Obituary of Charles Jackson Sutton III

Charles Jackson Sutton III, a long-time resident of Santa Cruz, passed away on May 17^th at the Santa Cruz Post Acute facility, after a brief battle with Cancer. He was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Roberta Barnett.

Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, his family moved to Hermosa Beach when he was young. He attended Redondo Beach High School and UCLA, where he graduated with a BS Degree in Anthropology. He joined the Marine Corps and served 3 years as a Second Lieutenant on the Navy Ship, the USS Skagit as the Combat Cargo Officer.

Charles lived a full life and leaves a legacy as a Luthier, Flamenco Singer and Guitarist, sculptor, painter, writer, Bonsai enthusiast, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He and his wife lived for many years back and forth between Santa Cruz, CA and Triana, Spain. What seemed to bring him the most joy was his work as a Luthier, primarily specializing in Early Musical String Instruments. Guitars, Viola de Gambas, Viols, Hurdy Gurdy’s and paintings were on Exhibit at the Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, as were his Netsuke – small Japanese carvings out of wood, bone, or ivory.

Charles was quite active in the Santa Cruz Artistic Community. He was a member of the Santa Cruz Art League & the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival where he served as President. He founded the Early Music Association and gave performances as a Flamenco Singer in various venues around town.

Charles is survived by his daughter Catherine Engel, son-in-law Mike Engel, granddaughters Victoria Cain and Lauren Pozzi, great granddaughters Coraline and Elora Pozzi, and his sisters Aileen Sutton and Ellen Sanford. He had 3 stepchildren, Melissa, Todd, and Kim.

There will be a celebration of life held at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz on August 13, 2023.