Vicars, Charles Leon

Charles Leon Vicars, of Radford, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 20, 1943, to the late Warren and Roxie Vicars, he leaves his wife, Pamela of Radford; daughter, Kate (Chris) Soloway; and grandson, Nicholas Charles, all of Wyandotte, Mich.; brothers and sisters, Wayne (Vicki) Vicars, of Piedmont, S.C., Shirley Vicars, Betty Covey and Warren Vicars Jr., all of Radford; along with two special sisters-in-law, Kay Snider and Ellen Frazier; and many nieces and nephews.

Leon had a love of life which he shared daily with his family, friends and co-workers. His faith allowed him to never fear the final life journey, trusting in God, that His Will Be Done. He took each moment of life, laughing and loving. He was never afraid. What greater gift can there be?

Fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming an engineer, Leon graduated from the University of Arizona, in Tucson. Working for the Army Corps of Engineers, RADVA Corporation, and several private engineering firms, the last being KimleyHorn and Associates, he was blessed to travel the world in his profession. Along the way he found his passion of designing and engineering airports, which he did for the last 15 years. His life journey ended earlier than he had hoped, but he lived life to the fullest and never regretted a single moment.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Michael and Barbara Barry, the Basil Edwards family, and Doug Grantham, for all of their love and support; and to Dr. Robert Rotche and his staff; and Carilion Clinic Hospice. Also thanks to the families of faith at First Christian Church in Radford, and Capilla Del Sol Christian Church of Tucson, for the calls, visits, food and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Relay for Life, c/o First Christian Church in Radford or to the Capilla Del Sol Christian Church in Tucson. Cancer knows no bounds, touching all of our lives, and the cures must be found!

A celebration of Leon’s life will be held 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at the First Christian Church in Radford with the Rev. Gina Rhea officiating and a service will be held at a later date in Tucson. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church parlor.

The Vicars family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Va. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com