From: Maryna Smuts (Maryna.Smuts@US.Exel.Com)
Date Posted: August 21st, 2005
Hello Kelly,
You don't know me and I never met Charley but I feel as though I know him from all the stories I hear from people he worked with. I work with his team now and we decided to remember him today in a way he would have liked.
We all wore our Harley T-Shirts and we ordered two large cakes so that we would have enough for both shifts. We got pictures of the first cake and the team, and I'm including them for you.
Starting from the left: Monica, Sanjay, me, Nathan (hiding behind Teresa), Teresa, and Martin.
(Note from Nik: Pictures are posted on page 12 of the Photos section)
A few hours later we had the second cake inside the office area. It was decorated in Harley colors and it said "We Miss You, C.J." Paula Cofta works in a different office now but she joined us today and everyone sat around telling Charley stories and remembering how much fun it was to know him and be a part of his life.
We wanted you to know that everyone in the warehouse remembers him, talks fondly about him, and we all miss him - even those of us who were never fortunate enough to know him.
From: Kelly (wyldwolf@charter.net)
Date Posted: August 23rd, 2004
The past few weeks have been difficult for all of us. I have too many times that a word or the gum holder he made in 1st grade Just hits me. My bright beatiful baby boy will never again give me a bear hug.
Carver st. folks is was just way too kewl to drag Jamie up there and WOW you all were there. Did Char put that together or what.
I don't know if you all were told that we did donate any organs that could be.
I can not express my apreciatation enough to all of you. Russ,Tracy,Scott,Brian CharleyI,Georgia. Liza and Susan. Not forgetting Nik.
Can you all understand what a pleasure he was to raise. Bull headed and all. But dam sometimes he talk logic into circles! Love to you all,Charley's Mom
From: Khuyen Huynh (Khuyen.Huynh@Sun.COM)
Date Posted: August 20th, 2004
I met Charley around 1996 at Sun when I was just starting as a temp. We worked on the SunPEAK project together. Charley worked in the bullpen in building 6 of Milpitas with a thousand others. For some reason, he stood out. It wasn't his awesome physical appearance, it was his sincerity and easy demeanor that approached this introvert. Although the project came to an end and we moved on and out of Milpitas, we managed to keep in touch from time to time.
Charley is one of the most genuine people I know with an incredible sense of humor. He and Tracey came over for a BBQ at my place one summer evening and he made some retort/joke to another guest's lame comment. He was so witty and sarcastic that nobody understood his humor!
My only regret is that I didn't get to talk to him more recently to check in on him and ask how Tracy was doing.
For Charley - I thank you for allowing me to know you and I'll miss you deeply.
For Tracy - My sincerest condolences to your great loss. During one conversation Charley and I had awhile back about you. He said, "Tracey is so great, she refuses to believe it or even see it in herself." Hopefully he told you this himself.
From: Promise (nyteskys@hotmail.com)
Date Posted: August 20th, 2004
I hadn’t seen Charley in years, but whenever I thought about him it was always the last way I saw him that comes to mind.
Charley standing over the bed Lisa and myself had crashed out on, and waking us up to tell us about his new piercing. We were both bleary eyed, but it was Charley and you couldn’t ever turn him away. I just remember his Charley bear smile with his hair making a halo around his head as he looked down over us and went into detail about his new body jewelry.
I met Charley thru mutual friends, and from the moment we met he instantly put me in his friends category and made me a part of his flock. We lived in the Bay Area and whenever he hit town the call would go out and everyone would flock to one location so we could all get us some love from Charley.
I didn’t hear about his passing until this w/e passed and was instantly stunned to hear that he had been taken away from us so soon. He will be sorely missed everyday from those who knew him and loved him.
TAKE CARE CHARLEY BEAR!!!!!!
God always wants the good ones too soon!
From: Edward Hefter (Edward_Hefter@brushwellman.com)
Date Posted: August 20th, 2004
I just found out about the accident yesterday from a friend who works with Charlie. I wish I knew in time to go to the memorial.... I worked with Charley at the Sun Distribution Center for almost a year and a half. I knew nothing about this kind of distribution environment and only a little about computers and warehouse management systems, and I was tasked as the engineering manager to improve overall efficiency and make things run more smoothly. Despite the fact I was an engineer, Charley spent a lot of time helping me out. In typical Charley fashion, he would not do it overtly (he made me work!!) and kept me on my toes with references to Monty Python, the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence, and obscure databases and programming languages that no one has heard of in the past 15 years.
