Sad News (Civilian thread)

[theknapsack]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Having just returned from a vacation, I just saw this.
Charles's death saddens me very much. I have only been to a few events with him, but I'll never forget his food, laughter, sarcasm, and knowledge.

I'll always remember how he told me that only idiots go to V.M.I. He said I was too smart to go there... I'm still happy with my decision but he paid me a great complement by saying that. Charles was a much smarter and wiser man than I'll ever be.

Charles was a good man with great opinions, knowledge, and one of the best senses of humor. No matter where I go and what I do, I will always remember him.

My condolences to Mrs. Heath and to his family.

[rkg]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Mrs. Heath,
I'm sorry for your loss. I know many here will miss him, but none more than you. I know there is nothing more I can add that so many have already said. I attended a fair amount of events that Charles was at, and I never went hungry. My best personal memory would have to have been this March at IPW. As I lay in the muck, treading water on the edge of the cook's camp, soaked, tired, and chilled, Charles brought a hot cup of coffee over to me without being obvious, and then commended me for being the only one to have the sense to be wounded so close to a fire and food. I wish you and your family the best during this very difficult time.

[CAC]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Charles and I traded period food labels the last time we had contact. My thoughts and prayers are with Bev and family. Dan Morgan

[Doughboy]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

My Experience with Charles went back a long way. Always had good times with him and ocassionally had some interesting disagreements. Never came away without learning something and rarely without a good laugh. He was always about the hobby, making it better or making the people in it better.
One of the last times I was in the field with him was at a small event at Five Forks where the Sore Foot Boys came into existence. B--stid let me sleep through the night of the march. Guess he thought I was getting too old to cut it!
I have thought of him often during the years since I have been out of the hobby and feel a great sadness that I won't see him again.
My heartfelt condolences to Bev and all those who had a close relationship with him.
May he rest in peace
Christopher Wilson

[D F Smith Historic]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I am so very sorry to hear of Charles passing. I have only met him a couple of times in person but had corrisponded with him here on the Ac for a while. Right away when I met him at Vicksberg a few years ago, I knew he was a good fellow. I enjoyed knowing him , even for the very short time.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.


Don Smith

[BrettKIllinois]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

I first met Charles some time during the 90s as I was a teenager looking to improve my impression, he was on AOL and willing to advise. He always had a way of inspiring younger members of the hobby to take all the energy they have and use it productively. I then met him in person at 135th G-Burg, his compliments on my hard work was exactly what was needed to keep me driving down the never ending road to authenticity. It wasn't until this year that I saw Chawls again, at DRL and at ITTPW. It was good to see him, and I was glad to have gotten the chance to re-introduce myself and thank him for all he did for me.

[Drygoods]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

It is very sad news to hear that Mr. Heath has passed. I never met the man, always wanted to, but he wrote the most interesting letters and posts. Occassionally we'd exchange letters on the WCC, and his knowledge and wit were exactly spot on. He will be missed, and remembered for many years to come. His wife, family, and close friends have my deepest sympathy, as well as My fondest regards

[Pious Jeems]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Been away due to family for sometime only to access today to add a friend. Now to see one of my friends has left this place.
Mr. Heath, I will miss you, remember at Granger and the skit for the boys, we convinced you to dress as a woman during the afternoon entertainment, toward the latter part you almost did not get those lines out to Tim Prince as what you had planned would run that fellow off the grounds/stage.
You got that out and Tim did run as fast as he could.
I remember you and I talking Sunday morning as we watch them fellers eat their soggy biscuits, and some refusing to as they had soaked in that rain water.
You had that glint in your eye as I ate mine with your gravy, God only knows what ya put in it. Last time I had a chance to talk with you in person, we e-mailed many times afterward until I got so busy the past two years.
I missed each event afterward and always looked forward to seeing you in person again.
Speak well of us to those that have crossed the River already.
Dean Burchfield
Green Bottle Mess
Cleburnes

[Yellowhammer2]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Haven't visited here in a while. Devistating news!

Memories of Charles............
Fresh squeezed lemonade at Chatam Manor.
Meals at Ft. Sumter-Save Morris Island event.
Barbeque pig at Westville-Sparks of Seccession
The list could go on and on.................

[henionjd]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

The lemonade at Chatham Manor features prominently in one of my "Heath Moments". I stayed in camp Sunday due to a serious case of wool induced irritation and helped Charles prep some of the last items he would offer that weekend. Though the lemonade had been made on Saturday there was still enough left over serve the men coming in from Sunday’s last demonstrations. The problem was that said lemonade had been discovered by large numbers of the local ants who promptly drowned themselves in it. I thought it strange that the spices lingering on the bottom of the liquid had legs. Upon voicing this observation, Charles replied "Well then, Sparky, just ladle it off the top". 'Lemonade with ants' ranks right up there with Charles famous gray coffee.

[Michael Semann]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

My deepest sympathy to the Heath family for their loss, I am as shocked by his sudden death as everyone else. A great loss to the Living History community and history devotees world wide.

[pvtbordonaro]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Friends,
The Potomac Legion, of which Charles Heath was the President, has donated $250 in his memory to the Civil War Preservation Trust. With 30-1 leverage, that translates into $7500 for preservation of the Cedar Creek Battlefield. His widow, Bev, asked that donations to the CWPT be directed to preservation of Cedar Creek. This would be a good time to make such a donation since it's not everyday you get a 30-1 bang for your preservation buck.
-Joe Bordonaro,

[psmahalow]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

Charles passing will leave a void in the Civil War community, late night talks by the fire on foraged food by the Civil War soldier to both owning a 61' Ford Falcon in our youth will be sadly missed. Charles I am sure is cooking up a banquet in heaven.

God Bless to Charles and All his Love Ones,

Pete Mahalow
13th N.J.V.
Co. "K"

[paulcalloway]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

The Authentic Campaigner website has donated $100, in memory of Charles Heath, to CWPT - toward the Save Cedar Creek fund. Again with the 30-1 matching dollars, that translates to a $3000 donation.

[Micah Trent]

Re: Sad News (Civilian thread)

That's excellent Paul. That 30-1 match is more then a good thing.