I have many good memories of spending time with Chuck. There are too many to mention on this website. Many I hold within my heart. I will just go through a few:

I remember the time Chuck taught me how to swim. We would go to Currant Park or the YMCA in Brandon. He told me not to be scared and that I could pull myself even if I couldn't breathe. He taught me how to dive. Eventually I learned to dive over him and Rhonda.

I remember that Chuck was always a handyman, fixing anything he could get his hands on. I, on the other hand, was always reckless. For example, I wrecked 15 bikes (haha) and he showed Rhonda and me how to fix them.

Chuck was always one to talk things out. He didn't like arguments and he would look for funny things by making faces to be a rise out of people that were around or to relieve the stress.

As everyone says Chuck was an outdoors guy and I remember one familiar outing. We got this big gigantic inner tire tube and we slapped a door onto it, tied the door down and decided to go sailing down the Assiniboine River. We took our dog Toby who swam along with the raft. We talked about the scenic trees, fishing and about goals in my life. He said to me, "If you work hard - you will get things." We started from one end of town to the other side of the town where we were met by my Mom and baby Amanda.

Chuck showed me how to give quality time to people. He taught me not to be a serious parent. He taught me I could be a child within an adult body. It didn't matter if I ran around a park with my children. I know this because he did this with me.

Chuck was so full of love. Quality time was the best gift that he had. From what I learned from him I know that he wanted to matter. He taught me that I had purpose and that I mattered. He never really said it in words but it showed in his actions. I know he loved me. I, in turn, learned that quality time is very important, valuable for a child and I learned to share this with my boys.

When he disciplined me, we talked about the situation, how it could be changed, and ended our time by doing something together, like fixing my bike or going for a bike ride. A bike ride after supper was a family tradition.

I wish Chuck was here for my children and me. I know he would be proud and I know that my boys would have loved him.

Today I take what he taught me about love, quality time and I share it with my boys, family and friends.

I became the father of my second boy in August 2002 and was honored to name him after Chuck. His legacy lives on.

I love you, Dad!!

Joking.
Easygoing.
Sense of humour.
Always wanting me to smile.
Child within an adult body.

Friend.
Teaching me a lot.
Giving me support.
Believing in me.
Always being there when I needed him.

Living within me.
I still have the memories of him.
No one can take that away.