The one thing I always remember is his smile - even if he was explaining something to me for 100th time. The man was brilliant, interesting, at times bizarre, and one of the things I regretted leaving behind most when I moved to my current job. I know that he is now in a better place, but I also know the rest of us are in a worse place because of it. You will be missed greatly, Charley!
From: Tracy Terada (dar4765@yahoo.com)
Date Posted: August 20th, 2004
A very special thank you for everyone that has been sharing on this site. I know Char would be so proud of the site.
The memorial service to Char was wonderful, I was overwhelmed with all that attended, over 200. Especially those that worked with him, your presence and sharing was wonderful. And thank you for all your kind wishes, thoughts and prayers.
Here is some of what I shared at the service.
This is a poem that I wrote for Char a while back and gave to him for an anniversary gift.
Sparkled eyes of a mischievous nature
It is that spark that sets the fire in my heart
And he wonders if anyone really sees him the way he
wants to be seen
Seen for his gentle nature and hearty laugh
Loved for his benevolent behaviors and wild wicked ways
For the contradictions he is
And the things he makes sure he is not
Liked for the young boy that still lives within him
Respected for the man he has struggled to become
With generosity and kindness that comes straight from the heart.
Yes I see you Charley, I see you.
From: Myche Howe (mychie@sbcglobal.net)
Date Posted: August 15th, 2004
Oh Geez…
As I finish reading all of these entries I wipe my eyes and feel inclined to write. I’m definitely not surprised at the amount of people who have been touched by Charlie. He was such a great, up-lifting, and humorous character to be around. There was everything to like about him. I’m not exactly sure when I actually met Charlie. He seems to have always been there, and was any time you needed him. I first remember him living at the Carver St. house (With Marian, Jessica, Nik and Tim) in Modesto circa 1990. My former band used to practice at Carver St. while Charlie DJ’d at 96.7 ‘The Fox’ in Modesto. Unfortunately, we also lost Marian, former housemate of Charlie and singer of ‘The Insaints’ a couple of years ago. I know for a fact that Charlie and Marian are in good company shining down on us. Some of my fondest memories of Charlie were partying in the 96.7 studio. I used to purposely try, and sometimes succeed in making him laugh while broadcasting live on the air. Good times… always. My heart goes out to Charlie’s family and friends. We’re sure gonna miss you buddy!
From: Nan & Roxanne (rene.chevalier@gte.net)
Date Posted: August 15th, 2004
One time Charley came down to his grandparents house for a visit. Charley had recently saw Star Wars and he could not stop talking about that movie. He was telling everyone about light savors, Luke Skywalker and Dark Vader. Roxanne & I couldn’t really figure out what the big fascination was all about. We thought that it must be a guy movie and we were not interested in seeing it. It wasn’t until the second movie The Empire Strikes Back came out that I went to see it. Then I new what Charley was taking about. Well some of us are a little slow. Charley’s great Grandma Danner would show everyone pictures of Charley growing up and keep us up to date on how he was doing. When we heard that Charley was a DJ we were impressed. Our Cousin was a famous star. We couldn’t believe he was a DJ. It was great to see Charley at his grandmother’s 100th Birthday party. We love him and miss him.
From: Kim Phinney (Wheremitul@cs.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
I don't have big elaborate memories of Charley. I never got to spend nearly as much time with him as I wanted to. All of my memories are just fragments woven together. Charley and I are second cousins born 8 weeks apart. Anytime we would get together people would want us to stand back to back to see which of us was taller. I was always proud when it was me just like he was when it was him. I stopped growing though when I reached 5'7 and, as everyone knows, Charley was much taller. I remember when Charley's grandpa, my Uncle Donald, was putting in an in ground pool. Charley and I played in the hills of dirt and Charley was the first boy to let me play cars with him, despite the fact that I was a girl. I remember when we were about 12 or so movie come out that Charley had just totally flipped over. I think he'd told me he'd seen it about a dozen times. Personally, I didn't see what all the hype was about at the time, but you could tell he'd thought that movie was the greatest thing. He was right, too,and the movie, Star Wars, ended up being a big hit. Charley was also the first guy to take me for a ride in a mustang convertible, which he did two years ago when he was here for his great grandma's 100th birthday. I think Charley and I had a good connection. Somepeople may think this sounds corny, but there were actually times when would get a feeling that Charley would be coming for a visit, and when I got that feeling, I was usually right. My favorite memory though with Charley was when we were 4. My family had just moved to California and everyone took a big family trip to Disneyland. My uncle was taking Charley and I home to allow everyone else some time in park without dealing with kids. As we were leaving the park, we stopped at one of the stores in the front of the park and my uncle told us we could each pick out one item. I can't remember what Charley picked out, but I do remember what I picked out, that was a stuffed Dumbo. That stuffed Dumbo was the very first elephant in what has grown to become a huge elephant collection and I'm glad he was there at the start of it.
