Who was Charlie Sturgill?

by Bob Sellers August 31, 2004

There has always been this special relationship between Charlie and the club, the Fathomiers. In addition, for all of us who know it’s been a family affair from the beginning.
Charlie’s early involvement in skindiving was something new to everyone and as they were a close, fun loving and water-orientated family, the entire Sturgill family shared his passion. They were all involved in the sport, and each one in his/her own way has earned a place in the skindiving community. In addition, in her earlier days, Laura had been an accomplished swimmer in her own right. The following generations of Sturgills have it in their genes and it’s no surprise that the entire family is today revered by everyone.

They are: Lori Lee Meistrell-daughter and Richard Sturgill-son. Grand children are: Monica Hall-granddaughter, Kenny Hall-grandson, and Anna Sturgill-granddaughter.

With some of the very best spearfishing spots in the entire country practically in his own back yard along with all his enthusiasm and his knowledge about the sport was reason enough for Charlie to quickly become recognized as an expert of the time in spearfishing equipment and techniques. Throughout the entire diving community, he was known as the person to go to for customized diving equipment. He was the original pioneer for machining and producing specialized spearfishing stuff for all of us living around the greater L. A. area. He was truly the legend, the most famous for all of us who live in Southern California, and especially the South Bay area. His reputation, his natural congenial personality drew spearfishermen from all over. His place, his garage, was like everybody’s favorite meeting place, conveniently located up the hill not far from some of our favorite hot spots here in P. V. Whether you needed any kind of his specialized machined parts, which he was famous for, or if only hanging out with the usual interesting crowd, that was the place to be! We’ve always said: if you want to meet up with someone in particular just stick around Charlie’s long enough, especially on the week-ends. Many of us have very pleasant memories of spending some time there in that world famous garage! It was absolutely amazing how he could find anything in that place, but, only he knew exactly where every little bolt and nut was!! You’ve missed something if you haven’t seen it. (no malice intended, only a lot of affection). Hope you know what I mean!

Charlie had to be one of the most popular and friendly persons you’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. Those of us who were around during those great days and had the opportunity to know him and spend some quality time with him feel truly blessed.

Charlie was National Spearfishing Champion in 1951 while using only his famous pole spear. The U. S National Meet held that year in Laguna Beach, California included approximately fifteen (15) participants from areas around the country from where organized activities in competitive spearfishing was still in it’s infancy. Charlie was a member of the Southern California Skin Divers Club, which was one of the very first organized spearfishing clubs in the area at that time. Something else that not everyone knows is Charlie never had any use for a snorkel!!! Hard to believe, but all the times we’ve seen him in the water he never used one.

Beginning in 1966 Charlie’s many friends within the greater Los Angeles area created the annual Charlie Sturgill Pole Spear Meet to honor our most revered Icon.

As it implies, only hand held pole spears are allowed. It’s one of the most popular and fun filled events of the year with many of the top competitors of the area participating. The staging area historically has been at Charlie’s and Laura’s home, although in recent years it’s been held at Charlie’s granddaugher’s (the apple of his eye) place in the Palos Verdes peninsula area. Everyone is welcome to participate in the event either as a competitor or as a spectator. Last few years the event has become another meet that the L. A. Fathomiers club is proud to sponsor.

Charlie passed away in 1985. We spread his ashes on that cold, rainy, windy day out there over “Charlie’s Reef” near Flat Rock in the Palos Verdes area. An armada of boats lead by Captain Billy Meistrell and loaded with those dearest to Charlie really celebrated his life there that day!!