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Christine Swartwout uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
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I always looked up to my older brother Charlie, idolized him at times and always marveled at how he could do so many things easily and without much thought. When I was a very little girl, I would tell my mother, “when I get older and become a boy like Charlie...” not because I wanted to be a boy, but because I wanted to be just like my older brother.
Charlie was the level-headed kid who always knew what to do in any situation. As children it was oftentimes me making mischief or impulsive decisions, and Charlie would always come in and know how to fix whatever I had gotten myself into. However, I would always get that look from him – the “what were you thinking?!” look or the “where is your brain?!” look.
Charlie could drive anything. Regardless of what it was he could drive it. On the rare occasion he came across something that stumped him, he usually needed about 30 seconds to figure it out. When Charlie was 14, he began building his first car, a 1969 Chevy Nova. He bought the shell of the Nova and purchased all the individual parts. The shell was never painted, so affectionately the car color was candy apple primer. It took Charlie two years to acquire the individual parts and put that car together. Every night he went to work on the car, I would beg him to go along. On the few rare occasions he let me hang out and work with him, I had so much fun; cleaning car parts, getting grease and oil up to my elbows, and handing him tools. Charlie drove that Nova for two years before buying his first pick-up truck.
When I got my Class B CDL, I was so proud of myself not just for passing the written and driving tests, but because I was now a truck driver like my brother. Charlie was supportive through the whole process and had congratulated me and told me I did a great job. Later that year at Christmas, Charlie gave me a cleaned and polished piston for a 300 MACK. His quiet way of saying he was very proud of me. The piston is still one of my most prized possessions.
As we moved further into adulthood my admiration for Charlie never wavered, but it came stronger into focus. I realized that Charlie had no fear and he never cared what anyone said or thought about him. Charlie had a strong moral compass, a strong sense of responsibility, and a very kind heart. He was fiercely protective of his family and loved ones, but was always honest and straight forward when asked for advice or guidance.
As the outgoing extrovert who always showed affection, it was often difficult to express to my brother, the tacit introvert, how much he meant to me. When we would visit I often got a very quick hug from him, but when we were communicating via email, text, or phone, I would end every conversation with a simple heartfelt phrase. For many years, this heartfelt phrase would make Charlie briefly uncomfortable and flustered, but over time he finally accepted the words with a little laugh and a “yeah, OK”
My world is now a different place. A large part of my once sturdy foundation is now missing. I am not sure how to move forward other than knowing that is what Charlie would expect from me. Well Charlie, I will do my best. Thank you for showing me what it is to be a good honest person, to have a strong moral compass, to embrace responsibility, to have more confidence and not worry what others may be thinking. And I will end this tribute, Charlie, as I have ended so many of our conversations: Love you, Miss you, Mean it!
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Frank Rondinelli lit a candle
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
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Our sincere condolences to the entire family at this time of tragic loss. From Frank and Dianne Rondinelli, as well as the entire staff at Charterhouse Collision, You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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Brian Park donated to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Saturday, January 25, 2020
My condolences to Phil, family and friends.
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TheOneRing.net purchased flowers
Friday, January 24, 2020
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The entire TheOneRing.net community was blessed to have Charlie as one of us, he will be remembered until we all meet again in the west.
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Frode Vinje posted a condolence
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Good night Charlie....miss chatting with ya
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WLU donated to SALTHAVEN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION CENTRE INC.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Dear Phil, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace.
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Chris Pirrotta uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
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A marvelous human being with a heart of gold. You were one of the kindest and generous people I knew Charlie, and I'm thankful to have that privilege. God Speed! - Chris Pirrotta
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Ann Dutton lit a candle
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
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Charlie was a kind and gentle man. I am honoured to say that he was my son-in-law and wish I had seen more of him. H had a ready laugh and sense of humour but also a dry wit - often missed because he usually spoke slowly, with deliberation, and only after did one realize "that was clever; that was funny."
He amazed me with the width and depth of his knowledge and interests. He had a unique way of thinking about things, but his opinions were always founded on knowledge and logic. He changed my mind several times. charlie had a strong, quiet presence; always reliable; always "there." Charlie listened. Charlie was kind. Thankyou for loving Phil so much, for caring and supporting her.
I miss you Charlie.
Love you Charlie.
Ann
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Lesley uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
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Our new Canadian!
Quick to laugh and have an opinion. A keen capacity to see past the facade into the heart of the matter. Still an optimist! A secret optimist maybe (and I think he'd deny it) but that's why Charlie actually knew so many things because he had hope. He got angry about all the right things. Phil helped with that I think. I was in awe of how much he loved my sister. xoxoxo
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The family of Charles Michael Swartwout uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
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