I heard sad news the other day,
Another friend had passed away
Leaving those he love behind
With thoughts and pictures to remind.
He was a gruff one, hard to read,
But quick to help someone in need,
And glowing tales are being told
Of the crusty guy with heart of gold.
He took so many under wing
To teach and guide in skydiving,
And taught, or tried to, how to pack
Parachutes...he had a knack.
My own memory of him is fond
And I'm sorry he is gone,
Though there never really is an end
When someone has been such a friend.
He showed me how to pack my stuff,
Patient, quick, a little gruff,
And once even helped to fix my ride
When my alternator died.
Thank you, Charley, for being there,
And for showing all how much you care
For the people and community,
And I hope somewhere your soul flies free.
Sandi Canfield