I miss Charley very much. I miss his smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He meant more to me than most people will ever know. I love you and I miss you Charley and every time I wear flavored chap-stick, I'll smile and think of you, knowing what you'd be thinking about me.
From: Martin Latona (Martin.Latona@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
Hello,
My name is Martin and ive been working with Charley for 5 years now. Id like to share a story about Charley but would first like to extend my most sincere condolences to Charleys family who have lost a truly unique and exceptional individual. God truly broke the mold when he made Charley.
It was only a few weeks ago I was riding to work with my girlfriend. We were stopped at a red light waiting to turn left from Stevenson when I saw Charley pull up directly to my left and was about to make the right turn on to Stevenson coming the opposite direction. I pointed at Charley and said "There is my boss." Now my girlfriend, Tawnya, who has never had the pleasure of meeting him was looking everywhere but at the large man stradling the harley, wearing dark shades and sporting a long ponytail. I pointed at him again and said "Him." All she said as he was riding by us was "What the?" I laughed until it hurt and told Charley what she said later on when he came back to work. He found it equally amusing. All he said was "Im not really what most people expect." Which was so true. Tawnya had probably expected a clean cut little guy wearing a suit, not a guy who looks like he could tear phone books in half. But those of us who knew Charley saw what a wonderful, caring, and funny guy he was. He was never to busy to help, never to busy to listen, or just sit down and talk to you. Charley was one of the finest people Ive ever known and miss him alot but also feel blessed to have met the man.
From: Karen Helms (blessedwithfour@comcast.net)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
So sorry about Charley! I feel bad I never got to know him personally, although Mike met him years back...from all the love surrounding him I know what a special spirit he is! Looking forward to a great family reunion in a better place! Condolences from the Helms family, you're not so distant relatives...
--Michael, Karen, Korinne, Kylie, Nate & Luke
From: Andrew Harper (aharper@bofasecurities.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
Do I remember Charley,
The first time I met Charley was in 1997 when I was transferring into a team he was a part of. I covered the day shifts as he covered the nights, at that time and we grew from there. There are many stories I can remember Charley by and from the talk of computers and motorcycles to the back adjusting bear hugs. I will reflect and share a piece I have written directly from my heart.
Don't think of him
as gone away --
her journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets --
this earth is only one ...
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched ...
for nothing loved is ever lost --
and he was loved so much.
From: Sanjay Pradhan (Sanjay.Pradhan@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
I worked with Charley (CJ) for so many years at Sun Microsystems PDC. He also was my supervisor and we shared the same office space at work. What can I say about Charley - there are so many fond memories of Charley, just cannot express them in a few words. I would come to work every morning (late most of the times) and Charley would say " Good morning sir, How are you ?" and then he would look at the Clock and would say "man, you're late again - You're fired " . He used to fire me 3 times a day and then would rehire me. Firing me used to make him so happy everyday. He would talk to us about almost everything - his mom, his dad, his Friends
- Russel, Scott, Brian, Laney , about Tracy, about the concert or show he went recently and about his Harley. Just listening to him talking, we could very easily make out how much he loved everybody and cared for them.
CJ - we all miss you man ! You're a part of our lives and will always be, you'll always live in our hearts !!
From: Jesse Piatte (jjpiatte@aol.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
Well,
Even if this doesn't make it up on the postings for remembering Charley. I would like to make a point. Charley was not only loved by the people he was in contact with dailey. But, Charley was a lesson in life. Charley was a big burley guy, but a true never judge a book by it's cover. I remember a time in Downtown Sunnyvale a Fibbar's he and Scott Ottovich had road down on their bikes at that time Charley's new harley. We had looked at his bike before entering the bar, which I must say was very sweet. Well once we got to the bar we all ordered. Charley ordered a Cosmo, I am chuckling now just thinking back as I picture this big man drinking this tiny drink as we dicussed computers, books, movies and music. Charley was a well rounded self educated genuis. Who's wit and merth will long be missed. As I want people to know passing up a chance to talk with him was missing a chance to be enlightened. Though my times with him were few a far between I must say he brightened the times I did see him.
