Loving Memories of Charles W Hass

1973 - 2001

To submit your own story click here. I'll gladly include all memories anyone feels like sharing - no matter how many .. or how long or short. And this site will never go away. It will act as a living memory for each and every one of us .. always.

Wednesday, January 31, 2001

Submitted by Rob Cascella

Here, I've collected some stories people have shared on the mailing list, and others that were sent straight to me. I thought it would be really nice to have them intermixed with some photos of Charles.

Personally, I want to thank everyone for their intense outpouring of emotion over the last couple of days. It's helped me in more ways than I can describe. Seeing the pictures .. his smile .. I still find it hard to believe that I'm never going to get to hug him again .. never get to hear his laugh again .. never get to tell him how much I love him. But I think it's okay - because I know he knows. He is so loved .. by so many people .. all over the planet .. that he HAS TO know.

On my way up to Charles' apartment on Monday afternoon so that I could let his roommates know what had happened, it dawned on me that I didn't have any pictures of him. I'm so happy everyone else in his life has been willing to share their photographs with me. It has helped, and will continue to help. He sure knew how to choose his friends.

Since I won't be able to get out to Indy for the services, I've decided that as a part of my own personal closure, I'm going to go out this weekend and buy a large houseplant - a medium size tree, maybe. And I will bring it with me wherever I go .. and when I buy a house and the tree gets big enough, I'll plant it in the ground. Hopefully, it will get big enough so that someday, my children can climb on it, or lay under it in the shade. In this way, not only will I have a daily reminder of my first true love and the happiness he brought me, but his memory will continue to bring happiness into the lives of others - even those who have never met him.

I've got so many thoughts and emotions about all of this, I really don't know what to do with it all. I'm still in a daze. The more email that I read .. the more pictures that I see .. the more time that passes .. the more it's setting in on me. I may not have known Charles as long as some of his friends .. and may have known him longer than others, but he occupies a very special, very large place in my heart, and that will never change. He will be with me always.

Submitted by Scott Stowell

I first met Charles while he was a student at Purdue and I was a nationals officer in Kappa Kappa Psi. He became a district president and was instrumental at th e 1995 convention in Orlando. He kept coming back to conventions and we maintained a friendship ever since. We loved to argue politics.

Several of his Fraternity brothers from around the country came to my home in Tampa 2 weeks ago for a wonderful weekend of friendship and fun! Charles was the one that made sure we followed through and got together this January and before I dropped him off at the airport to catch a jump seat on a Fed Ex plane he told me "Scott - you and I need to make sure we all get together again as soon as possible and let's try New Orleans this time." I just got a thank you card regarding his stay here on Saturday.

I'm so saddened by the loss but I know Charles would be upset with us all if we did not think about the good things. I'll remember that last trip to Tampa so fondly. About me complaining that I had to get up at 4:00am to pick him up at air cargo but then being so excited to see him; about going to a beer joint on the water for lunch and Charles saying "So what kind of Chardonnay do you carry?" :) ; about him naming our rental van DOT; and I'll always remember that damn Purdue Pot he always wore to conventions and always thinking he would need to see a chiropractor from the sheer weight of the stuff on the pot.

I'll miss Charles but I also have some wonderful memories. I also know that by knowing him I am a better man and a little bit of him will always be a part of my daily life.

Submitted by Eric Morson

We're all reading each other's thoughts and memories about Charles, and a good friend of mins this morning suggested that it's very theraputic for us to do so much sharing. It's very hard to accept what has happened, but there's no doubt in my mind that all of us together, sharing and remembering and celebrating, are helping each other through this terrible time. We're also making Charles happy. How much did he love to be with his friends, and his Brother and Sisters? How he would be crying tears of JOY to see how much we love and miss him today. I imagine he's listening to all of us this week and doing his best to comfort US as best he can; continuing to give in his unique selfless way.

Can I suggest to all of us that we find at least one person in our life that we know we have put off contacting for one reason or another recently? Call, or better yet, see that person. Tell them how much you care about them, and share a hug. Unresolvable regret is something very difficult to carry. Let's celebrate Charles' life and spirit by sharing our love for others in our lives when me might otherwise put it off until tomorrow. Tomorrows, as this week shows, are precious and fleeting.

I miss you Charles. I'm wearing my Badge of Mourning for you, my Brother.....

