Clinton K. Chartier

Clinton 'Keith' Chartier passed away peacefully from natural causes early Thursday morning on May 10th, 2018. He was 90 years old.
Keith as he was known to his friends and family had lived a long and fulfilling life. Born in Clyde Kansas in 1928 Keith was the middle child and only son of three born to Clifford Chartier and Meda B. Chartier. Of the three, elder sister Barbara passed some years ago. His younger sister Becky lives in Omaha Nebraska as does his niece Erica, her husband Doug, Keith's two grandnieces Erin and Dana. Erin has two sons, Keith's great-grandnephews.
Keith attended Coe College in Iowa where he met the love of his life Ruth H. Bottorff. They married and had one child Thomas. Later Keith earned a Masters' Degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He received a National Science Foundation grant to study at Ames State College of Iowa as well.
The family moved to Muskego, Wisconsin where Keith taught high school science, made close friends and developed his love of nature. After moving to Camarillo Keith taught science at Thousand Oaks High School and later transferred to the newly opening Westlake High School where he worked as the first Chairman of the Science Department.
Many summer vacations were spent on extended road camping trips with family and teaching friends across the Western United States. Keith had a never-ending love for nature and the grandeur of the American West.
In his early retirement years Keith and Ruth lived life to the fullest, taking trips to places such as Cozumel, Tokyo, Ireland, river rafting through down the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park. He was also an active member of the Camarillo Noontime Optimists.
Ruth passed on New Year's Eve 2002/3. Keith carried on and continued to enjoy life to the utmost. Tom has lived at home with Keith, helping-out, assisting in everything and enjoying his father's last year and a half. It was time well spent solidifying the bond between father and son.
Keith is survived by his sister Becky, son Tom, grandson Ian, his niece Erica, grandnieces Erin and Dana and Erin's young sons.
The family suggests memorials be sent to The American Cancer Society, The Wilderness Society or The Sierra Club.
Condolences may be left at www.ConejoMountain.com.