Charles Phillip Caviness
Charles Phillip Caviness passed away of natural causes just shy of his 89th birthday on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021. He lived a very full life, passed peacefully and was grateful for the blessings of family, friends, and the vibrant community in which he was so deeply involved and gave so much of himself.
Charles had three different business careers. First, in international business as an executive for Signode Steel, Borg Warner International, and Heston Corp., during which he travelled extensively throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. A keen interest in world affairs remained important to him throughout his life.
Second, as the West Coast advertising manager for the Christian Science Monitor.
Third, as a financial planner and stockbroker, beginning with local brokerage Davis Skaggs, which subsequently became Morgan Stanley. He loved working with and helping many extraordinary people and multiple generations of families through his financial services career.
Since retiring at the “tender” age of 73, Charles continued to enjoy road cycling, became active in Sons in Retirement (SIRS), played golf, and continued serving on not-for-profit boards.
Charles was an active member of First Church, Christ Scientist, Belvedere, CA, and was grateful for his loving church family. He held numerous roles including head of the music committee, which was deeply rewarding to him given his love of music.
Among other boards on which Charles served were the Bay Area Council for Soviet Jews, which brought relief supplies and international support for the protection of Jews and other persecuted religious minorities in the Soviet Union.
Charles rejoiced every day in the beauty of the Tiburon Peninsula and larger Bay Area, and was delighted to make it his home. Charles was born in Memphis, TN, on May 31st, 1932. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served during the Korean War from 1950-1952, graduated from Principia College in 1956 (B.A., Economics), and worked on an MBA at the University of Chicago in the 1960s.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Joan Caviness (née Gallicchio); their children, John Caviness, Doug Caviness, and Ann Caviness; as well as five grandchildren, Alex Caviness, Sean Caviness, Mia Caviness, Luca Caviness and Gianna Caviness.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations are welcomed to Disabled American Veterans or Paralyzed Veterans of America or any organization of one’s choice serving the needy or disadvantaged.