CHARLES HAVILAND MEMORIAL

On behalf of the Haviland Family, we want to thank everyone who extended their condolences after Charles' sudden death on May 18, 2005

If you would like to add comments to this memorial, please use our feedback form.

5

Date:

5/10/2011

Time:

9:33:17 PM

Comments

Charles has now been gone six years. I still miss him a great deal and think about him often. I now live in Florida off I-75 about 100 miles south of where he was killed. I'm cautious driving on that road trying not to suffer the same fate as my brother. I live in a golf community and get to play the game that I enjoyed with him often. If you would like to share some of your memories of Charles, send me a message.
Pierce Haviland

Date:

6/13/2008

Time:

7:33:17 AM

Comments

Charles has now been gone three years but he remains in my thoughts daily. I look at these comments from time to time and gain comfort from the knowledge that he had many friends who miss him also. If you would like to share some of your memories of Charles, send me a message.
Pierce Haviland

Date:

5/18/2007

Time:

10:33:17 PM

Comments

It has been two years since Charles was killed. I think about him every day. When I talk to his friends, John Tom and Rex, we always remember the funny things he did. I went to visit his final resting place last month. He should be happy there. His spirit lives on, as do the memories.

 


Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

9:33:17 AM

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Comments

Dear Charles, Thanks to the technology of cell phones, we spoke almost every day. Yesterday was the first time I was unable to do that. In my turbulent life there was always one constant. I had my big brother to stand by me. Now, suddenly, you are gone, taken from us by a careless person. I will always love you and think about you, my brother and my best friend for life. A life that ended much too soon. Love always, Pierce

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

11:32:50 AM

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Comments

Charles is already missed and memories are whirling in my mind. There was no time to say goodbye. You loved playing the numbers and I'll always play one in memory of you. No words can express the feeling of loss and regret that we didn't have more time. Doing things the right way was always your priority in work. I enjoyed your commentary on your family and your golfing buddies and the photos you shared with me. I will miss you forever. Love Annette

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

1:48:18 PM

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Comments

If you're lucky, you have many friends in your life, but you only have a few really good ones. Charles Haviland was a really good friend! Loyal to a fault, he would do anything for you. I talked to Charles frequently on the road, and we got togeather as often as we could in Alabama and three times in Hawaii to play golf. Ironically, he was planning another visit to the islands in September, and he had talked to his brother, Pierce, just before the accident about it. Fortunately, I just visited Charles in Alabama two weeks ago and we played several rounds of golf, which I know Charles always really enjoyed. I have many fond memories of our times togeather, but two stand out the most. First, was our trip to New Orleans for Alabama's victory over Miami, and the 1993 National Championship. There are no bigger Crimson Tide fans than Charles. While there were many more great times, another that stands out was the hole in one that Charles made at the Navy-Marine golf course in Hawaii. It was on Thanksgiving Day of 2003. Charles and his partner were down on their bet with me and my partner when we got to the sixth hole. I watched in disbelief as Charles hit his six iron toward the green with a characteristic big slice. The ball never touched the ground as it hit the flag stick and went directly in the hole for an ace. I'm sure it was one of his most enjoyable moments. Cindy and I will really miss Charles, and I'll never be able to visit Alabama again with the same enthusiasm knowing that Charles won't be there to traverse the links with me. There's a "big" void in our lives and we won't be able to fill it. God Speed, Charles. We love you. Tom and Cindy Poe.

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

3:26:07 PM

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Comments

Charles, I only work close with you for a very short time but for the times I did, you were great. You could make me laugh without even trying. I'll miss you. Belva Rogers

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

3:46:03 PM

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Comments

I wanted to just say how Charles was a good friend to me. We only met while working on the job but i would always call him to see what was new. I had spoke to him last wednesday and he seemed to be happy about going home for a few days off work. Whenever we would happen to see each other on the job their would always be alot of joking and playing arround. It is such a shame that he was taken so early from the people that he loved and that loved him as well. He will be deeply missed by many especialy myself. I wish all the best for his family and will you all keep him in your memories. thanks and God bless. mike fitzwater

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

4:33:06 PM

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Comments

Charles, I'm told that I was the only one that called you "Charlie", I can only begin to thank you for all that you taught me about store repairs. Our mutual love of XM Radio and Golf, always made it easy to talk to you. Just a couple of weeks ago,as I bragged about getting to play at Doral, I could hear the enthusiastic lift in your voice as the conversation went on about the course and the challenge of playing there. I promise to take a moment of silence on the 1st Tee before I hit a "Muligan" in your Honor. You were a "Gentle Giant" and you will be missed, Steve Ryan Co-Worker Dallas, Texas.