Submitted by Wendy Watkins

I first met Charles in Arizona at National Convention for KKPsi. It was the last day and I did not have a flight til midnight and had checked out of my room early to sit by the pool all day, not anticipating rain. Most of the brothers and sisters had departed for parts unknown, except for one rowdy bunch in the pool who had those cool shirts. I approached cautiously, I was *pretty sure* they were KKPsi/TBS related...they spotted me and invited me back to their room since I was "homeless" and by myself. They of course talked me into buying a hymn shirt - a weird coincidence now that I think of it and we all went to dinner together at some "kinda-mexican" resturant (like a chili's). During this time Charles (and I can not recall who else was in the group) all brainwashed me into attending NCD Convention the next year so when e-mail started flying the next fall I was quick to remind them that I wanted to come and that if they could help me out I would appreciate it.

For that Convention it was Charles and his NCDAA "cronies" who had space in their room for me which meant I got to come to Indiana and meet him on his home turf and I got to meet some of the people I consider some of my best friends - even if communication is few and far between.

I, like many of you, knew him in quick spurts of time, at district and national conventions where he was in his element. Even his most concerned scowls would become those wide grins of his. I just hope to ever be half as positive as he seemed to always be. That and he was never really stressed, even when at a convention outside of my District (I'm from the Northeast District)I would get too wound up in stuff and Charles would help me put it all back in perspective. I kinda had to laugh at myself as I sobbed when I got Malinda's first e-mail, because I was in a similar shape during one of my conversations at the 98 NCD Convention with Charles for a far less serious situation.

In the short times to be near him he was a great friend and a stellar brother.

My thoughts are with his family and anyone who knows him better than I, since if I feel this pain from this distance you all must me hurting badly.

Submitted by Dave Mast

Charles was my college roommate for 3 years, and Best Man in my wedding. We were dorm room brothers, trombone apartment brothers, fraternity brothers, trombone brothers, fellow officers in the band, and he taught me to play euchre (probably most important for Charles).

Charles came to see my family on September 18, 2000, just before he found out about the transfer to San Francisco. He was so excited about San Francisco and everything waiting for him.....It was his goal to get to a coast! He talked on and on about all his friends in California. He really seemed happy.

I wanted to share this picture of him because it is how we will remember him.... happy, gleeful, bright shining eyes and a huge smile because he was with friends. I am so gratelful that he got to meet my 6-month old daughter, Erin, because it brought him back into our lives.....and it is helping me now to let him go. I keep thinking that there wasn't a better career for Charles then FedEx, giving him the ability to see so many people in such a short time all around the world. We, his friends, were truly the ones blessed by this. Thanks be to God for him in our lives, and I imagine there's some hurtin' euchre players wherever Charles is now....'cause he's going to rock their world!!

Submitted by Jeff Hanna

It's strange, but the first memory that popped into my head when I got the news on Monday was that of Charles's blue El Camino. The first time I saw it I thought, "Who on Earth would own an El Camino in the 1990's?"

Then I got to know Charles. Somehow the car started to make sense to me. You can't look at an El Camino without wondering if the designer didn't quite see the world the same way as everyone else. Is it a sports car? Is it a pickup truck? Eh, it's a little of both, and not much of either. It's the kind of car that makes a normal person tilt his head to the side in confusion and wonder, much like a dog does. But, in the end it's the type of car that you have to admire for its daring. You have to admit to yourself that it is eminently practical, while also quite fun.

Yeah, the more I got to know Charles the more that car made sense. I often looked at Charles in much the same way. I know I never completely understood Charles, but boy did I admire him.

No, that last sentence doesn't sound right in the past tense--let me try again...

"I know I'll never completely understand Charles, but boy do I admire him."

(yeah, that's better)

Only Charles would take the time to scan the crowd at the Indy 500 and somehow manage to find, out of roughly 100,000 people in his immediate view, a friend of his that is sitting only 10 rows in front of him. Did it matter whether or not Charles had seen that person in close to five years? Nope, he just shouted my name, invited me up, and offered me snacks and beverages from his cooler.

Practical and fun.

Only Charles would start a (heated) discussion with me in the Band Lounge about something as trivial as political term limits. Yes, he really did want to hear my views. But I suspect that he got just as much enjoyment out of my delivery and the shocked looks of the people around us as the exchange got more and more heated.

Practical and fun.

My life is enriched for knowing Charles. I'm glad we are friends.

Submitted by Deanna Daly

My first memory of Charles was at the 1996 NCD Convention at Michigan State University. I was a candidate of and he was the president (I think) of Gamma Pi at Purdue. I was just getting introduced to the whole "pot" thing when our chapter was presented with one. At the banquet that weekend, Charles' pot, and I believe the president's of Beta Sigma's, were stolen. And back then they had a tradition known as the pot ceremony. Since our chapter had received an honorary pot, we were invited to join the festivities. I will never forget that. And the introduction of someone with whom at that point I had no idea I would get to know and love.

