For those of you who have not received the news, the recent pause in this blog was a result of a sudden and devastating illness that took Storm from us this week. I hope to produce a fitting remembrance blog for him soon, but right now it is too difficult to see the screen through my tears.
Thanks to our many friends who sent cards, letters and especially those who texted to me great “Storm” photos. Tons of gratitude to Eric who flew us back from South Dakota, to Dean and Terri who drove our RV back to the East Coast and to everyone in Spearfish who helped us get home.
I will hold a Life Celebration party for Storm soon. Please continue to share photos of Storm with me. I would also be grateful if you know and would share with me any of what Matt calls “Charlieisms – those great sayings that you only heard from Storm.
I will post details of the Memorial Celebration as soon as they are available. In the meantime, enjoy these wonderful photos of Storm that friends have recently shared with me.
Heart breaking news… simply beyond comprehension. standing by here with thousands whose lives were touched by this awesome man. Sending you as much love and comfort as I can muster. je
Thanks, Jim. I am grateful for love and comfort.
S
We were friends in high school together in Seaford and saw each other a couple times the past few years and reconnected. I have been following your travels for years and through them and my conversations with him I knew he was having the time of his life and adored you. I have sent news to the Seaford High School Class of 71 FB page and everyone is very, very sorry for your loss and ours. God Bless You.
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It wouldn’t post properly. But just hearts and love!!! My hero will be greatly missed!
You were his hero too – thanks for protecting him my inadequate nursing attempts 🙂
Thanks for letting classmates know and for sharing our travels with us Steve. I adored him too.
S
Those photos make me smile, it shows you two living life to the fullest. In our RV travels we have met many people and some are very special. Storm was one of those. He will be truly missed. We are so thankful that our paths crossed. Sending you love and hugs as you go through this difficult time. Sherry and Matt
So glad Charlie barged onto your campsite in Mesa Verde and insisted Matt come program our generator 🙂
So lucky that we found great friends like you when we first set out fulltime. Love you both.
Oh no Deb, I am so, so, sorry to hear this. You and Charlie have certainly lived life to the fullest especially during your adventures these past few years. I’m so happy you shared the time and have a TON of wonderful memories. He will always be with you…you know that. If you need anything, anything at all – someone to cry with, talk to or just sit quietly, I’m here for you. Love and support for you my friend.??
I may take you up on the offer of someone to cry with. Plenty of tears to go around now.Thanks for being there.
Just heard the shocking news Debbie. Words cannot express how sad I feel for your loss! Charlie was always a “larger then life” character to me with a happy go lucky attitude. Our many rides with gang, especially the Wild Wild West trip with its horseback riding, are forever ingrained into my memory. He was a special guy and will be sadly missed even though we haven’t been in touch lately. Just know my love and prayers are with you!
He was larger than life to me too, Barry. Always thought nothing would be able to take him away. Sure glad he left me so many great memories of wonderful times with super friends. Thanks for your love and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear the sad news,
really hard to believe that it’s even true.
We happen to be staying in Lake Delton, WI right now at Country Roads. We had just mentioned that maybe we’d be seeing you guys again this year before you headed to Oshkosh.
Deb, we send you our condolences and are so glad to have met the both of you.
You are in our thoughts and we wish the best to you now and in the years to come.
Randy and Roxanne Boyd
Randy and Roxanne, we were sure hoping to catch you guys in the Dells again. Not expecting life to take this turn
Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes. Please give my best to Shorty and Terry too.
Oh, Deb, I’m heartbroken. Sending you love and strength and sympathy.
Thanks Kim. I am just so glad we all got together before this happened. One more wonderful evening in a lifetime surrounded by great friends.
Deb , So sorry to hear about Charlie. Such a shock. Hard to believe it. I surely hope things will go well for you as you transition to a new chapter in your life. Wishing sunny skies for you.
David Knight
Kathy Keegan
Thanks David and Kathy for sharing the word about Charlie and for your kind wishes and prayers for me.