Thanks Charley.
From: Pete Fernandez (pfernandez@globalvr.com)
Date Posted: August 13th, 2004
Remembering Charley. My name is Pete Fernandez and over the past 7 years have worked with Charley at Sun Micro as a contractor. From the moment I met Charley I knew he was special. He was the type of person who always greets you with a smile and makes you feel good when you're around him. He feels like a close friend or a family member. That is something truly special. My prayers go out to him, his family, and friends.
I will always remember Charley and I will do so with a smile.
From: Christia Fogal (Christia.Fogal@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
Charley will always be someone I can think about that will bring a smile to my face. Working with him for the last four years has been a great pleasure. I will never forget his daily Mountain Dew and when he changed from the regular Mountain Dew to the Code Red flavor because as he said "there was an added kick to his morning." Charley always brought a pleasant thought or cheerful anecdote to every day. I will miss the daily, sometimes off-the-wall conversations we shared but will keep him in my heart forever. I feel that I am a better person for having known Charley, he taught me so much about living life to the fullest capacity which I truly believe he did. His love for life, his Harley, Tracy, and his family was tremendous and he was so charismatic. I will miss his "Good Morning Miss Christia" which I received every day as well as his Monday morning ritual of "I forgot to check the payroll again...help me!" To Charley's parents I would just like to say you raised a wonderful son who was loved, admired, and affected by all those lives he touched including my own. I am so very sorry for your loss and Charley will live in my memories forever.
From: Teresa Kandes (Teresa.Kandes@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
I have worked with Charley in the IT Dept. for the past 4 years and I have never had a better supervisor in all of my working career! I was fortunate enough to work side by side with Charley and had the privilege of getting to know him quite well. He was a very intelligent and genuine person! He could brighten even the worst days, and he didn't even have to say a word to do that, but if you know Charley - there was hardly a second that went by without him saying anything! His presence just seemed to radiate a lot of happiness and joy. He would get me to laugh at least 20 to 30 times a day. He was so exuberant and full of life that everyone would walk away after talking to him just as exuberant and elated as Charley was.
He could just walk out into the warehouse and everyone would stop what they were doing just to talk with him. He touched the young and old alike!
He and I would talk about our lives and the people we loved, and which concert he or I was planning on going to next. He would always talk about his mother and Tracy and all of his roommates. He would tell me about what his next adventure was - where he was going, who he was going with, and how excited he was to get away for a while.
I remember many times when he would drive to work in his car because the weather was bad, and as soon as the weather cleared - he would go home at lunch time just to switch his vehicle for his Harley!
Charley kept all of us on our toes and encouraged us all to continually do better. He held us together when things got tough and ugly around here. He was our backbone through every difficult situation here at work. Charley was our strength and we could rely on him to get us through anything. He will be sorely missed especially for us - his family here. We were lucky enough to be with him every day. I know that his spirit is amongst us and will continually be with us forever!
I thank God for creating such a wonderful person. God blessed us all with Charley and I am quite sure that Charley is entertaining most of heaven right now!
From: Jerry Jeung (j.jeung@comcast.net)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
What can really be said about Charley that hasn't already been said or felt by the people who loved him? I've known Charley for about ten years but never really 'hung out' with him, unless he happened to be home while I was there visiting Russ. And as most know, Charley is not the type to sit around the house. As is usually the case when you lose a loved one, I now regret not 'hanging out' with Charley more. His constant upbeat attitude was infectious, and his love of a good debate was indescribable. I recently moved to Antioch from Fremont and needed to set-up a computer network system. Charley told me exactly what to buy and then gave me instructions on how to get it working. Of course I had problems, being the computer dummy I am, and had to call Charley to save me. I felt bad asking him, and I'm sure he could have been doing something much more enjoyable, but he made the hour plus drive to my house and got things going for me. Charley was a giver. This world would be a much better place if we had more people like Charley. God Bless you Char, you will be missed.
