Charles Leonard Aker
March 23, 1953-July 18, 2026
Leon, Nicaragua
March 23, 1953 – July 18, 2026
Charles Leonard Aker died unexpectedly on July 18 at age 73 at his home in Leon, Nicaragua. He was born and raised in Palo Alto, the middle child of Raymond and Dorothy Aker. He is survived by his older sister, Carolyn Aker Shepard, and younger sister, Elizabeth Aker Mateyka. He was married to Concepcion de Maria Narvaez Solis. They have 2 children, Carlos Ernesto Aker Narvaez and Maria Alejandra Aker Narvaez. His grandchildren are Valentina Ugarte Aker, and Carlos Samuel Aker Rodriguez.
Charles graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1971 where he played trumpet in the school orchestra, band and stage band. He was a member of the Cross Country Team and continued his avid dedication to jogging and walking into his final years of life.
Following Paly, Charles attended Yale University and continued to play trumpet in the school’s Pep Band. He shared with his family the uncertainty of this time for young men with the Vietnam War, the new draft lottery system, and the end of student deferment. As a Conscientious Objector with a low lottery number, he could have been called to serve 2 years in civic service. Fortuitously, on January 27, 1973, the US ended both its military involvement in Vietnam and the draft lottery system before his number was called. Charles was able to complete his college education in 4 years, graduating with a BS in Biology in 1975.
After Yale, Charles continued his studies at the University of Oregon. In 1981, he earned his Ph.D in Biology. His work emphasized the ecology and evolution of plant-insect interactions. His thesis focused on the ecological and biological development of the Yucca plant, specifically the flowering and fruiting patterns of the Yucca and the role of moth interaction. This research required several periods of time spent in the southern California desert. While working as a Teaching Assistant at the University, he served a two-year term as president of the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation, leading the GTFF through some turbulent times bringing respectability and credibility to the organization.
After graduation, Charles remained in Eugene writing up his research on the Yucca and becoming involved with CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador). From his activism with the refugee communities, he learned about a teaching opportunity at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in Leon (UNAN). He left for Leon, Nicaragua in February,1984, and has remained ever since.
At UNAN, Charles worked both as a professor and investigator. He taught Biology, Ecology, and Evolution and led investigations of plant cultivations such as corn and beans. He spent short periods of time, covering the span of a year, on the Caribbean/Atlantic coast identifying medicinal plants located in the Nicaraguan rainforest. His final investigation focused on the tempate plant (Jatropha curcas). He continued running experiments to increase the fruit and seed production even after his retirement in March, 2018 and was organizing the data up until a few days before his death with the help of a former student and assistant. Charles was a tireless advocate for addressing climate change. His continued work reflected his strong position that the tempate plant could serve as an alternative source of clean energy.
Charles was an intellectual leader. He continued his leadership work by serving on the Commission of National Universities and on the Commission of International Universities. These groups served a variety of roles of improving the national education and sharing knowledge of projects, including work with the tempate plant in other Central and South American countries.
Charles was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who loved his family. He would foster curiosity in his children by stopping to share his knowledge of the plants on their walks together. He was patient with his students, encouraging excellence and curiosity. Charles Aker truly lived a life of service to others and to our planet.
Tags: teacher/educator