Rejean Chartier, 87, of Fallbrook, CA, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, after a lengthy hospital stay due to surgical complications.

Jean was born August 12, 1937, in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, to Armand and Juliette (Menard) Chartier.

He studied at McGill University in Montreal but decided the medical field was not for him. In 1963 he moved to the U.S. to attend Northrop University and was quickly drafted into the U.S. Army.  Being drafted was not a happy occurrence at the time, but he eventually became very proud of his military service and proud to later become a naturalized U.S. citizen.  He loved his adopted country.

After completing his military service, he returned to Brentwood, CA, and opened a small French restaurant, Le Petit Moulin, with two friends. At the same time he returned to Northrop University to work on his Aeronautical Engineering degree.

Upon graduating he sold his interest in the restaurant and worked for Lockheed Corporation on the L1011 aircraft.  He later took a position with Ted Smith Aerostar in Van Nuys as a propulsion engineer and was instrumental in the design of the aircraft.

The Aerostar company moved to Santa Maria, CA, in the late 70's where he met his wife, Joann.  The two moved to Vero Beach, FL, when Aerostar was purchased by Piper Aircraft.  They stayed there just one year and moved back to California where Jean took a position with the FAA and eventually became Manager Propulsion Branch, Los Angeles  Aircraft Certification Office where he remained until his retirement in 2002 when they moved to Fallbrook.

After retirement Jean continued working as a consultant for another 15 years helping various aircraft companies through the FAA certification process.

Jean was always busy, loved all things mechanical, but especially airplanes, cars, trains and tractors.  Over the years, he rebuilt an Ercoupe airplane that he enjoyed flying.  He restored a Korean War Willys Jeep and an MG that he rebuilt from the ground up.  He loved his tractor and all his vehicles which were always kept in immaculate condition.

Travel, especially cruises, became a special treat for Jean and Joann during his retirement years.

Jean was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Huguette Poulin, and his brother Reney Chartier.  He leaves behind his wife Joann, his brother Jacques (Sylvie) Chartier of Quebec, Canada, step-son Kevin (Karen) Ferguson of  Vista, CA, and step-daughter Suzanne (John) Marchetti of Fallbrook, CA, plus his niece Nathalie Belair DuCroq of Quebec, Canada, and 3 nephews, Ryan (Ivonne) Chartier of Brentwood, NH,, Sean Chartier of Torrance, CA, and Jean Philip (Emilie) Chartier of Quebec, Canada.

Jean was buried at Miramar AFB cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fallbrook on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00am

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for children or your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Berry-Bell & Hall.  A message may be sent to the family on website: www.berry-bellandhall.com.