Sincerely,
Jerry Jeung
From: Russ Ottovich (russo96@hotmail.com)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
Hey Everybody,
I just wnat to Thank everyone for there help and Prayers during this hard time I want to send out a special Thanks to Nik Barton for all the help on the web page I do have many stories of Charley and I want to share them but its hard for me to put them down in words right now I will sharing many stories of Charley My BIG Brother at the party for there are so many good times with him I will always have him in my heart and my mind
Russ Ottovich
best friend
From: Jon A.Blockhus (2jaybees@nemontel.net)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
I was a classmate of Charley's uncle, and I am one of Charley's "brothers of the road". Knowing that I ride, Charley's uncle Don, sent me the obit, and link, along with a wish that I ride safe. I'll twist one off for Charley, and tip my hat to the touching Memorial provided. There is no better tribute to a "bro", than to make his last ride with him. May I have the good fourtune to go out, with the wind in my face, and peace in my heart.
From: Kelly Davidson (kldmom@earthlink.net)
Date Posted: August 12th, 2004
I feel so lucky to have had Charley as one of my dearest friends for many years. I met him back in the very wild and crazy days of the Carver House. He was a Bear who would hug you so tight that you would lift up off the ground! If you needed a friend he was right there and had you cracking up by the end of the night. He would always say in a little voice "Be Happy". It has been a few years, but we recently shared some emails with each other. He sounded so happy, excited and proud. We talked about Tracy, his job and of course his Harley. We asked about each others families and then we said Good Bye. He was such a wonderful person who brought love and joy to every one around him. He has left me with a million "Be Happy" memories. Thank You Charley. I will always keep a special place in my heart for you.
From: Charley's uncle Don (donjames@tycoelectronics.com)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
I have lots of nice memories of Charley, he was a great person. I haven't seen him since '92 when I left California, he was a part-time DJ at a classic rock station in Modesto then, I remember him having the largest Dead collection I've ever seen. One thing I do remember about him was having a mystical experience while riding in a car with him and his father. I felt this tangible love radiating from him. He was about 5 at the time. It was a presence and I hadn't had an experience like that before. Needless to say, there was a lot of love going on with him.
From: Kirk Aulenbach (Kirk.Aulenbach@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
I was fortunate enough to meet Charley on a trip to California for year-end at SUN back in June 2003. I certainly didn't want to go (I don't like travel) but glad I was able to be touched by Charley's positive outlook and humor. We've joked back and forth through e-mail since then and I was actually looking forward to going back the next time to see everyone. Though I really didn't have a whole lot of time with him, in the short time that I knew him it was a pleasure. My condolences go out to his family and friends! You will be in my prayers in this difficult time.
May 1, 1969 - August 5, 2004
While doing what he loved most, riding his Harley with his half-side behind him, Charley was critically injured and passed from this world. At his bedside at the time of his passing were his half-side, Tracy Terada, his beloved mother Kelly Butler of Grants Pass, OR and his beloved father Charles Edward James of Mariposa, CA. He is also survived by a multitued of many dear family and friends.
Charley touched and brought joy to many, many lives. He drew people to him and had the ability to put anyone at ease. Best known for his compassion, bearhugs, humble nature, great laugh, the sparkle in his eyes, his toys and love of music. Last but not least he was never, ever, ever, sarcastic.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 1pm at the Sorensen Brothers Chapel, 1140 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. A bike run to the Chapel will meet at Fremont Harley at 12:30pm, prior to the memorial. All types of motorcycles welcome!
More memorial information can be found at www.nikandjune.com
Donations in kind can be made in Charley's name to The Bridge School, 545 Eucalyptus Avenue, Hillsborough, California 94010-6404 and/or The Walpert Center for the Developmentally Disabled, 100 Walpert St. Hayward, CA.
Our gentle giant is now with Ursa Major (The Bear Constellation) where he can forever shine down on us as we gaze into the night sky.
From: Rob & Laura Alonzo (rnlalonzo@comcast.net)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
My husband & I met Charley just over 1 year ago, but it seems like we knew him forever. Immediately he became a good friend. My favorite memories of Charley are of his hugs. He always gave me the hugest hug, making me feel so good no matter what else was happening in my life. We had the privilage of riding with Charley, & he did love to ride. His boisterous personality & love of life will always be in our hearts. He is sorely missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all who knew & loved Charley. Rob & Laura Alonzo
From: Laura (Blair) Greason (LBtheStitcher@aol.com)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
I'd watched Charley grow up in family pictures sent to my Aunt Mercedes in Nebraska as his Mom and I are cousins from our mother's side. I met Charley when I was visiting family and friends in California in 1992. He took time to visit with me, my friends and his grandmother one evening. I was so impressed by his thoughts, ideas and wisdom for his age.