Over the years I got a chance to spend time with Charles at district functions. His laugh was contagious, and he loved a good time. I think he was one of the reasons I decided to join the NCDAA. So I could continue to serve and be involved with wonderful people like Charles.

I am passing along the only picture of him that I have scanned. It was taken in St Louis at National Convention in 1999. It was the last day of convention, and a group of us trekked off to a local mall to grab some grub. There is Charles with his ever present smile, along with HR Jung and Dave Kuhl (I am sorry if the name is wrong).

This tragedy has made me realize how precious life is, and how easy it is to lose someone close to you. Take advantage of your time available. I know Charles did!! :)

Submitted by KPsiGuy@aol.com

I was only fortunate enough to know Charles for a short short time. Too short now. I guess I'm selfish for thinking this, but I wasn't done with him yet. He emailed me over a year ago when he moved here saying he wanted to get to know our chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. When I invited him to meeting, I had NO idea the man I had yet to meet. Nor did any of us anticipate how he was going to change the way we all thought about the fraternity, each other, ourselves, life, living... such a simple guy, but so far from simple all the while. I could sit for hours with him and just listen, and often times he would just sit for hours and listen. Again I guess I'm selfish, because now I feel like I should have been listening more. There were too many phone calls that went unreturned that leave me guilt ridden now.

I could have been a better friend to him, God knows he was a better friend to me... and I barely knew him at the time. He used to talk about these "Rainbow Cuacas's" that he was going to take me too. There was so much left for our friendship. I wish I had taken the invite to San Francisco more seriously now too.

I'm sorry that I'm rambling on about all this. When the tornado hit in Fort Worth, I remember the panic that filled my heart thinking he had been home at the time. I was relieved to hear his voice when I called to check on him.

I'm so angry. Things like this don't happen to people like him. I'm really trying my hardest to be hopeful about all this, but I'm not doing a very good job. Had I known when he last left that THAT was it, I would have hugged him a few minutes longer... but I didn't .. I'm sure none of us did .. and the world is at such a loss now. I can't help but think of the horrible things... that shouldn't have happened to him. And I try not to think of the horrible things I want to do those people who did them to him.

Hey Charles, in case I didn't say it loud enough for to hear me... I love you. My life is better having known you. No regrets, no frowns...

Submitted by David Carpenter

Charles was the model brother, the model alumni, and the model human being. The world is saddened with his loss.

My memory of Charles reaches back to my first year as an active in Kappa Kappa Psi. The first District event that I attended was Purdue's Third Degree in 1996. Charles was the first person I met there. At the time, he was going around, making sure that everything was prepared correctly. Later on, everyone was hanging out at their cookout/bonfire, and he was really funny, a really nice guy.

I've attended every NCD Convention from 1997 on and some of the Blocks and Leadership, and more often than not, Charles was there. He always seemed to be the advisor on my committees. The first year that I chaired a committee, he gave great advice on how to run such a committee. I found it awesome that he loved the fraternity enough to continue working so hard after his graduation.

Last spring before I graduated, I attended the NCDAA meeting at convention. And, there was Charles again, this time as an officer in the NCDAA. When I saw him last at the close of the NCD Convention 2000, we had a good conversation about the organization as I paid my first NCDAA dues. I was really looking forward to working with him.

Charles resigned his office in the NCDAA when he moved to San Francisco. In his e-mail to the group, he said, "In no way am I resigning or quitting the organization and I hope that after my life is settled somewhat, I can continue to serve in whatever manner the membership sees fit."

Charles wanted a replacement for his office in the NCDAA. I volunteered for the position and got the job. However, I am not Charles' replacement. No one could replace Charles. I only hope that I can make him proud.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Charles' family and friends everywhere.

Submitted by Matthew Whiteman

I guess I feel like it's my turn to share a little something about Charles and I. I met Charles a few years back, that is when we were 5. We were both in Kind ergarten and went to the same church where his father was the pastor. We were tentative friends at first, as we both had our other friends, but you know, when you truly befriend someone at 5 years old...they become a friend for life.

I remember being 5 or 6 when Charles was over to play at my house, taking him into our garage. I pointed to a large piece of plywood on the floor of the garage, and told him how it was a trap door to a secret world. On the other side were lions, tigers, unicorns, and so many other things...I remember how upset his dad was because I'd fed Charles with such fantasy.