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

5:08:51 PM

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Comments

The world knows nothing of its greatest people but the Lord does. Goodbye Charles Co-worker Veronica Vinziant

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

5:10:50 PM

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Comments

Charles was one of my few close friends. We met through golf and from there shared many other interests. Charles attacked every problem or issue with the same all-out intensity that he applied to his tee shots on the golf course. I doubt that I will ever again meet anyone else quite like him. Richard Ensley Montgomery, AL

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

5:23:59 PM

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Comments

Words cannot express the emotions running through our minds and hearts as we grasp the reality of the shocking news, I will dearly miss our times together on the golf course, breakfast before, lunch or dinner after, and always the conversations about the world around us, love of Louis L'amour stories, movies, politics, and of course the rivalry of his beloved Alabama, and Auburn. But , most of all, I will miss his frienship, he was truely a friend who stood with you, no matter what.The fellowship was always genuine, and from the heart. Thank you for over ten years of new jokes, news, views and commentary. I will remeber you always... Rex & Peggy James

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

6:03:16 PM

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Comments

Charles, my co-worker and friend. You are already missed. There is an absence here, like a missing puzzle piece, a space that only you can fill. The times we talked about "everything-under-the-sun" will always remain burned in my memory. Your work, your dedication to our company, and your impeccable attention to detail made you a true masterpiece. Thank you for your friendship, and I only wish I had a chance to really tell you good-bye. Good-bye my friend, Nick Jones

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

6:29:06 PM

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Comments

Charles you were always smiling whenever I would run into you in our stores. I didn't see you much but the times I did always left me with a smile. You will be missed.

Date:

5/20/2005

Time:

8:25:34 PM

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Comments

Charles and I worked together on an almost daily basis for quite some time, but unfortunately , I was never given the honor of meeting him in person. I got to know Charles through hundreds upon thousands of telephone conversations during a span of 5 years . A short 5 minute business call would turn into an hour long conversation , always beginning with the still-familiar "Hello , Mr. Rick " that started out every one of our calls. Always a pleasure to talk to , I learned a lot through him , and from him , and I will miss our talks. Charles , although we never got that chance to formally meet , I always thought of you as my friend. You will be missed , and never forgotten. Rick Brann

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

1:50:35 AM

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Comments

Whether it was a pat on the head, a belly rub or a lift up to the sofa, Charles made time for us all. We looked forward to the extra attention when Charles was in the house, and seeing who was going to fall asleep first on the sofa and who would snore the loudest. But the best part about Charles was that great big grin---just like the one we know he will have on his face when he reads a message from two dogs on his memorial website. Man's best friends, Dash and Max

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

8:21:11 AM

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To the family of Charles: I never had the opportunity to meet Charles face to face but I did work with him for many years. He was a very special person that always had an understanding heart but yet a strong will to get the job done. His position with Simply Fashions was very important to him and his mission was to never let the company that he worked for down. Charles was professional, caring, and went beyond the call of duty in any situation. We will miss him deeply. My heartfelt thoughts are with all of you at this very, very sad time. Sincerely, Cindy Donahue, Storefloors

 

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

8:41:36 AM

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Comments

Charles, thanks for over 25 years of wonderful memories- car shows, air shows, The Masters, dog tracks, Bama football, countless golf games and restaurants. You were so competitive and generous. We will always cherish your friendship. We miss you. John and Mary Ann Beggs

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

9:59:13 AM

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Comments

Charles,you will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Goodbye,friend Ann Gaston Newport News,Va

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

12:23:46 PM

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Comments

Charles was a close friend of my brother-in-law, John Beggs. I had the pleasure of playing golf with Charles numerous times. Charles was one of those guys you immediately feel comfortable around. competitive, willing to give his opinion, not judgemental. If you were on the frontlines, you'd want Charles in your foxhole, I am sure. I can only hope John will find a golf buddy to fill your void but never your memory.

