Sad News (Civilian thread)

[Mike Ventura]

Re: Sad News

Charles was a treasured friend – although he relished “stirring the pot”, his insights into the hobby were always brilliant and he was a fabulous writer. I often told him he’d missed his calling and should have been a syndicated columnist (After all, Anne Coulter gets PAID for pissing people off!) I will miss his witty comments about reenacting & reenactors and also his lovely, beautifully written James J. Kilpatrick-esque pieces about going trail riding with the mules, etc and insights into rural life.

Love him or hate him, or a little bit of both, he was one of the true pundits of this hobby. He coined many an expression we take for granted and use as lingua franca of the hobby, such as EBUFU.

I wish somebody could make an archive of Charles' better posts, both here and on the OTB -- alas, the internet message board was his "medium" as a writer and it's such a temporal medium. The better pieces really deserve to live on in a more permanent way.

As for his less good and sometimes VERY snarky posts, they sometimes had their charm as well. Especially when he was letting loose on farbdom. I'd like to think that now that both he and "Duke" Culbertson are gone, they might be continuing the "flame war" in a jovial sort of way in A Better Place. (they've got the Internet in heaven, right?)

REST IN PEACE, Charles. My heartfelt condolences to Bev - I know it must be rough for you now and you are in my prayers. Please keep me posted on funeral plans

Kathryn:

I was one of the early posters on this sad thread on Sunday. Since that post, I have had several thoughts of the things that I should have said about Charles. You summed it up beautifully!! As one who sometimes writes for a living, I, too, have a great appreciation for Charles' writings and use of the English language. There's a lot of words and phrases that are now accepted as commonplace in this hobby that sprang from Charles' always fertile mind. I once noticed that he had tens of thousands of posts on the OTB, which was probably his finest medium. I wondered how anyone could have that much to say, but then I was reminded that it was Charles. He departed this life with so much more to say. I'm just sorry that we won't be privy to that.

[87thLady]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I met Charles about 10 years ago and reenacting will never be the same without him. He was the one who pushed me into doing authentic reenacting and I will forever be thankful to him for that. I bought one of his Charley Childs blankets a few years back during one of this famous civil war yard sales that I will cherish now that he's gone.
I could go on and on but I can only say to Beverly, my thoughts are with you right now.

Ms Lorraine
87th PVI

[sedlakchristopher]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Charles was the reason behind many of my most memorable authentic moments in living history. I only regret that I wish I could have made more of "his" events.

I described him as the "man who walked out of a time machine".

He was just one of those one-in-a-million guys.

I will never forget the class at Ft. Ontario that he gave upstairs in the barracks with three guys on how to camp with just a few wool and rubber blankets.
They were in there tighter than tent ropes and I think he had them all roll at the same time... we were in stiches... and then somebody inside said... "I have to use the bathroom!"

Ahhh, Chawles... we will miss you my friend...

FOR YOU... my, and many others, favorite ...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


May you know peace my friend.

And may your loved ones know that you are in His hands and in paradise.


Our love and prayers to his family.

Chris Sedlak
on behalf of the Iron City Guards
(1st PA Lt. Arty-Bty G; 9th PA Res.-Co. C)

[Beau]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I was looking forward to seeing you again old pard, will have to wait until you can introduce me around in heaven, say hi to General Lee, and great uncle James Kelling, 2nd Iowa Cav. You will have lots of horse talk with him I am sure.
I remember meeting you first time down at Red River II, with Captain Stumpy. And many times after, Recon, Burketsville, Athens, Chickamauga, down at Frank's farm last summer. Pard I am going to miss you a lot. You taught me a lot, you even gave me the coat off your back so I wasn't wearing a lousy jacket. I hope I was able to give back to you a bit of what you gave to everyone you met, a bit of wit, a smile, and a sharp tounge, with a joke. What a guy!
See you later buddy.
Unkle Beau

[Moonshine]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

DAMN!!!


What else can I say that hasn't already been said other than I'm glad I got to meet him.

I guess God can put aside the Julia Child crap and FINALLY EAT!!!

