White cloud puffs soften a crystal blue sky providing a perfect backdrop for Storm’s Memorial Celebration. Thanks to all of you who were able to attend physically or who were with us in spirit. I am grateful to my loving family who went to so much effort to make the arrangements for this gathering. To N. Clement Weathers a million, million thanks for securing the use of the airport and for arranging the fly-by (thanks to Tim and George for the flight). Thanks also to Paul for his untiring efforts sprucing up the grounds to make Cox Field a pastoral setting for our farewell to Stormy. To those who offered their help with my plans to get the RV back on the road, please stay tuned to this blog – I need you!
I did not record the speakers, but I really appreciate those who were able to share their Storm stories with us. If you would like to be moved to tears, read Priscilla’s speech and poem, by clicking here. Below I listed the “Charlieisms” that I printed for the memorial. Please feel free to add your favorite through comments!
Charlieisms
Charlie says…
Upon seeing someone unshaven for a few days: “What did you do? Shave through a screen door?”
Upon seeing a project finished with haste and having many imperfections: “A fast moving train will never see it.”
“Like a fast dog on the furniture.”
“Mad as a settin’ hen.”
When tasting something delicious to eat: “That’ll make a puppy pull a freight train.”
Upon seeing something that is very fine: “Like frog hair split three ways”
When everything goes wrong: “Like standing on your head in a bucket of sh*t in a canoe.”
Upon seeing an unattractive woman: “I wouldn’t take that girl to the dog show if I was showing her.”
Describing things that in his eyes were multipurpose: “It’s good for coughs, colds and sore holes.”
“Talking sh*t just like chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe.”
Upon seeing a big, beautiful Prevost bus pull into the campground: “If I had that and you had a feather up you’re a** we’d both be tickled.”
More introspection on actually owning that Prevost bus: “Man, you can throw money at that with both hands.”
On making money in the aircraft business: “You can easily wind up with a million dollars repairing planes, as long as you start with two million.”
Upon a seeing Matt stomping chalk lines on the ground at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: “Look here comes the Tennessee Stud.”
Another description of good food or drink: “That would make a minnow slap a whale.”
“Cuss-tom fit” – Refers to the practice of effecting a repair using a variety and multitude of obscenities to make parts fit properly.
When you make a mistake and need to apologize: “Scratch your a** and fess up.”
“Nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”
When working hard at any job: “They are working me like a rented mule.”
“Know the difference between a 4 wheel drive and a rental car? A rental car will go anywhere.”
When he is ready to pour on the fuel and get out of town: “Strap on the feed bag and let her eat.”
When asked by a restaurant hostess “How many in your party;” Charlie always replied: “I don’t know, I can’t count that high either.”
When asked at a restaurant checkout “How was your meal?” Charlie’s reply: “It was just what I expected but I ate it anyway.”
Who can forget the old bubble gum in the bottom of his coffee cup trick making the teaspoon balance straight up and perplexing many a waitress?
It’s great to juggle lots of balls, so long as none bop me on the head. –Charles West
That’s from the last email we got from Charlie Back in January of 2016 as he was finishing up our engine swap.
Such a heartfelt and fitting tribute to Charlie. It was a one of a kind celebration of life, for a one of a kind man. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Dina & Mark Brenberger
That’s a good one – thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing this as I could not be there. I could actually hear his voice saying each of the Charlieisms in his own easy drawl and it made me smile. Your niece certainly honored him greatly with her remembrances. On the class FB page one of our classmates said they remembered Charlie as “very kind with an easy manner.” Bingo. A good, good man.
You know he’ll find a way to look after you.
God Bless
Steve Book
Seaford Class of 71
Steve,
Have you read his obituary? I have been looking for it online. He was a great guy!
Thanks Steve. I sure hope he does find a way. He was especially proud that he developed a southern drawl!
I heard him say, “There are two theories about how to win an argument with a woman. Both are wrong. “
We know how he knew that.
He did love you even so.
N.C.W.
🙂 He was an honest man and a quick learner.
Deb,
Cecile and I are so sorry for your loss. I was in transit from Oklahoma back to Alabama and unfortunately, got none of your posts until getting back online July 17. Thank you so much for posting this memorial. I don’t have the words to say how much y’all meant to me and I kinda lived vicariously through your posts. He did as he pleased and those around him were normally pleased with him as well.
I will forever have fond memories of a great friend. Wishing you fair weather forever my friend.
Larry Moore
SSHS Class of ’69
Thanks Larry. We sure enjoyed our visit with you and I know that Charlie thought of you often.
Deb, We are so sorry we were not able to attend the memorial celebration. We would have loved to have heard Priscilla’s emotional and loving tribute to Charlie in person. It is hard to believe that we will no longer hear a Charleism, or get a Charlie phone call or text. We cherish the time we spent with you and Charlie. Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for any reason. We will see you down the road. Sherry and Matt
Thanks Sherry – thanks to you and to Matt for all that you did for us in those hectic last days in SD. I look forward to seeing you both again soon!
We’re finally back in the States and can access your blog. Your niece certainly has summed up the essence of Charlie West. We certainly wished we could have been at the memorial but circumstances dictated otherwise. See you soon.