Sad News (Civilian thread)

[NoahBriggs]

Re: Sad News

Or that highest praise, uttered with a quiet casualness after an event:

I had fun. How about you?*











_______________
*And after one event he typed after: "Gotta copyright that. :D"

[johnnyreb43nc]

Re: Sad News

Perhaps it would be fitting to dedicate the next Piney Woods/Red River event to Charles in his memory.

J.T.
Jason Tailford

LazyJacks Mess
Liberty Rifles.

[Mcouioui]

Re: Sad News

J.T. I agree!

[bhutton]

Re: Sad News

I've attended a few events that Charles had a hand in , I never had the good fortune to meet him, but I always enjoyed reading his posts, His frank answers to questions have taught me to research and seek 'This' level of athenticity, My condolences to his family,I can see from all the posts that he touched a lot of lives and they were better for it.

[pvtbordonaro]

Re: Sad News

Mrs. Lawson,
Yes, I do "hear" him. That burnt food rule he reviewed at the COI in April jiggled my memory to dig up that hilarious recipe he sent me years ago. I'm hoping the memories keep acoming.
-Joe Bordonaro

[gilham]

Re: Sad News

As we all did I knew Charles by reputation and by his postings.
He shared information with me when I asked for it.
I met him at IPW. As the Confederates were filing past his kitchen he grabbed my hand and said " If you would stick your hand out soldier you might get something to eat"
And filled my hands with much appreciated dried apples.
After that every one behind me decided they wanted something also. He wasn't giving anything else out but sarcasm and wit.


Thanks For the apples.

[John5]

Re: Sad News

I extend my deepest hearfelt sympathies to the Heath family. I can also say with great pride that Charles will not be forgotten. His sense of humor, quick smile, and can do attitude at events will be missed very much. He was a character of the first order!



I will always remember him.

[Tom Dodson]

Re: Sad News

I never knew Charles other then through his writings here on the forum. In all honesty I must say he p/ssed me off more then once. He also made me question myself and why I engage in this endeavour of living history.
I feel strangely touched by the loss of a man I never knew. Maybe because it is always hard for the world to lose someone so full of life.
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Heath and all loved ones, family and friends.
Tom Dodson
47th Ga

[cs10thva]

Re: Sad News

Every time I came East to an event,Charlie would be very kind to me.
His quick wit will be sorely missed.
Rich Magwood,10th VA in California

[dirtyshirt]

Re: Sad News

Charles helped me greatly when I was a younger lad first starting to try to make authentic gear. He was always ready to help and offer advice at the drop of a hat. I wish I would have gotten to pick his brain more. My sympathies.

[Gus49OVI]

Re: Sad News

My memories of Charlie are still present of AHT and unloading rations in the Western Brigade Camp; terse and entertaining, pragmatic and self-effacing. Quite the opinion he had of field engineering regarding barrels of salt pork, ropes, and ramps...
Lord, our loss, your gain...
Pards...

[Bill Woodhams]

Re: Sad News

I have known Charles for about 10 years now and I feel like I got run over by a big truck when I found out this morning. I have so many memories of the great man that I don’t know if I can put them into words. The two that stick out for me is how I got my nicknames both from Chaz.

1. I was named the dog eared boy for what reason is only Charles knowing, but it happened at Mumford a couple years back.
2. "Forty" Canadian Mike thought that I was forty years old at the most recent CR board of directors meeting even though we have known each other for a couple years now. I had a bit of a not so happy reaction as well I am only 26. As such Charles actually made it a movement for the board and my new nickname came to be.

Charles was probably one of the best men I ever met and not only as a reenactor will he be missed but as a great person!

My thoughts, prayers go out to Bev. If you need anything at all Bev do not hesitate to ask. I will be flying down Friday for the services.

Bill "The Dog Eared Boy", "Forty" Woodhams

[mehrsam]

Re: Sad News

"I feel strangely touched by the loss of a man I never knew."

As do I. My only contact with "Chawls" was through the forums. As a newbie to this hobby, I posted some laughable questions which were promptly skewered on the OTB forum; his online comment was "He doesn't have a clue in his cluebox." But within the hour Charles had PMed me with very sincere and valuable answers to my questions.

He had a keen interest in, and vast knowledge of, trains, steam engines, trucks, agriculture, animals, communications...a modern-day Renaissance man. Like many others here, I will miss the man I never had the honor to meet.

[AndrewGrim]

Re: Sad News

I have not known Charles very long, but am grateful that I did. I think the best thing I can do is push the hobby further, and support the good events.

[Court Micker]

Re: Sad News

While I did not know Charles well, I did spend several weekends with him and Mess No. 1 during the planning stages of Rich Mountain.

I most remember going to search for a swamp somewhere on the mountain with Charles that was not on any map - and being thrown violently against his truck's interior as he tried to dodge tire shredding rocks (while laughing hysterically at me as I held my aching head and braced for impact).

He also awarded me with several nicknames over the course of several months that I have yet to forget and that I'm sure still stick with me somewhere out there in the reenacting cosmos.

From what I saw and knew of him, he was a great and interesting guy. My condolences.