When we were planning a family reunion in Iowa last summer, Charley and I emailed back and forth quite a bit. He'd already made plans for the summer but had hoped to visit where his grandmother grew up someday. The pictures he sent me of landscapes were wonderful. I told him if he ever got to Georgia, he had to visit me.
The news of Charley's accident and passing came as quite a shock to me. One of those reminders that time passes by too quickly here on earth. One thing death cannot end is our memories of those that touched our lives and Charley will always be in my memories.
Kelly, my love and thoughts are with you and everyone else at this time and always.
Love, Laura (Blair) Greason
From: Rick Thompson (Rick.Thompson@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Charlie's family, Theresa, and close friends. Charlie, to me, was just one heck of a nice guy. He always came across as genuine and sincere. He would usually have some interesting tidbit or topic of conversation. One of the last conversations I remember was talking about Area 51, it's surrounding area, and local people made famous for living there. I also was very interested when he spoke about his adventures on his Harley. His Sturgis trip sounded like alot of fun.
At work, Charlie always seemed willing and ready to help someone having computer problems. Very dedicated to the IT Dept and all of his co-workers.
As I end this, it saddens me that I won't get to see Charlie (or hear) ride up to work on his Harley, or get to BS with him. And as tragic as this situation is, it comforts me that Charlie went doing what he loved...Cruising to cool tunes on his beloved Harley with the woman he loved...
Take Care, Bro!
From: Jessica Langford (jessicalangford@hotmail.com)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
Charley bear hugs! Charley gave the best hugs in the world. He would pick you up and twirl you around and it was so warm and fuzzy. It would even crack your back sometimes. I met Charley on his 21st birthday, when I was 19/20 (can’t remember for sure) and I was smitten from the minute I met him. He was a radio DJ for 96.7 The Fox back then and one of the coolest guys in town (in MY eyes anyway). He took me to my first (and only) Dead show. And who could forget the Carver Road house? I lived there with Charley and many other friends, including Marian whom we lost a couple of years ago. I’ll never forget one night sitting around with Charley and Stephanie eating pizza that Charley brought home from Mountain Mike’s and he was standing behind the couch with a piece of pizza that he was moving back and forth in his hand and giggling uncontrollably. We look on the other side of the couch and the cats were following the pizza back and forth like a tennis game. It was so funny. There are so many more memories, that I will never forget. I moved to the East coast and I haven’t been able to see Charley in the last 2 years, but I did get the chance to talk to him a couple of months ago and I am glad that I did. Charley had a huge heart and a good soul. I will miss him very much. I love you Charley!
From: Steve Goldfield (Steve.Goldfield@Sun.COM)
Date Posted: August 11th, 2004
I've known Charley since I came to work at Sun Microsystems in 1996. I think he went through three or four employers during that time while I had two. Charley and I tracked down and helped resolve many technical problems. Charley was always cheerful, imperturbable, and completely reliable: a "go to" person whom you could count on to get results and stay with an issue until it was completely resolved. He'll be missed not only for his technical competence but also for his attitude of always wanting to be helpful.
From: Karyn and Bev (Bay4lea@aol.com)
Date Posted: August 10th, 2004
We love you Tracy, and we love Charley too! Our hearts are with yours, as his is with you. FOREVER! With Love to all of Charleys family and friends, We are so sorry.
From: Aunt Linda (dhdesign@charter.net)
Date Posted: August 10th, 2004
I remember when Charley was born. Dave and I were going out of town and HAD to see him before we left. We sneaked up to the nursery floor with his Dad's brother (Don), so we could all see him. Of course, they threw us out of the hospital, but we did get to see "Little Charley." I think he was about 12 then he grew taller than his Dad. In a lot of the pictures there are two little girls with Char. His cousin Liza, and his cousin Jen (Melissa and Russell came a little later). They were like the Three Musketeers. Char was the brother Jen and Liza never had, and they were his "sisters." Going to stop now and scan in some pictures. More later.
