This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Deenihan Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YW.2ADI/4092 Message Board Post: Charles Deenihan, insurance agent, dies Monday, July 18, 2005 5:09 PM PDT Charles Deenihan 07.19.05 - Charles Maurice Deenihan, patriarch of a five-generation Sonoma family, died peacefully in his sleep on July 7, 2005. Charles was born on April 19, 1920, in Petaluma, son of Marie (Andersen) Deenihan and Charles Patrick Deenihan. His mother later married Henry Larsen, and in 1928 the family moved to Sonoma, where they ran a dairy and horse-farming business. He attended the Sonoma Grammar School and graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1937, setting records in track, field, hurdling, and pole-vaulting. After studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, Charles worked at the Sonoma Post Office. His job was interrupted in 1941, when he entered the United States Army and was sent to the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 20, 1945, and was awarded the Bronze Star, a Bronze Star Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and an American Campaign Medal. His years in the military gave him a love of travel, and he often spoke of the different countries, especially the Philippines and Australia. He returned to his job at the post office, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Jeanne. Charles and Jeanne were married on Saint Patrick's Day, in 1950. In 1953, "Charlie," as he was known to friends and acquaintances, started working with State Farm Insurance on a part-time basis. Seeing an opportunity for his young family, he eventually retired from the post office to focus on his own agency full-time. While his children were growing up, Charles was active in the St. Francis Solano School Father's Club. He belonged to the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed participating in local events, especially the Vintage Festival and the annual State Farm family picnics. During his 33 years as a successful State Farm agent, Charles was respected and well liked throughout the community. Friends and clients remember his sense of humor, and the way he treated each person with courtesy and respect. Charles loved a good conversation, and he loved to talk about Sonoma. When his children asked about the "old days," he would entertain them for hours. Family and friends sat around the table losing track of time as they talked and laughed and shared familiar stories. Charles had a quiet side, but he was Irish, and the "gift of the gab" was always there behind his shy smile. Charles had a deep respect for animals and nature, and he liked to watch the seasons change, especially in his walks around the vineyards near his home. He often noticed things before anyone else. He was fond of the night sky, and liked to name the stars. Charles was a great reader, and loved books of all kinds. Charles revisited Australia and took trips to Ireland and Hawaii. He enjoyed his travels, but the journey he may have loved the most was when he danced in the kitchen with Jeanne, and they sang the song about taking a slow boat to China. His beloved wife, Jeanne (Phyllis Jeanne Kenyon) Deenihan died in August of 2003. They were married for 53 years. Charles was a kind and gentle man. He was a gentleman, in every sense of the word. Charles is survived by his brother Bob (Alice) Larsen, and nephew Ken (Amy) Larsen of Cotati; his children Jill (James) Kamahele, Beth-Marie (Thomas Crystle) Deenihan, William (Maria Elena Gil) Deenihan, Michael (Denise Halbe) Deenihan, Susan Deenihan, Patrick (Diane Lee) Deenihan; grandchildren Anea (David Botton) Kamahele and Haili Kamahele, Ian and Luke Deenihan, Christa Piccinotti and Adam Thomison, Allison and Erin Lee, and great-granddaughter Carena. Charles is predeceased by his father Charles Patrick Deenihan, mother Marie (Andersen) Larsen, stepfather Henry Larsen, and brother Henry Larsen. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Duggan's Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa Street, Sonoma, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Charles to the Hanna Boys Center, P.O. Box 100, Sonoma, CA 95476, or charitable foundation of choice, are deeply appreciated by his family.