Charles “Chuck” Russell Lehotsky

December 16, 1954 – May 9, 2025

Charles “Chuck” Russell Lehotsky passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in Bakersfield, California, after a courageous 15-month battle against metastatic melanoma. Services will be held July 26, 2025, at 10:00 am, Westside Church, 560 Palomar Street, Chula Vista, CA.

Born on December 16, 1954, in Calexico, California, Chuck spent most of his childhood in San Diego, graduating from high school in 1973. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Geology from UCLA in 1977, and his master’s degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1982.

Chuck’s professional career as a geologist spanned 12 years from 1982 to 1996, as an Environmental Specialist in Aurora, Colorado, as a Senior Staff Geologist for Woodward-Clyde Consultants in San Diego, as a Hydrogeologist for the County of San Diego and the State of Washington in Olympia, and finally as an Environmental Specialist in San Diego, CA.

Chuck returned to school in 1996 to become an elementary school teacher for the Tehachapi Unified School District. Known to his 1st grade students as “Mr. Lehotsky,” many parents shared that he had been their child’s favorite teacher. Chuck retired from teaching in 2017.

Chuck was a devoted caregiver and companion to his mother and played a vital role in hosting family celebrations in Tehachapi. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in nature. As a meticulous gardener, Chuck took pride in a well-kept yard and beautiful landscaping around his home.

Faith was a cornerstone of Chuck’s life. A devout Christian, he regularly prayed for those he loved, found comfort in devotionals, scripture, and music. Even after his cancer diagnosis in 2024, Chuck remained hopeful and resilient and expressed deep gratitude for the doctors and specialists who supported him through treatment. Chuck spent his final days at Hoffmann Hospice Home in Bakersfield, where he was surrounded by his loving family and caring hospice staff.

Chuck is survived by his mother, Imogene Butts; his siblings, Robin O'Connor (Bill), Caryl “Buddy” Lehotsky (Toni), and Martha Duitsman (Ed); and his many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following organizations or any charity of your choice:

Hoffmann Hospice Home https://hoffmannhospice.org/donate/

Melanoma Research Foundation justgiving.com/campaign/charlesrusselllehotsky