[chesnutmor]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I am so sorry for you loss. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to meet him in person. I will truely miss his expertise and wit. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Jill

[Matt Caldwell]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I just don't know what to say. Chawls was always a great guy. He will be greatly missed. One of my best memories is from the Island in Charleston when he was doubled over lauging at me when breakfast instantly did not agree with me. God, what a loss.

[Coatsy]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I will miss The Charles. As I said on the OTB, Charles was Charles and we wouldn’t have had him any other way. From online banter to the Portal of Hell Athens event in 2002 and onto Quack Quack River and Piney Woods this year it was always good to see “Da Heef.”

My favorite Heef moments came of course at the ’02 Athens when Charles and I had a debate about ice cream and then shut up to watch “The Fiddler”. Next up we were standing in the cold at the commissary pit stop at Ft. Donelson in ’06 with our collaborative effort making up insane comments for really bad Civil War cavalry commanders. His comments about Stoneman and my comments about Felix Robertson had us laughing very hard while everyone else looked on in confusion. I think he managed to construct some form of life boat at Ft. Granger and managed to save most of Admiral Duffer’s company. His cameo in the Guard House the last day at Winter of ’64 (’08) shoving fried pies into Sgt Mustache and Cpl Goddard’s hands was great. At Westville last year I remember walking on down to the cook cabin to see if he needed help with the BBQ pit when it began to rain. He besides helping move some logs for him he had it covered. I was then paid my “bribe” as Sheriff in the form excellent ham. Next he accused me of being a drunk at the same time. His commentary about improving the roads in town with a public works committee was classic.

This year at Duck River his and Pete’s banter outside of Ft. Craddock helped lighten my mood and his sorrow at the overcooking of the ham for Saturday PM’s dinners was hilarious. He did compliment the cooks generous use of peppers. Then there was the debate between Greg Barnett and Charles about roasted or raw coffee beans. Finally at Piney Woods after helping tote boxes from the campsite to the roadway so that the wagons could make it out, Chawls passed on a cup of very warm and very strong coffee to me. That was very welcome since I am a horrible morning person. The last time I saw Charles he was on top of one of the wagons after Piney Woods getting gear out in the driving rain.

I find it uncanny that he royally pissed off many of my reenacting comrades, but for some strange reason we never butted heads or got into an argument. I feel that he was always trying to push for better and more accurate EVERYTHING within the hobby. His venom for Kewl Keyboard Kampaigners is legendary, but he is/was a 100% original. I’ll end with one of my favorite Chawls comments from recent memory:

“Herbert, I don’t really care what they think. They can suck my ass.”

[sccottonpicker]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

All I can Say about this man is his wit his humor and his knowledge will be greatly missed he was a great friend great leader and im Honored to call him friend my thoughts and prays go out to his family

[homelesshunter]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I remember Charles as our cook at Ft. Granger, probably the best one out there. he touched everyone around him. I remember that on sunday our company was slow getting to the service and he yelled at us saying "Y'all should get your damn religion!''.
I didnt see him again until Duck River Line. After that I would occaisonally see him on a forum or a thread and then I recieved a call that he had died from a friend and I was in complete shock. Mr. Heath it was a pleasure to know you. Reenacting has lost a character, he has gone to the great place in the sky.

Whit Barr

[Greg Barnett]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I will miss The Charles. As I said on the OTB, Charles was Charles and we wouldn’t have had him any other way. From online banter to the Portal of Hell Athens event in 2002 and onto Quack Quack River and Piney Woods this year it was always good to see “Da Heef.”

My favorite Heef moments came of course at the ’02 Athens when Charles and I had a debate about ice cream and then shut up to watch “The Fiddler”. Next up we were standing in the cold at the commissary pit stop at Ft. Donelson in ’06 with our collaborative effort making up insane comments for really bad Civil War cavalry commanders. His comments about Stoneman and my comments about Felix Robertson had us laughing very hard while everyone else looked on in confusion. I think he managed to construct some form of life boat at Ft. Granger and managed to save most of Admiral Duffer’s company. His cameo in the Guard House the last day at Winter of ’64 (’08) shoving fried pies into Sgt Mustache and Cpl Goddard’s hands was great. At Westville last year I remember walking on down to the cook cabin to see if he needed help with the BBQ pit when it began to rain. He besides helping move some logs for him he had it covered. I was then paid my “bribe” as Sheriff in the form excellent ham. Next he accused me of being a drunk at the same time. His commentary about improving the roads in town with a public works committee was classic.

