Chuck Butcher an engineer, entrepreneur, youth sports coach and resident of Thousand Oaks for over 45 years died Wednesday from complications related to a recent injury. He was 81.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Chuck moved west with his family and grew up in the San Diego area. An accomplished athlete, he competed as a member of his high school football, track and field and basketball teams. Following graduation from high school he enlisted in the Air Force, serving his country for four years and receiving an honorable discharge in 1954. Following his military service, Chuck worked in the defense industry eventually retiring from Bendix after 30 plus years.

An avid sports enthusiast, Chuck was very active in the Bendix golf club, serving as president for a number of years. While his children were young, Chuck was active in youth baseball, volunteering his time as a coach for the Conejo Valley Little League. Following retirement, he channeled his energies into a number of home based businesses including picture framing and a bicycle distribution enterprise. A true Renaissance man, Chuck was an avid golfer, photographer and master of many skills.

Family and friends considered him a great resource for solving a problem or fixing almost anything. He had a motto that if he did not have an answer to a problem it could be solved through research. An engineer by training, he was meticulous in the approach to his work.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 32 years, JoAnn; three brothers, Ray, Phil and Walter; a sister, Nancy; five children, Brad, Hugh, Cathy, Pat and Pam as well as 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Erma as well as a brother Ed and sister, Mary. His grandchildren adored him. He will be greatly missed.

The family plans to hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Wounded Warriors (www.woundedwarriorsproject.org)