Charles David Amies, age 93, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 peacefully at his home in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He was born on December 9, 1922 in Rochester, New York. Charles (Chuck) was preceded in death by: his parents, Charles A. Amies (Brockville, Ontario) and Mable Catherine (Grape) Amies, and his wife of nearly 60 years, Clarice Cole Amies.A loving son, brother, father, and husband, Charles led a life of service to his country and dedication to his family. He never lost his sense of humor, and always had a real curiosity for how everything ticked. Growing up in Rochester, he loved fishing, doing experiments with his "Chemcraft" chemistry set, making model airplanes and even his own submarine, studying botany, and driving (and frequently repairing) his 1937 Willys car and Model A Ford. After graduating from Madison High School in 1940, he took care of his family until his younger sister graduated from high school as his father had passed away in 1941 from complications of mustard-gas exposure in WW1. In July of 1943, Chuck volunteered for the military, and started a 25-year career in military service to his country. Over his military career, Chuck's expertise in all areas of electronics took him on assignments across the US, South Korea, Germany, and numerous classified missions associated with Atomic test series (here in the Southwest as well as in the Hawaiian islands). Senior Master Sergeant, Charles D. Amies, retired from the Air Force in 1968, and began a new, but related, career working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Chuck worked as a Radiation Control technician until 1986. He enjoyed his work and lab colleagues, and loved life in the Los Alamos area.Chuck met his wife of nearly 60 years, Clarice Cole Amies, in 1956 on a blind date, and they were married in Rochester, New York shortly thereafter. They each brought children to this second marriage. Charles had two sons from his first marriage: Charles Patrick and Richard Allen; and Clarice had one son, Gregory Christopher. Together they had one child, a daughter, Evelyn Lois. The family had many adventures following their father on his many military assignments.In his retirement, Chuck enjoyed fishing, working on the daily crossword, and visiting his family with Clarice. Chuck and his puns and quick wit will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Charles is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Amies) Kampcik, his younger brother, Robert Amies (both still residing in Rochester, New York), his children: Gregory, Charles, Richard, and Evelyn Amies Swiss, and his six grandchildren: Julie, Sonya, Connie, Charles, Jennifer Amies Abbott, and Hillary Swiss MacKay. Burial was held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family would like to thank the loving and wonderful staff from Professional Case Management and Amber care Hospice for their kind care of Chuck in his final two years. The family of Charles David Amies has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477
devargasfuneral.com
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