Charles Barton Kendall Jr. (“Chuck”), born on January 4, 1935, in Manila, Philippines, to Charles B. Kendall and Jean Hughes Kendall, led an extraordinary and fulfilling life. His family relocated to Shadow Hills, CA, just before the Japanese invasion. After high school, Chuck enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Returning home with the G.I. Bill and an extra 25 pounds of muscle, he walked on to the UCLA football team as a 5th string tailback, but with his trademark work ethic and determination, quickly worked his way to a starting spot. “Just give me a shot coach, I’m ready”. His 100-yard rushing performance against Stanford was a highlight, making him the first UCLA player to do so in three seasons.
Chuck met and married Claire Groger while at UCLA. Drafted by the Houston Oilers, he played in their inaugural season and won the AFL Championship before a knee injury ended his career. They returned to Southern California, settling in La Cañada Flintridge, where they had four sons: Bart, Tom, Mike, and John. Chuck had a successful career in commercial real estate, earning the nickname “Never Let a Deal Die Kendall” for his tenacity. Through his vision and determination, Chuck was behind the development of one of the first mega indoor shopping malls in the country, the Sherman Oaks Galleria, backdrop to the cult film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Seeking new challenges, Chuck turned to sports car racing, leading the family on adventures around the world. Kendall Racing, a small West Coast team, defied expectations, winning their class and finishing 5th overall in only their second professional race at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring in a Porsche RSR.
In 1994, Chuck married Gail Tart, and they enjoyed 30 wonderful years in Rancho Santa Fe, California. They immersed themselves in the community, supported cherished causes, and traveled the world in unique ways. Chuck was passionate about golf, spending his days with Gail and their many cats, and his four sons and their families. Chuck was obsessed with health and fitness and was literally not out of shape for the duration of his remarkable life. Not one to let a second of unproductivity get by him, he could be found getting in a set of bicep curls in his suit and tie as he waited for Gail to finish getting ready for a night out.
To Chuck, family was everything and loved spending time with is boys, exposing them to new experiences through family vacations, and being supportive in everything they did. Chuck was also a true patriot, loved the USA deeply, and believed in the power of education to change life circumstances. A few other things he loved: lemon merengue pie, peanuts & beer, dirty jokes, helping others, and contemplating life while watching hummingbirds under the veranda. He is survived by his wife Gail, his sons Bart (Sarah), Tom (Caroline), Mike (Kacie), and John, seven grandchildren (Kathryn, Noelle, Cameron, Emma, Claire, Jasmine, and Iris), one great-grandchild (Charlotte), and his youngest sister, Jeanne Kendall.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 2 pm at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club