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Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

3:15:17 PM

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Comments

I met Charles through a mutual friend a few years ago. I enjoyed our lunch meetings, always leaving with a smile. Charles was a person that I was at ease with instantly, a rare quality and attribute. I am a better person for having known him. To the family, my sincere thoughts of sympathy. He will certainly be missed. Jay Johnson Montgomery, AL

Date:

5/21/2005

Time:

6:27:57 PM

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Comments

Goodbye my friend. While I had not seen him in years he and I along with John Beggs played a-lot of golf together. I always knew that if I ever needed his help, he was there. And more than once I did. and yes, he never hesitated to come. I'll miss you brother. And Pierce, he spoke of you and all his family a-lot. He was proud of you, that was obvious. To all his family, my deepest sympathy and thank you for this page. It has helped. Goodbye Charles. KENNY CHANCE

Date:

5/22/2005

Time:

10:37:09 AM

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Comments

Charles always told me that I was his favorite District Manager, he probably told others the same and thats ok because when he was here he would make you feel like you were his favorite, he would do all of th little an big extra things that he didn't have to do and he would not leave a store location in my dictrict until he was satified that I washappy with the way the store was going to look on opening day. I was lucky enough to work with Charles alot of week over the last 10 years and get to know him quit well . We talked on th phone often and stayed in touch when he didn't have busines in district #217. He was going to be in my district sonn to set up a new store and we talked on the phone just a couple of weeks ago. Everyone in district #217 had the chance to get to know Charles and he is going to b missed by all of us, especially in the upcoming months when he should have been here for the opening og the new store. WE WILL MISS YOU CHARLES. Diann Castillo and everyone in district #217 From my husband who also had the chance to get to know Charles. SIMPER-FI Vic Castillo

 

Date:

5/22/2005

Time:

1:02:25 PM

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Comments

I met Charles several years ago while moving a store to a new location. We became fast friends and I always enjoyed his stories about his friends and golf. Over the years I worked with Charles on many different occassions. As I moved up in the company to district manager, then regional manager, Charles congratulated me and gave me a thumbs up. He was a person you could always count on. Charles took pride in his work and always encouraged the people around him to do the same. He was a true gentleman. I will miss seeing Charles out in the field and at company functions. Bettye Allen

Date:

5/22/2005

Time:

11:09:51 PM

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Comments

Charles, Your smile and laughter brightened our world...Peace to you my dear friend. To the family and friends, Please know how loved and appreciated Charles was by his Simply family. As I join with you in sorrow at his passing, I also celebrate with you the beautiful memories left behind. Susan Taylor Simply Fashions Birmingham, AL

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

8:24:01 AM

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Comments

To the family, i am deeply sad for your loss and our loss for charles was a great man to everyone that knew him. He will truly and sadly be missed. May God bless and keep you all. His Simply Fashion Family Josephine Claughton Distribution Center

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

9:56:02 AM

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Comments

Ginny & Pierce: Although I haven't seen Charles in years, I worked with him at Shoe City in Montgomery, Al in the early years before it ever became Enstar. He was always joking around, if you were down he would get you up instantly..always smiling that big smile and talking his talk. It is so weird. I called him a couple of weeks ago and left him a message on his answering machine to call me, I was thinking about him, thinking we could get together with some friends here in Montgomery that worked with him at Shoe City. Little did I know that he would never get that message...he was taken away too soon. Charles you will be missed by all. To the family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time...Peggy M. Lewis, Montgomery, AL

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

10:00:48 AM

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Comments

It was always a joy to be with Charles. He was a great friend to so many. Losing him so suddenly is hard. I pray that God will comfort his family and friends during this time. Seth Snellgrove

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

1:27:02 PM

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Comments

I don't like golf, but I enjoyed every time I saw Charles. He put everyone he met at ease with his genuine curiosity and wondeful sense of humor. I will miss lunches with Charles and friends. Jim Goodwyn

