Chuck Saulisberry

September 14, 1928 - August 20, 2019

CHARLES (CHUCK) NASH SAULISBERRY, 90, died AUGUST 20TH at Carson Tahoe Care Center after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Evanston, Illinois to Lynn and Helen Nash Saulisberry on September 14, 1928. His parents divorced when he was 5 years old. Chuck and older brother Bill then moved to Kenton, Ohio to live with their Grandfather Nash. In 1938 the boys were placed at the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert, Ohio, where they lived until graduating from High School.

After High School graduation, Chuck hitch-hiked to Reno to attend the University of Nevada. He joined the Sigma Alpha Fraternity where he met Josephine Caprio. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Range Management, they married and spent 68 happy years together. Working first for the UNR Experiment Station and a member of the Nevada Air National Guard entered active duty on March 1, 1951.

Stationed at Nellis Air Force Base Weather Unit he would release the weather balloons for the nuclear testing being done at Indian Springs. Honorably discharged in 1952, when the Korean conflict ended they moved back to Reno where he was employed by the Soil Conservation Service as a Range Conservationist stationed in Wellington, NV, doing snow surveys, farm planning, rangeland resource monitoring. Later transferring to Cedarville, CA. to open an SCS office. His area of responsibility was so large he received his private pilot’s license and bought a Piper Tri Pacer to be home with family whenever Possible. After 9 years in Modoc County, briefly in Phoenix AZ, then transferred to Carson City where he was a USDA River Basin and Watershed Planning Leader, overseeing a staff of 10 and responsible for studies and elevations of Nevada, California and Utah range resources.

Retiring from Federal service in 1984 he began a second career as a Certified Range Consultant being hired by Resource Concepts as a subconsultant to assist with projects utilizing his flying skills to fly and educate staff. He owned and operated a private flying service for 45 year and was often called as an expert witness, giving testimony in lawsuits
or appeals of federal or state agency decisions or regulations, aerial photography, and air taxi service. As much as he loved his work, his true passion was flying his Cessna 182 both for business and pleasure. He was a lifetime member of the Carson City Sherriff’s Aero Squadron and never turned down an assignment whether it was transferring a prisoner
or assisting in a search for a lost aircraft or a missing hiker.

Chuck and Ron Lott started S&L Air Transportation business to return remains and scatter cremains whenever and wherever needed but mostly in the Sierras. Their motto of “You die, we fly’’ was printed on their business card still bringing smiles to those who heard it. Chuck obtained an instrument rating, commercial license, and part 135 certificate.

He loved skiing, fishing and hunting and often flew to his cabin at Eagle Lake and Lander, Wyoming, for an elk hunt with friend Woody Allen’s family. It is not an overstatement to say that Chuck was liked by all who knew him and would do anything to meet the needs of family or friend. His edication to his career and his devotion to those he cared about stand as a testament to the type of man he was.

Chuck was a 60 year member of the Masonic lodge, Eastern Star,
53 year member and former elder of the Presbyterian Church, Captain
in Civil Air Patrol, Aircraft Owners and Pilots (AOPA), charter member
of the Nevada Section Society of Range Management (SRM) and
Executive secretary for Nevada section, Soil Conservation Society,
NRA, past member of Carson City Rotary, Carson City Historical
Society, Kit Carson Trail Guide, 45 year Instructor for the Carson
City Junior Ski Program, volunteer many years at Reno Air Races,
and served on the Board of Equalization. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Chuck finally was able to see them win the National league pennant.

He is survived by his wife Jo, son Dan (Neva), daughter Kathryn Smith (Gary), five grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, Sister-In-law, Annette Mortimer, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and long time friends. Son Tracy, brother Bill and granddaughter, Danielle Carpenter, preceded him in death.

Donations may be made to Range Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 1595, Carson City, NV 89702 attn: Ed Depaoli or The First Presbyterian Church.
Memorial Service September 7th 11: am, First Presbyterian Church, Division & 5th.Lunch to follow, all are welcome.