In loving memory of Charles Hawkes Padelford
July 21, 1943 – February 18, 2025
Charles (Charlie) has had a very full, fun-filled life.
He graduated from Cal-Poly Pomona in Agricultural Business Management, was an Army Veteran, Entrepreneur, and Santa Claus.
He loved plants, especially orchids. He participated in orchid meetings, was a speaker at events, and grew his own impressive collection of orchids. During the blooming season he could be found working in the Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
While many knew him as Charlie or Charles, his alias was, Santa! He made many children (and adults) smile with his light-hearted “Ho-Ho-Ho’s”.
He embodied Santa to the fullest, wearing his signature red shirt wherever he went!
Charlie is survived by his daughter, Paula Menendez and son-in-law, Jose Menendez.
You can also find Charlie at legacy.com
