On Friday August 8th, as the sun rose over the desert, Charles M. Wickett Jr. (Chip) passed away peacefully at 84 years old with family and his loyal dog Domino at his side.
Chip was born on October 6, 1940 to Nea and Charles Wickett in Fullerton, California. He was the middle son between his older sister Penny Wickett Jameson Kennedy (passed Aug. 1st, 2021) and younger brother Geof (or “Little Bother” as Chip lovingly said). He was very close with his niece, Susie Hopper, and a former work colleague Luis Ovando (whom Chip called his “godson”)
After a wonderful childhood spent between their home in Fullerton and Balboa Island, Chip graduated from USC with an Art degree. He quickly landed a job on the team creating the sets for the hit comedy show Laugh-In the late 60’s. He shared many stories of his time on that show (which included stars such as Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin and Ruth Buzzy), saying “that was a great gang, they tried everything once and often twice!”
Unknown to many, Chip was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. Although war interrupted his artistic career, he made the best of the situation and was a Sergeant as supply coordinator for his unit. We always picture “MASH” when he told us of the times he snuck off base, in cognito on a train, to go explore with a girlfriend. He was awarded a commendation for sculpting a twelve-foot-high likeness of the battalion’s bulldog mascot.
After returning from Germany, he went to work at a company called Roschu that created life-size characters that are seen in amusement parks in Southern California. It wasn’t long before he started with his own company called “Chip’s Character Creations.” A great example was his work for Disney designing the newer light-weight costumes so the characters could twirl and dance down Main Street for the famous Electrical Parade. He also created the props for a number of Hollywood movies- including those seen in the bowling alley seen in the movie The Big Lebowski. Chip’s crew won an Emmy Award in 1978 for Outstanding set decoration The Brothers Grimm.
During these years Chip owned a little home in the Hollywood Hills with 67 steps from the parking below, but an incredible view of the LA city lights. He hosted friends and family often and was featured in Bon Appetite magazine. He loved and renovated a 100 year old log cabin in Running Springs, California, which he affectionately called “Log Heaven.” He enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving feasts and springtime picnics in the mountains. Chip also creatively helped design his parents’ Hawaiian home in Kona.
Chip retired to Rancho Mirage, California where he played tennis, bocce ball, drums and flute with close friends in the community. He continued his love of all mediums of art: painting, wood carving and ceramics. He was a favorite patron at McCallum Theater in Palm Springs with season tickets & front row seats- plus his own big star on the sidewalk.
Chip loved his animals, and swam daily in his pool with his beloved dogs Homer, Shotsky, Lucy and little Domino. Those of us who were blessed to know Chip will hold a lifetime of memories of his creativity, humor, fabulous cooking and positive perspective of life.
Please considering giving to one of Chip’s favorite charities that supported:
Resources for Uncovering Wonder (Healing art therapy)
https://uncoveringwonder.org/how-you-can-help/
The Amputee Connection of Redlands (Positive living)
http://www.theamputeeconnection.org/home.html
The McCallum Theater in Palm Desert (Sharing the Arts)
https://www.mccallumtheatre.org/