Charles Milton Andera, II

11/05/1945 – 09/10/2011

He was born November 5th, 1945 in Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, CA, to Warner and Venus Andera. Charlie attended local schools and graduated in 1968 from Westmont College, earning a BA in Economics and Business.

Charlie grew up working in the family business, Andera’s department store, located at 1105 State Street, a Santa Barbara landmark for 70 years. Later he created his own business in artificial flowers and decorative arrangements in El Mercado on State Street.

In his youth Charlie became a go-cart champion and shared a passion for cars with his father. He also studied to become an accomplished photographer.

As an adult he attended SBCC Adult Ed, volunteered at the Cancer Society, was a member of the Garden Club and the Sierra Club. He also practiced meditation and yoga.

Charlie’s passions included travel, dogs, gardening and landscaping. Trips abroad took Charlie to magical places around the world. One of his most special destinations, the south seas island of Bora-Bora, became the focus of his landscaping vision and inspiration.

His final gardening masterpiece reflected his gift for sculpting the textures, color, and lushness of Mother Nature herself. His gardening legacy is the creative tropical landscaping of his family home.

Deep in his heart, Charlie seemed to most treasure the unique and warm social bonding that dogs generously offer. He held a deep-gentle love for his favorite “Ollie”. In addition to his own dogs, he cared for dogs in need of adoption, providing safety, warmth and love until they could be placed permanently.

He is survived by his sister Joy Andera Breeze, a niece, Jill Goodfield Campbell and two great nieces, all residing in Michigan.

Donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to the Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Rd., SB 93111, www.sbhumanesociety.org or to the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden (Mission Rose Garden) c/o SB Rose Society PO Box 3082 SB 93130-3082