On Sunday evening a very good friend of mine passed away. He was my first sunday school teacher, my first ‘date’, a practical joker and a strong man of God.

Charlie and I were born on the same day, January 10th… 58 years apart. We spent 15 of our birthdays together…having dinner at the Riverside Restaurant in Milford, New Hampshire.

This January we didn’t get to have dinner. Charlie was in the hospital and it was becoming clearer that although he had been ill for a while, this was much more serious.

I think that most people who knew him would tell you that his suffering was now over and that death came as a respite from a long disease. He was a wonderfully humble man who’s concern for others went far beyond his concern for himself. Now, upon his death, his wife has passed along the message that he did not want calling hours or a funeral service. Humble even in death.

Over the years Charlie has taught me much about life and love and faith. He is continuing to teach me lessons. I am learning how to react and go on when a loved one dies. I’m learning that there isn’t always a convenient opportunity to say goodbye.

*edited to add link*
Here’s the ***article|http://www.townsendtimes.com/Stories/0,1413,112~6019~2701051,00.html*** in the Townsend Times.