I remember how Charles and I convinced a girl from our church to pose nude for us, so we could take pretend pictures for our pretend Playboy. Let me just suggest you keep a closer eye on your 6 year olds...

Then there was the time that we had all of our friends in my garage, sitting in lawn chairs, passing around campy old Playboys from the '60's. I think that's where Chuck and I got our inspiration to be photographers (with our imaginary cameras and the girl from church anyways)...

I remember how he actually thought my mom could've turned him into a toad when he misbehaved... "Charlesy-Warlesy, if you don't behave, I'll turn you into a toad!"

I remember WMCH radio...(Whiteman Matthew Charles Hass). I wish I had those tapes...I'd like to hear them. I just remember making them at his mom's condo a couple of years after he first moved to Indy...

I remember when I started calling him Chuckles. After he broke his leg at church camp, and starred in the melodrama as Chuckles--broken leg and all...

I remember the music. Jerry had it right, Chuck...We will get by. We will survive...

I remember one long conversation, it went well past dawn, on my balcony in Broadripple...how he finally came clean and told me what I already knew...

I remember the Chatterbox, when I told Charles about the love of my life--how he told me--if and when I got married--no matter when or where--that he would be there...

I remember Charles being there when I got married. He was the only person t was there other than my parents. He seemed to complete the ceremony. I don't think we were in want of anyone else...

I remember the dinners. I remember the wine. I remember the beer. (At least I remember most of it...)

I remember Charles being there for me when she said good-bye. He didn't leave--he stuck around...after 22 years of me--he still stuck around...

I remember this Christmas...searching for a place to drink...but settling for IHOP...not exactly what we wanted, but it didn't matter, as it was time together.

I remember our plans...Hawaii this summer...Russia in 2004. We should celebrate 25 years of friendship with a toast in St. Petersburg. It didn't matter that we don't speak Russian--it was someplace we'd never been--perfect place to celebrate 25 years as friends...

As someone else said before, I remember his laugh. It wasn't like anyone elses--he laughed like he really meant it--and loud enough you know he had to mean it...and he always seemed to be laughing...

Submitted by Charles' sister

i guess it's my turn-----i remember charles always including me with all his friends even when they were so much older.

i remember the pact we made when we decided that we were the only sane ones in our family---and we were going to be together forever.....

i remember when he called me at my wedding when he was in the netherlands we had a cardboard house when we were little that we used to spend hours in. i'm so pissed that he's gone.....

i'm so upset that i never once visited him in any of the places he lived after college. i just thought there would be time

ok happy thoughts.....he took me to a party when i was fifteen and when we came home the next day @6 am----we met my mom at the door on her way to work----that was the best night.

my family and i joke about how many friends he has and how many weddings a year he attends and how often he's the best man......but truthfully i think it's great....i knew he was going to do great things maybe even famous...he would be all about these tributes to him.

i remember not being able to say charles--and calling him bubby and bo-bo

i miss you bubby----j. crew, the gap, and eddie bower will never survive without you......love, sibling

Submitted by Scott Freeman

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Most, if not all, of you probably know that these are the first 4 lines of Lewis Carrol's "Jabberwocky." As an active in Kappa Kappa Psi, Charles had every pledge memorize part of a particular poem in order to get his signature. This is what my class had to do in the spring of 1993. I still remember it with no problem.

I think that his creativity and uniqueness are what make him stand out in my memory. There will probably never be someone quite like Charles, particulary when it comes to a heated debate. He could go on for hours, and would genuinly listen to his opponents opinions, even when he disagreed.

I lived with him for a summer, and he stood up in my wedding. I have to say that he always made a party work, whether he was hosting or simply attending. He was also someone I could turn to if I needed someone to listen or give me advice.

He was always happy, but particularly so after he left Purdue. He seemed to become more comfortable with himself and where he was in his life. I think he knew himself better before he was 25 than most people do when they are twice that. He knew what he wanted, and he took whatever steps were necessary to make it happen. I keep thinking now that "if only he hadn't moved to San Fran.", but I know in my heart that he was truly happy, if only for a little while.

Love you Charles!

Submitted by Julie Foster

I had only met Charles at a few functions but he touched me deeply. A friend of mine sent this to me and I thought it was appropriate. They all remind of Charles.

FRIENDS:

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live
to be a hundred minus one day,
so I never have to live without you."
--- Winnie the Pooh

"True friendship is like sound health; the
value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
---Charles Caleb Colton

"A real friend is one who walks in when the
rest of the world walks out."

