March 1, 2026

Charles K. “Charlie” Beatty was a lifelong resident of La Crescenta who called the Crescenta Valley home for more than 80 years. At age 3, his family moved to the valley and built a home when very few houses existed. It was a community he loved deeply and proudly served throughout his life. 

Charlie was a proud graduate of Glendale Unified School District, attending Monte Vista Elementary, Clark Jr. High and Glendale High School. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in government from California State University, Los Angeles where he met his soulmate Andrea McAllister. They married in 1968 and began their family in the community Charlie cherished. 

From an early age, Charlie understood the value of hard work and connection. As a boy, he delivered newspapers by bicycle throughout the neighborhood. At 17, he began working for Ralphs Grocery Company, where he remained a loyal employee for more than 40 years. In the early 1970s, he became a real estate broker and notary, opening Charles Beatty Realty in La Crescenta. He and Andrea also owned and operated Village Travel Service in Montrose for more than 35 years. 

Charlie’s greatest passion was serving his community. He was an active councilman and president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council from its inception, helping establish Arbor Day celebrations, student scholarships, community service projects and the beloved Montrose Christmas Parade. He was especially proud to listen to residents and bring their concerns to county leaders. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored as president emeritus. 

His civic service extended to the Crescenta Valley Water District, Crescenta-Cañada Flintridge Board of Realtors, Montrose Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board and numerous local, state and federal organizations. He especially treasured honoring fallen Vietnam veterans through the annual Memorial Day service in Montrose, including his dear friend Loren Engstrom. 

Charlie passed away in his beloved Crescenta Valley on March 1. He now joins his wife who passed away in 2022. They shared 54 years of marriage and family life, leaving behind a lasting family legacy through their daughter Allister Traber, her husband Kevin, their three sons: Alec, Gavin and Andrew and their wives Maddalena, Brittany and Ailyn. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Tatum, Treyton, Amelia and another little one arriving in 2027. 

Charlie took immense pride in four generations of his family continuing to live, learn, teach and serve in the Crescenta Valley. His legacy of love, family, hard work and community service will live on in the countless lives he touched. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at Montrose Church, 2409 Florencita Drive in Montrose.