Lasting Memories
Charles E Enderby
Nov. 15, 1934-Aug. 2, 2020
Palo Alto, California
Charles “Chuck” Enderby, of Palo Alto, CA, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2020 at the age of 85. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois and attended the University of Illinois where he met his wife, Margaret (“Peg”). They were married in 1957. Upon completing his Bachelor’s of Science, Masters Degree and PhD in Electrical Engineering, he moved his family to Palo Alto in 1961. He had initially worked for General Electric, but later became one of the early pioneers in the medical laser industry. He had a very successful career path working as vice president and/or president spanning over three decades at a variety companies including Electro Optics Associates, Optics Technology Inc., Molectron and Cooper Lasersonics. During his career he did extensive business travel to almost every part of the world. Aside from his work career, he had a knack for home and auto repair with the ability to fix almost anything. He really instilled his drive to be self-sufficient to his three sons- Mike, Kevin and David. He had a great love of history, nature and the outdoors. Chuck was very involved as an adult leader in his son’s Boy Scout Troop 55 in Palo Alto in the 1970’s. He was very proud that all three of his sons became Eagle Scouts. Upon his retirement he rediscovered his passion for helping and continued to dedicate most of his spare time as a scout leader and Commissioner for the local Boy Scout Council until just a few years ago. He regularly filled in as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troops 5, 14 and 57 in Palo Alto and often attended summer camp as a Camp Commissioner at Camp Oljato at Huntington Lake in the Sierras. As a scout leader, he received one of its highest honors- The Silver Beaver Award. Later in life, he often recounted that he was much prouder of his contributions to Scouting than his business career. Although his wife Peg passed away 25 years ago, he leaves behind three sons- Mike Enderby of South Lake Tahoe/San Jose, Kevin Enderby of Redwood City and David Enderby of Palo Alto/San Dimas. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the Scouting Community.
It was my privilege to have been a volunteer alongside Chuck during my son's scouting career. He connected with the boys in a way I had never experienced before. He had an immense impact on many scouts that I'm sure led to positive outcomes in their later lives. Chuck will be missed.
Chuck was a great mentor to decades of young people. His warmth, his sense of humor, and his true caring and love for those young people shone through his life. I am grateful I got to work with Chuck during my time as a Scouter. May Chuck's memory be for a blessing.
Chuck was a great mentor to young scouts. I knew him with my association of PA Troop 14. He had a great sense of humor and was a father figure to those boys who needed one. He challenged our sons to be the best and be prepared in whatever situation they would encounter during scouting events and life. My boys, Evan and Ian as well my husband, Greg, and I, Committee Chair, benefited from his wisdom. His love for the outdoors was evident. He is truly missed.