Charlie Palmer, longtime official, dies

Charlie Palmer, who spent more than 60 years in the racing industry, died at his Calavaras County, Calif., home of an aneurysm Sunday. He was 80. Officials at Golden Gate Fields announced the death Wednesday.

Palmer began his career parking cars and cleaning stalls at Bay Area racetracks and later served as a racing official throughout Northern California. He was the racing secretary at the Big Fresno Fair for 36 years before retiring in 2001. He also served as racing secretary at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale.

Palmer is survived by his wife, Patricia, and sons Brian, Gregg, and Kevin.