2020 Charles W. Violet

Charles W. Violet
March 6, 1937 - May 18, 2020
A lasting legacy from Bill was his deep love for his wife Lynn.

Charles W. Violet (Bill), 83, passed away Monday (May 18, 2020) at home after a long illness..

Mr. Violet was born on March 6, 1937 in Sacramento, Calif., to Ralph Raymond and Voda Charlotte (Madsen) Violet. He was raised by his paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Sadie and Arthur McIntyre. On Oct. 30, 1955 in Reno, Nev., he married the love of his life, Linda Gay Rasmusen (Lynn) who preceded him in death on April 7, 2020. Charles and Linda were residents of Napa Valley from 1960 to 2019, when they moved to Wellsville to live with their daughter.

Bill began his working career as a young man on the Southern Pacific Railroad as an apprentice machinist in Sacramento, Ca.. In 1960, he moved his young family to Vallejo Ca. where he would spend the rest of his working career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Calif. It was there that he found his second love, submarines. Bill continued as a machinist in the building of fifteen nuclear submarines. His wife and children always celebrated each submarine’s completion with him by attending it’s launch into the San Francisco Bay, with thousands of other Shipbuilding families. Later in Bill’s career, he became a specialist in the planning of nuclear submarine refueling. A highlight of his career was being awarded “Employee of the Year” at a time when the shipyard employed over 100,00 employees. He was also a certified instructor in the field of nuclear refueling for the Department of the Navy. He retired in 1992 when the shipyard began the process of decommission.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Teri L. Violet of Wellsville; a son, Michael S. Violet of Napa, Calif.; an aunt, Loree Jerome of Sacramento, Calif.; his grandchildren, Saira Violet, Rachael Violet, Bryce (Kayla) Cilvick, and Micah (Nick) Olsen; great grandchildren, Ethan Brammer, Eva Brammer, Cooper Olsen, Zander Olsen; and a great granddaughter due in a few weeks and a nephew, Alan Pegg of Angels Camp, Ca.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dean G. Violet; his half-sisters, Irva (Diffin) Pegg and Arlene Simmens; and an infant brother, Ralph Violet.

Bill was a tournament cribbage player and took pleasure in bowling as well. He and Lynn also owned a woodcraft business, Violet Folk Art, together in the Napa Valley in their retirement years.. He enjoyed spending many long hours in his workshop making “sawdust” He loved to read and often read to his grandchildren. Bill loved to barbeque, and the Violets hosted many large family barbeques at their home in Napa. He was a wonderful dad and Papa.

Bill was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his residence in Wellsville his church administered to him at home in respect to his health concerns. They continued to provide him blessings and comfort until his passing.

A lasting legacy from Bill was his deep love for his wife Lynn. They met each other in Seminary during their teens and remained lovingly dedicated to each other for the remainder of their lives. His last wish was that he would be here for her when she passed. He spent 64 years of his life married to and loving his wife, and began his journey home upon her passing.

Private services for the family will be held at a later time. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Charles’ name may be made to the Cuba Cultural Center, Inc., 38 East Main Street, Cuba, NY 14727 or to the Allegany County Office for the Aging, Respite and Unmet Needs Programming, 6085 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813.