"Friendship is one mind in two bodies."
---Mencius

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

"If you should die before me, ask if you could
bring a friend."
---Stone Temple Pilots

"I'll lean on you and you lean on me and we'll be okay."
---Dave Matthew's band

"If all my friends were to jump off a bridge,
I wouldn't jump with them,
I'd be at the bottom to catch them."

"Everyone hears what you say.
Friends listen to what you say.
Best friends listen to what you don't say."

"We all take different paths in life,
but no matter where we go,
we take a little of each other everywhere"
--- Tim McGraw

"My father always used to say that when you die,
if you've got five real friends,
then you've had a great life."
---Lee Iacocca

"Hold a true friend with both your hands."
---Nigerian Proverb

"A friend is someone who knows the song in
your heart and can sing it back to you
when you have forgotten the words."
---unknown

Submitted by Jacinda Vandenbrink

I studied with Charles in Eindhoven. We truly had some great times together. We had a great group of friends there and spending such an intense time with each other, seeing each other every day, and travelling together, really brought us close in a short time. I remember sitting in a pub till the wee hours many nights, discussing the differences between America and Canada and whatever other nationalities were currently present. When a group of international friends went to see Independence Day together we counted how many times they showed the American flag, and Charles could laugh along with us. He had a great contagious laugh. We traveled to London together and Berlin. I have so many pictures I wish I could post of our happy friend, but they are all at home in Canada. He came to visit me in Canada one summer with our German friend Thomas. My friends loved him and we had a short but great time exploring the Canadian wilderness. It was perfect that Charles worked for FedEx because he had so many friends around the world. We were just emailing each other about a reunion here in Europe, and he was particularly game if it involved our Swedish friends. He said, "Just let me know cause I can 'ship' myself over."

Charles and I had a favorite song here in the Netherlands. They still play it on the radio here and it reminds me of him every time I hear it. It is in Dutch so we didn't know the words, but we thought it sounded like St. Elmo's Fire, so we used to sing "higher and higher" along with it.

His happiness and adventurous spirit will be with us forever. This world could use a lot more people like Charles in it.

I only have one picture with me of him that he emailed me to show his great new life in beautiful San Francisco... (webmaster note: Unfortunately, the image is 4MB in size, and looks awful when scaled down. but you can see it by clicking here.)

I'll miss you lots Charlie...we all will.

Submitted by Kelly Pfeifer

I got to know Charles through Purdue, band and Beta Sigma/Gamma Pi. He was a great listener, a leader and a friend to everyone. He opened up his mind and heart to anyone in need (which seemed to be most of us.) It wasn't until after college, however, that Charles truly became my very good friend. I was lucky enough to get to know Charles on another level, mostly through his wonderful friendship with my boyfriend at the time (who is now my husband), Craig Pfeifer.

Some of my favorite Charles memories (in no particular order):

Rainbow parties! (I never made it past green!)
The stuffed Santa that says, "Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!" that was my secret Santa gift from Charles many years ago.
The pot-stealing at the MSU District Convention (I was the other one who's pot was stolen mentioned in the earlier story).
Having him pick on me (along with the rest of the trombone section) during the "Moonlight Serenade" show when we formed two stick figures (a boy and a girl) on the field. I happened to be in the spot right between the tops of the two legs on the boy - where the penis (if stick figures have them!) would be. They tried to get me to jump up and down when the boy's head touched the girl's head. I wouldn't do it! :)
The way he always listened and then put in his two cents (and then wouldn't stop!).
The Tibetan Freedom concert where he and I argued half the day about probably nothing at all.
The books he sent us for our wedding and Christmas.
His acceptance of my "Charlesypooh" nickname for him (to go along with
Craigypooh, which is a whole different story!)
Singing "I Want It That Way" (Backstreet Boys) at the top of our lungs while driving through Fort Worth while Craig cringed in the back seat yelling to make it stop.
Shopping at Urban Outfitters in Georgetown (but he wasn't quite ready for the ultra-tight t-shirt!).
The pride he had in that black leather jacket he bought at a sale in July in Dallas.
Seeing how happy my mom was to finally meet "this Charles guy that you always talk about."
Having one of his many runs as "Best Man" be at our wedding.
The toast he gave at our wedding. I am so glad that we decided to videotape everything...
How excited and happy he was to move to San Francisco.
Pointing at every Fed Ex truck Craig and I see and saying, "Charles!" with smiles on our faces.
Listening to complaints about picking Charles up at airports at 4:00 in the morning (I never did it myself!) and then seeing the happy reunions that followed (hours later when I joined in).
How when he was in town he always organized a get-together with Andrew and AnneMichelle, who we never manage to see even though we all live within 30 minutes of each other. (And we saw Andrew Monday night - once again, Charles got us together.) We'll work on it, Charlesypooh. I promise.
His never-ending love for and commitment to his family and friends. It is a model for all of us to follow.
The joy in Craig's voice and the smile on his face whenever the phone rang and it was Charles at the other end.