Aunt Linda
From: Tina D Dias (Tina.Dias@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 10th, 2004
I think that when we all think about our memories of Charley its hard to pick just one. But the one that sticks out the most for me is Charleys need to set off as many car alarms as possible with his Harley...especially mine. On the days that he rode his Harley to work, whether he was arriving or departing, he would casually roll past my truck and rev his engine just so the truck alarm would go off. When this was accomplished he went on his merry way with a Cheshire cat grin that just seem to say "SCORE". And when he would return to work he would come by my desk and say..."Miss T your alarms going off...!" Last year he took a road trip for the 100 Year Anniversary of Harley Davidson and when he came back we were talking about his trip and he said that while he was gone he realized that he wanted to make some changes to his bike because when he was at the rally he was highly disappointed that he couldn't hear his bike amongst the other bikes and couldn't tell if it was running. So he took action and ordered new pipes and had some other work done to make improvements. For weeks we talked about when they would be installed, when he was getting it back. So the day finally came and all the work had been completed. He brings his bike to work and takes his usual stroll past my truck .......and to his dismay the alarm "didn't" go off. He was so disappointed. I laughed for the longest time and of course I had to rub it in. There is so much that can be said about Charley...he was a very kind man who always tried to keep a positive spin on everything. He was friendly to all and it was not in his nature to make anyone feel uncomfortable...you always felt welcome around Charley.
Although I am deeply saddened that he was taken from us so suddenly, but I know he died a happy man going where he loved with those he loved even more.....On his Harley to see his Mom with his girlfriend Tracy listening to music...........
We will miss you my friend!!!!
From: Rudy Louie (Rudy.Louie@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 10th, 2004
Charley and I talked a lot about Hong Kong films. I told him about a movie called "Twin's Effect" and he asked me to buy the DVD for him. 'Twin's Effect" is a somewhat cheesy vampire movie laden with special effects. A mindless entertaining flick that you can watch over and over again . I told him that they were filming "Twin's Effect 2" and that it would out at the end of this year and he was looking forward to seeing it.. When "Twins Effect 2" finally does comes out Charley will be watching it with me every single time....
Will miss you Charley despite your allegiance to the silver and black.
From: Samar Furiosi (Samar.Furiosi@US.exel.com)
Date Posted: August 10th, 2004
Charley's Friends,
I am lucky enough to be able to count Charley as one of my friends. I've know Charley for a few years. We met as co-workers but because of Charley's winning smile and HUGE heart and love of life after just a couple of days I felt as though we'd been friends forever. He was always good for throwing in a reference to Ren and Stimpy or some other show or movie he'd just seen and make you laugh or sit with you at the lunch table while you poured out your heart to him. The stories of his trips were told so wonderfully you'd swear you just got back instead of him. I remember just a couple of days before, he was told Greg wanted a kiss (hershey's) from him. Charley proceeded to chase Greg down the hall, cornered him and placed a big kiss on Greg's cheek. Greg's face was very red and Charley just turned and walked back up to his cube with the biggest smile on his face. Totally Charley. I'll miss telling him "the word of the day" (still haven't been able to stop putting it into his account) as he comes in each morning. I just know he's laughing at how all of us are acting over this, like it's just another step we all have to make. Like Tracy said, doing what he loved with the person he loved, can't ask for more as far as I'm concerned. He did it better than just about anyone I know.
See ya Charley -
Smars
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take,
but by the moments that take your breath away".
From: Charlie O. (CMOTTINA@aol.com)
Date Posted: August 9th, 2004
I will never forget stading on the muddy hill in the pouring rain at 11 o'clock at night at the Bridge School concert.
It had rained all day at the show and you couldn't move without slipping in the mud.
It was raining so hard, neither Charley nor I could see since our glasses were covered with mud and water.
Everyone in my family had already retreated to shelter and it was just Charley and I screaming and laughing.
We stayed until the end.
I can still see it.
From: Tracy Terada (tracyterada@hotmail.com)
Date Posted: August 8th, 2004
Dear Friends,
As you may or may not know, Tuesday Charley and I were in a motorcycle accident while heading to Oregon to visit his mom. The back tire blew from the bike and we were both thrown from the bike. As I was lucky with abrasions and few broken ribs, Charley was not. His brain ceased to function on impact, his body kept alive on machines until his Mom, Dad and I were ready to let him go. Thankful he never suffered or felt any pain and passed at 3:30am today. His body went peacefully within minutes of the machines being turned off. Though it grieves me to no end, I know his spirit left this earth doing what he loved most, riding his Harley and listening to music.
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Remembering
Charley
Peoples stories and memories of Charley