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

3:03:56 PM

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Comments

To the family Charles....I just wanted to express my sorrow of hearing of the death of Charles. (Not Chuck - he hated it when I called him that) I too have known Charles for many years. From the wonderful years with the Shoe City family. Not only was Charles a co-worker, but we were also on a bowling team together. I remember the good times bowling and the crossed over high fives when one of us would get a strike. Whenever we would have a "pot luck" at work, it was Charles and I that would fight over which one of us would bring the black-eyed peas. He thought his were better than mine. NOT. And lastly - Other than his laughter, friendliness and just a man that everyone loved to be around, I hope that one of first things Charles sees in heaven is his beloved dog "Come-ere". Charles would take him to store set ups and even to the office several times. He really loved that dog. Charles will truly be missed by everyone that he came in contact with. Teresa Nobles, Montgomery, Alabama

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Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

4:49:30 PM

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Comments

You couldn't help but like Charles, even when he was calling to fuss about his truck being late. I will miss talking to him especially about "Bama" football. He was a great guy. Charles, like you always used to say "we'll see you bud. Tim Franklin

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

8:46:50 PM

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Comments

charles you are truly a wonderful and genuine guy. i have had many oportunities to work with you over the past 13 years at simply fashions. opening store's, closing some and remodeling many. all of the managers in new orleans truly enjoyed working with you as well. whatever they needed you were always willing to do including the little extra things just to make them happy. your dedication to our company will be truly missed but, never forgotten. i spent wed. with my regional mgr. bettye and we had just spoken of you and how dedicated you were to simply fashions. i will sure miss you but, remember all of the stories you shared with me about your golf outings and trips to the casino's where you hit a few lucky numbers. love and peace to you charles. bonnie holby

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

9:53:34 PM

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Dear Charles~ Every time I go to my daughter's apt. on Beth Manor Dr., I ALWAYS thought of you; remembering how great it was to work with you and joke and tease with you at Shoe City and then Enstar! All the golfing tales, the buildout problems, the stories of Comere, the jokes; the true compassion and kindness you showed me when 3 of my sons were involved in Desert Storm in 1990; and oh the joy and pure fun of bowling on a league with you and how unashamedly I flirted with you! You had a smile that could light up the darkest area, and a laugh that generated instant laughter in others! How many times, over the last few years, I thought to call, just to say "hi" and see how you were doing and now, to my great heartache, I'll not have that chance again! Ginny and Pierce, I thank you for sharing your brother with so many of us, so far away from you, but then, God knew He sent one heck of an Ambassador of Love and Friendship to bless our lives and make us all richer for it! Goodbye Charles, and may you always have "holes in one" on God's Heavenly Course! Sandi Jackson, Montgomery, Al.

Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

9:57:25 PM

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Comments

TO THE FAMILY OF CHARLES, I MET CHARLES ON A PROJECT THAT HE WAS DOING IN ST LOUIS AT STORE #246 AND HAD THE PREVILEGE TO WORK WITH HIM IT WAS JUST THREE DAYS BUT SEEMED LIKE THREE YEARS WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME TOGETHER I HEARD SEVERAL JOKES THAT I NOW TELL AS IF I THOUGHT OF THEM MYSELF WE HAD SUCH A HEARTY LUNCH ONE DAY WE BOTH LAUGHED BECAUSE WE WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO WAS GOING TO CLIMB THE LADDER HE WAS THE BOSS I DID JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I MET A GOOD MAN AND I AM SURE A GREAT FRIEND HE WILL BE MISSED-HARRY RUSH (BROTHER OF MGR. AT STORE #246)

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Date:

5/23/2005

Time:

10:13:18 PM

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Comments

We were privileged to have Charles in our district the days prior to his passing. We will remember his stories, our good laughs, and specially his kind and good heart. His last stop before heading back home on May 18th was our store in West Palm Beach. Adriana, the store manager, said good bye to him with a big bear hug and a kiss on the cheek as a way of thanking him for all he did and all he cared. May that hug represent the good bye of all the ones that loved him. He will be greatly missed by all of us here in South Florida. Charles was "simply" a great man. Our deepest condolences, Caroll Gautier Simply Fashions-South Florida

