Services Set For Brighton Township Man Who Died in Hartland Locker Room

Services for Charles A. Pendleton, 67, of Brighton Township — who died last week in a locker room at the Hartland Aquatic and Fitness Center — will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at in Brighton.

Visitation will begin 10 a.m. at the church, according to , which is arranging the services.

"He was a great guy who will be deeply missed by a close-knit family," said Jane Pendleton, his wife of more than 40 years who added he loved the outdoors and by those who knew him in the community.

Authorities said they do not know the exact cause of Charles Pendleton's death but believe it was a medical-related issue. Pendleton died after swimming with his wife June 22 in a locker room at the community pool, which is at .

Julie Hill, aquatic and fitness center director, said she was one of center's personnel who attempted to revive an unconscious Pendleton at about 3:40 p.m. that day. A trio — who are trained for this type of situation — provided first-aid and used an automated external defibrillator before emergency responders arrived and took over, she said.

"How an awful situation for his wife," Hill said. "We've dealt with medical emergencies before but … this is the first time we have had to deal with a death in the facility."

Following the death, more than 80 people had to leave after the facility was closed the remainder of the day. Hill said she and her staff are devastated by Pendleton's death and they give condolences to his family.

"Hug your friends and family and tell them you're going to love them because you never know when it's the last time," Hill said.

In addition to his wife, Pendleton, who was born in Waterville, ME, is survived by son John and his wife Gertraud and daughter Ann, according Keehn funeral home. Close family included: Tom and Nancy Drake and Megan and Steve Kisby.