Deb, We are so sorry to hear about Charlie. I really hope you are doing well considering what you are obviously dealing with. I have tried to pass the work along locally to those who may not follow your blog. Please know that you are in my prayers and hope you will keep in touch. Charlie was a wonderful ride leader and a lot of us have missed having you guys around locally. Hope to see you soon.
Deb,
Jim and I just learned last night of Charlie’s passing. We did not know about your blog at all and Barry had shared a couple of years ago you all were full time RV’ing. I know you heart is broken. No doubt you were the love of his life and his never ending funny laugh and smile will be with you always. I so remember our flying to the Bahama’s for a vacation and all the fun we had. The morning you all went with us to Wilmington to buy our first airplane and the many miles we rode on our motorcycles with the Garner Gang. Such embedded memories. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you at this sad time. Our love to you,
Joan & Jim Clark
Hi Jim and Joan – we definitely had some adventures together. Thanks for thinking of me during this sad time.
Deb.
Lots of great memories, tearing down a carburetor on the hat field McCoy trail, replacing back tire with car tire in ohio, turning bikes around at the bottom of a dirt trail, people skiing on the hill side of road to the sun, hwy 8, gathering place,eating world famous fried chicken, conversations on cb radio while crusing, oakey dokey, pipe stem, Charlie never getting sheila
on the back of his bike to ride the curves, and many more memories. We have missed you guys
While you have been making rv memories , we feel like we have shared with you through your blog. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always available if you need anything. We have a house at lake Gaston 228 Tuscorora trail henrico, we continue living in clayton.
Thinking of you,
Steve and sheila
I’ve learned over the years that you can’t speak about a person without remembering all of those people and things that they have affected. I can’t speak about Charlie without remembering the special people in the “Dawson Gang” that “learned me” and tolerated me through my early years of riding. The miles of back-road riding through shade covered twists and turns through small yet interesting towns. those miles made me appreciate the less busy pace and a much better wing-rider. The exposure and excitement of air shows in Vidalia Ga, Goldsboro, NC, and Thunder over Lousiville and more for this rookie was another awakening. Charlie wasn’t just a rough and tumble kinda guy. He certainly had a cultured side as well…my exposure to wineries and some NC fine dining was brought about by my relationship of this brother (via Debby undoubtedly). One of the most memorable points was when he’d tell unsuspecting hostess that his twin brother (me) would be showing up at a restaurant. And when I did show up, just send me to his table. Somehow or another most of them knew after a few seconds of a hard gaze where exactly I needed to be seated. “Will wonders ever cease…?”
I still don’t know how he made a teaspoon stand upright in a cup of coffee!!
You can’t speak about Charlie without speaking about Debby (aka Summer…aka Ms. Debby)…our own self made weather forecaster and roadside journalist. The mark of a good man is the excellent woman by his side. Summer you dusted him off, propped him up, undoubtedly put your hand upside his head a few times, and just shook your head in amazement (probably only once or twice). We’re blessed with him because of you in his life.
Can’t say anymore right now.
Thanks for the memories that will last forever, Charlie.
My Clifton Heights brother from another mother.
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. He was a special person and always knew how to make me laugh. Jim (Dukeman) recently told me about your blog and the detailed stories of your RVing adventures. I know you two made some awesome memories. I’ve always thought you two were perfect for each other. I can’t image the loss you feel. Hold on to those precious memories and Charlie will live in your heart always. You are in my prayers sweet friend!
I am so sorry to hear the news. I am a Seaford classmate and old friend. He was such a Seaford success story…never doubted he would do great things. It has been a comfort to me that he had found such a perfect soul mate in you. You guys were very inspirational to me….living life to the fullest, living out your dreams, making the most of retirement, finding and keeping your love story
alive. What memories you have made!
Miss Debby,
The tears keep flowing, I am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories of our time with you and Charlie! It seems impossible that such a great man is gone; however, the memories will stay with me forever! My greatest memory of my time with Charlie was when we walked around Paris and he gave me a guided tour of Norte Dame while you and Valerie shopped for a wedding dress for her. Please know that RC and I are here for you anytime you want or need either or both of us. We love you and Charlie, even though RC shied away from Charlie’s sweet hugs ? We’ll see you Saturday.