Date:

5/24/2005

Time:

10:24:46 AM

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To the family of Charles: My wife and i enjoyed the conversations we had with charles regarding flowers and yard work when he was home in between trips. We were his neighbors directly north of him. It saddened us to hear of his passing and we will certainly miss his gentle spirit and pleasant smile. He always took time to see how we were doing, wave to us when we drove up. He also made a point to ask about our boys' sports activities, which he seemed genuinely interested in. We could not have asked for a better neighbor. I only hope that we were as neighborly and friendly in return. May you, his family, find comfort and reassurance in the good memories and conversations. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Greg & Polly Sallas

Date:

5/24/2005

Time:

7:35:12 PM

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This Tiara Walker from Simply Fashions #126 in Miami, FL and i just wanted to say that he was a very sweet man I had a great time working with him while he was here he will be truely missed.

Date:

5/24/2005

Time:

7:38:42 PM

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This is Dean Young from Simply Fashions #126 in Miami,FL I just wanted to say that Charles was a very sweet man from the moment I met him he was good hearted man and he will be truley missed.

Date:

5/26/2005

Time:

11:12:26 AM

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Charles. It has been over two years since I had the opportunity to work with you and I can still recall all of the time that you spent with me opening, closing, and renovating stores over the 11 years that I worked for Simply Fashions. I received a call from Bettye on Friday and she told me of your passing. Your family and friends at Simply Fashions are suffering a great loss as well as those that ever had the opportunity to work with you. I know you were always the one I wanted to do my stores. You were such a company man. You always took great pride in everything you did and made sure it was just perfect. When Bettye told me about all of the stores Simply may be acquiring I asked, "What will you do without Charles?" I even recall a time when you came to help me when you were actually on vacation. You were a great friend and co-worker. Thank you for sharing the biggest part of your life with us. Enjoy paradise you deserve the best for giving all you have given. Lee Ayer (former co-worker)

Date:

5/28/2005

Time:

9:54:43 PM

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I had the privilege of working with Charles for 3 years. He always found a way to brighten my day and make me smile. I'll never forget his smile... The first time I ever saw him, no one had to introduce me; I heard his voice and his laughter and knew right away who it was. I am very grateful for the times I got to chat with Charles, whether it be about installing that next set of EAS pedestals, or it be about the weather. I also want to say that I am terribly sorry for the tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. -Alice Williams, Springville, AL

Date:

5/31/2005

Time:

3:19:20 PM

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Comments

As everyone has said Charles will be missed so very much here at Simply Fashions. He was so dedicated to doing his best and he was a joy to be around. He had a special way of making all the issues that come up with opening,closing and remodeling stores seem very small. He was a kind and caring man who always took the time to talk to everyone he came in contact with in the stores and he shared a wonderful smile that made everyone feel special. I will miss you Charles and thanks so much for being such a wonderful person. Donna Hammill

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Date:

6/11/2006

Time:

10:59:20 AM

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Comments

It has been 13 months since Charles passed away. I still get comfort reading the words that others have posted here. All of his friends, especially John, Tom and Rex, have been very supportive and I appreciate that very much. I recently read that time will heal the pain of a loss, but a lost love is for eternity. I can see that there were many people who truly loved Charles and there are others who come here to look at his picture and read the remarks. 

 

Date:

11/102006

Time:

5:50:20 PM

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Comments

 

The abundance of comments was a tough, tearful and wonderful read but now that there is a little "distance" I would like to add my own. He was a gentle man. We were friends before we ever considered dating. I still considered him my friend after the divorce. Periodically we would check in with each other. I am amazed still at the number of times that I make reference to memories, "Charles-isms", etc. and now it is always with a little pain that he is not here. Thanks Pierce for the memorial and dedication--Charles is up there with Kahmier and Phydo (they allow dogs on the courses up there). Charles always said "No good deed goes unpunished..."...well, the other part to that was his good deeds went rewarded, I am sure. I still miss him.

 

I will keep this memorial posted for as long as possible. If you would like to add new remarks, just click on the link below.
Pierce Haviland

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