OBITUARY
Charles Edward Jacobsen
26 May 1937 – 14 August 2026
CHARLES Edward Jacobsen, known to most simply as Chas, was a pioneer, a builder, an adventurer, a visionary and a family man.
He was born on 26 May 1937 to single mother Frances Theresa (Tess) Reidy. The oldest of two boys, Chas and his brother Ronnie enjoyed a humble childhood in East St Kilda, before moving to South Caulfield where they both attended Caulfield South State School.
From an early age, Chas was fascinated by making things, spending hours inquisitively watching his grandfather tinker in the back shed, working with timber.
Despite his natural academic aptitude, Chas felt pulled to study Trade, so while attending Caulfield Technical School he studied carpentry, much to the distress of some of the academic teachers. They needn’t have worried, as in his final year Chas became the first person ever to be crowned Dux of the college from the Trade stream, rather than the Academic stream.
Chas excelled not just in his schoolwork at Caulfield Tech, but also on the sporting field, showing prowess in football and athletics, winning the Victorian Schoolboy Championship in both 100 yards and 200 yards, while also captaining the Caulfield Tech 1sts and Caulfield City under 18’s football teams.
Soon after graduating, Chas (or Charlie as he was known then) began an apprenticeship with a local builder. After a few years of domestic building, Chas decided he wanted a broader scope for his talents and started taking on his own work.
Having finished his trade studies in just two years instead of four by enrolling in night school and studying both years simultaneously, he was well up to the task. From these beginnings, Chas J Developments was born and sixty years later, the business continues.
Chas has had many accomplishments in his life, but his greatest professional legacy is undoubtedly Village Glen Retirement Living.
Planned, built, owned and operated by Chas since its inception in 1980, Village Glen has grown to the largest retirement village in Victoria, boasting 632 villa and apartments spread over more than 100 acres.
Its high-quality facilities and close knit team, which includes his son and daughter, has cultivated a truly inspiring lifestyle for hundreds of people on the Mornington Peninsula.
His vision and forward thinking created some of the early foundations of the retirement living industry that operates today.
Chas’ passion for a continuum of care model saw him at the height of his career also operate two aged care homes, and in 2017 create his own home care business, Village Glen Flexicare, which continues to offer exceptional home care to anyone living in the Greater Frankston and Mornington Peninsula area.
Outside of his work achievements, Chas pursued his multiple hobbies with the same drive and passion. If it involved speed, Chas was there – and trying to get there before you! Snow skiing, water sports, piloting an aeroplane – Chas excelled at everything he put his mind too.
After mutual friends took him to the Mornington Yacht Club, Chas obtained a taste of the sea, and successfully sailed in many prestigious races, both nationally and internationally.
After years competing, including several Sydney to Hobarts, the Kenwood Cup and representing Australia at the Admirals Cup in England, Chas upgraded to faster transportation, finding a love for motor car racing. For many years Chas held the Formula 3 lap record at Phillip Island and is a life member of the Formula 3 Association.
A lesser-known legacy Chas leaves behind is the Jacobsen Family Foundation, a charity he established in 2016, now run by his children.
His personal donations have helped thousands of children access books, school uniforms, scholarships and further education.
Chas believed deeply in the importance of education, and he was always willing to give someone less fortunate an opportunity to get ahead.
As much as Chas loved achieving things, both in and out of his office, his highest achievement was always his family.
He leaves behind his four children, Jane, Damien, Sam and Mick, and was a proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren.
He changed the lives of many people through his friendship, mentorship, generosity and sheer force of personality.
His legacy will live on through Village Glen, through the retirement living industry he helped shape, and through his family.
Chas lived a big life, on his own terms, and he leaves an equally big hole in the hearts of those who loved him.
He will be greatly missed.
First published in the Mornington News – 1 September 2026
