, MI. Soon after graduating with his B.A. from the University of Michigan, Charles moved to Chicago, subsequently earning an M.A. in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Charles’ expressed his passion for Chicago through his successful, 27-year career in urban planning and education. He had a boundless enthusiasm for making the world a better place. A champion of affordable housing, Charles never tired in his quest to re-invigorate neighborhoods through community development and expanding home ownership opportunities.

Charles most recently found a platform to spread his vision as adjunct faculty within the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, University of Illinois, Chicago. During his time there, Charles received the Silver Circle Award, the university’s highest honor for excellence in teaching.

Charles leaves behind a host of affectionate friends who will continue to cherish his memory as a generous companion, an interested listener, and a lively conversationalist. Charles is survived by his mother, Mary; his sister, Martha; two sons, Griffin (11) and Spencer (8); and former wife ,Heather Foote.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 p.m .on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 St. Paul’s Boulevard, Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Ravenswood Community Services, 4550 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 or online at https://www.ravenswoodcommunityservices.org