This year at Duck River his and Pete’s banter outside of Ft. Craddock helped lighten my mood and his sorrow at the overcooking of the ham for Saturday PM’s dinners was hilarious. He did compliment the cooks generous use of peppers. Then there was the debate between Greg Barnett and Charles about roasted or raw coffee beans. Finally at Piney Woods after helping tote boxes from the campsite to the roadway so that the wagons could make it out, Chawls passed on a cup of very warm and very strong coffee to me. That was very welcome since I am a horrible morning person. The last time I saw Charles he was on top of one of the wagons after Piney Woods getting gear out in the driving rain.

I find it uncanny that he royally pissed off many of my reenacting comrades, but for some strange reason we never butted heads or got into an argument. I feel that he was always trying to push for better and more accurate EVERYTHING within the hobby. His venom for Kewl Keyboard Kampaigners is legendary, but he is/was a 100% original. I’ll end with one of my favorite Chawls comments from recent memory:

“Herbert, I don’t really care what they think. They can suck my ass.”

Dang that BBQ was good!

Charles kept telling everyone at Duck River, that we had green coffee. Most thought them to be peas. Everyone thought it quite funny that I would try to roast split green peas. He and I tried to tell everyone that it was coffee. I was torn between the information. I never did finish roasting the coffee beans. It is not an easy task and requires time and patience. I do not think either was readily available that cold Saturday morning. I do still have them beans!

That man knew how to snore. He gave Tripp a run for the money at The Duck River.

[Bobo Williams]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Charles. My condolences are to the family and friend of such a fine individual. I met him only at the Piney Woods and watched his magic play-out as he tried to roust the spirit of an injured “Pvt. Cornbread”. He recalled the story of this fellow who picked up an old Armadillo with the “Rice” still moving in its shell. Cornbread lifted his head. He proceeded to tell how he laughed so hard when this fellow put it on top of his head and went on about the march making everyone around him sick. Then he asked “where is this old codger?” bread answered “he’s one hurtin rascal right now” I watched as he recalled that story and was, at the same time, examining the status of his friend. He and I talked about what to do and he volunteered to walk ahead to the rest of the battalion and get help to extricate his wounded pard. I stayed behind should his condition deteriorate. Charles returned about a half hour later and with the banana he produced from his pocket he proceeded to “call the Monkey” to his feet.
In coaxing Cornbread out of the woods with a banana mixed with a few OhOhh’s and AwAwww’s trying to mimic an ape calling another ape. I just couldn’t help but to understand that this man, Charles, was the real deal. Charles and I had a good laugh and when we met at the Vicksburg battlefield later in the week, we talked more and shared a cold drink. I could write pages about the antics of this man but will reserve that for reasons of space. I’m better a man having known Charles for even that little while than many of the people I’ve known for years. I pray that the family can find solace for their feelings in having been close to such a genuine person.
With deepest sympathy,
Daniel Williams

[Mtn.Guerilla]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Man, this truly is sad news. Unfortunately I only had recently met Charles at Duck River, as part of our spooning commune, and green coffee dicussion group. Although thru the conversations we did have, I quickly realized he truly marched to his own drum. I did always enjoy the "commentary" he provided on the AC over the years though, and the feathers he ruffled ! I guess we can all only hope people in the hobby say the same of each of us when we're gone. My deepest sympathies go to his family.

[SGulley]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I haven't been on here in about 6 months and it was quite a shock to see that on the home page. My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Charles at a few events. Matt and I were both standing together on Morris Island heaving up breakfast while Charles was also doubled over, but with laughter. After that episode he branded me "pukes on dunes" over on the OTB. He certainly was one of a kind.

[lthull3rdla]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

GOOD GRIEF! Man, Charles was such a great guy and will truly be missed by all who knew him. I will keep his family in my prayers as they go through this horrible tragedy.

Ronnie Hull & Family
Shreveport, La