Read Charles "Butch" Edward Franklin's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Charles "Butch" Edward Franklin

Simi Valley, CA

April 10, 1946 - February 5, 2021

Apr 10, 1946 - Feb 5, 2021

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Charles Edward Franklin , 74, of Simi Valley, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021.

Known as “Butch” or “Chuck” to family and friends, Charles was born on April 10, 1946, the third child of David Franklin and Lillian Wagner. In many ways, he was raised by two additional parents; his older brother and sister, Don and Jean. His only cousin, Diane, was thought of as more of a sibling than a cousin. These five people are credited with shaping the first era of Charles’ life and he delighted in telling stories about every one of them until the end.

Charles was a proud alumni of Holy Spirit Elementary and St. John Vianney High School. An athlete, a glee club singer, and Student Body President were among his pride-filled accomplishments during those years. Chuck remained lifelong friends with several wonderful schoolmates from this era of his life.

Never a dull moment in the life of Charles Franklin, Chuck’s career options during his “college years” included everything from psych ward tech to track coach to teacher.

While working on his doctorate, Chuck landed a job as Resident Director for United States International University in San Diego. In January of 1978, he met Elise McGill, who took him on many adventures over the next six years before getting married and sharing their three biggest adventures together: Kaelia Therese, Collin Charles, and Mackenzey Lil Franklin. Chuck was in love and inspired by Elise every single day, often stating how grateful he was that Kael, Coll and Kenz had so many of her strong and compassionate traits.

It would be nearly impossible to describe Chuck in a single sentence... He was a man with a deep passion for music - which he shared with all who would listen - through his own voice, his beloved piano, and his longest time musical companion, the accordion. He was a man who had endless pride for his wife, his children and his grandchild, and an unending amount of love for his family members, both by blood and by “adoption”. But the part of Chuck that described him most inclusively was his career as a gifted therapist and mentor. Dr. Franklin, as he was known to many, had no bigger passion than helping guide others through their own life’s journey and this passion and guidance spread far beyond the four walls of his office.

Charles is survived by Elise, Erik, Kaelia, Collin, Mackenzey, one granddaughter, their spouses and significant others. As well as Don’s large and loving family members; Diane and Barry and all of the wonderful Dagestinos; the McGills, et al., who each held a very special place in Chuck’s heart; all those who have spent time under Chuck’s roof and are known as family; all those who have felt the love, support, and guiding hand of Dr. Franklin; and anyone who has had the pleasure of calling him a friend.

In order to keep everyone safe in these times, a Celebration of Life will be postponed (until Super Bowl LVI, perhaps?). In the meantime, this website is here for you to share your memories and “Chuck Stories”, and to celebrate the man we all knew and loved.

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