Charles “Charlie” Alan Schofield was a beloved resident of Lake Tahoe for nearly 60 years, having made the lake his home since the age of 15 when he worked his first summer at his Uncle Dick Schofield’s motel, the Tah Chalet, and as a busboy at The Sahara where he saved enough money to buy his first bass and began his studies with Jim Aton and Cliff Hils. He permanently moved to Tahoe after high school to play music. Known and loved by all who knew him, Charlie’s music entertained millions of visitors at the lake. As the preeminent bass player of Tahoe, he performed with bands such as the Weathermaker Band, Jim Burgett, Topaz, Kelly and the Kid, Bird of Beauty, Steve Walker Band, Cool Black Kettle, Uncle Funkle, Truth About Cats, Big Red, Lake Effect, and Off-Piste (to name a few). He also played at the Harvey’s Main Stage and in casino house bands alongside many other talented musicians and icons, including Frank Sinatra, who once asked to “sit in” with Charlie.
Charlie’s love for Tahoe extended beyond the stage. In his early years, he skied 140 days per season on “The Wall” at Kirkwood and then often hit The Cantina for dinner and drinks. He spent decades riding his bike in the woods, searching for wildlife – including one of his favorites – Kokanee Salmon. A self-proclaimed historian, he delighted in sharing the majesty of the “mountain sea” with others. Whether driving the airport shuttle or the Tahoe Lake Lapper buses, he took joy in educating visitors about the beauty and history of the place he cherished.
Above all, Charlie’s greatest joy was his family. He often said the best two days of his life were the births of his children, Amy and Elliott. He loved teaching them to ride bikes, ski, and appreciate the gift of growing up in Tahoe. His pride in them was boundless, and his love was an incredible blessing for his wife and children.
Charlie was deeply spiritual, devoted to God, and often spoke of his profound connection to Him. His faith guided his life and gave him peace and a rare loving kindness toward others.
Charlie is preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. Charles Stanley Schofield and his mother, Olga (née Wsiaki) Schofield. He is survived by his wife, Debora Anne Nelson (Sean, Michael (Laura), Kendra), who says Charlie was her better half, best friend, companion, confidant, and the most gentle, kind, forgiving, and loving man; his children, Amy Leigh (née Schofield) Mackenroth (Nate) of Dallas, Texas, and Charles Elliott Schofield (Beth) of Minnetonka, Minnesota; his sister, Christine Marie (née Schofield) Avery of Chino, California; his brother-like cousin Larry Alvin Wilson (Nancy) of Covington, Washington; his two granddaughters; and his first wife and mother of his children, Patricia Ann (née Thomas) Dunckel. He also leaves behind countless friends, fellow musicians, and admirers who will remember his music, laughter, and love for Tahoe. Charlie would also want a special shout-out to his favorite pets: Thumper, Sally, Seymore (butts), Rome, Buddy, and Sunny.
Charlie loved to have a good time! As such, a celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at one of his favorite places to play music, McP’s Taphouse Grill in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. where fellow musicians will gather and play in his honor. Friends and family are invited to share memories of Charlie.
Charlie’s legacy echoes in every note that drifts across the lake he cherished, and in the musical gifts carried forward and passed lovingly to his children and grandchildren.