Charles is the epitome of friendship to me. I will always love and remember him.

Submitted by Jen DiBenedetto

Its been two days since my world crashed in on me and I am still struggling for the words to say. . . I've been thinking about him so much and when I think of him, I just want to reach for the phone to call . . .

My first true Charles experience was in 1995 at Leadership . . . and wondering where in the world did this anal retentive guy from Gamma Pi think he was coming from. He was so passionate about the NAA and to me, it was a non-issue (and reading over the past couple of days, we all know how passionate he felt about some issues, so you all probably know the Charles I'm talking about). And then he wouldn't let the issue die throughout the rest of the block meetings. He bugged the crap out of me!

When I found out I was going to be the head of the same committee at that year's district convention (he for the brothers, Holly Miller and me for the sisters), I wondered what I had gotten myself into. I soon learned to find out it was six years (and way too short) of one of the best friendships I ever have known.

Our joint committee came up with this idea of selling hats -- not your typical baseball cap, something with style. (would he have it any other way?) I had no idea that hour in the old Escort with Holly and Charles, traipsing around Ann Arbor, breaking every driving law in the book, illegally parking, running around in the rain would change my life forever. Because of it, I have two dear friends.

We were elected to district council together that convention--what a hell of a year. I'll try and list my memories of that time and beyond.

The little council with the big a** ideas
The YMCA at Planet Hollywood at Nationals in Orlando
The pool at Nationals in Orlando
Driving up to Purdue on a whim in December so I could surprise him for rainbow party, and the true look of surprise and excitement when I got there
The breakfast at Bob Evan's after Ohio State initiation with Rob and Andrew Peak. We were there for three hours, talking like sailors, laughing at the top of our lungs, offending every ear in the place. I don't know how we didn't get kicked out. :)
Our officers' convention and the pot ceremony (thanks to all who jogged that memory)
His year in the Netherlands and the diary of e-mail . . . if anyone has those messages still, I would love to have copies.
The trip he made to visit me in Philadelphia . . . the meal he cooked for my roommate and me. He wanted to cook for us like they ate in
Holland, so while we were at work, he spent the day at one of the markets, picking out food. We spent an hour in the liquor store the night before, trying to pick three perfect wines for each course, and then a fourth for before dinner. During the dessert course, on my building's roof, looking out over the city, he gave us the command performance of the Purdue trombone song. If they didn't hear him back in Indiana, at least all of west Philly heard. He would have made anyone who has belted out that song proud.
The convention foursomes with Rose and Mark--we all figured out each others' bathroom habits. (and trust me, Rose and Mark had a lot more to put up with!)
Paradise by the Dashboard lights -- I don't think I will ever dance to that song again.
Howl at the Moon at our NCDAA organizing meeting -- The Hokey Pokey up on stage and "put your uvula in" (which is the bump in your throat) and Charles exclaiming how he didn't have one of those!
The night out after Miami block last year and how he complimented me on the perfect night out -- dinner at Carol's on Main, dancing and then brunch the next morning.

My last night out with him (and it shocks me every time I write this) was at Bucca di Beppo's when he was in Indy for the Jimmy Buffet concert. I figured I needed to take an opportunity to see him when he was close and now thank God I did. He always promised me we would go together, and it ended up just the two of us (and those who have been know that you don't go to Bucca's with only two people). We sat out on the patio on a warm July night and loaded up the table with food. After the drinks and the wine, we ended up at Mickey Blains for dessert, just chatting and confiding and doing what we did best.

That night, he shared with me his Alaska photos and his plans of his trip to San Francisco. I remember when he came back from that trip. "Ishmael, you know when you were in Philly and it was home to you. You had never lived there, you didn't know anyone who was there, but there was something about it that made it home. I found that in San Francisco and I will do everything I can to get out there as soon as possible."

Our last conversation was right after he moved out there--we shared in his excitement about going to the Rose Bowl and the story of the move and his continued amazement that he was living in such a wonderful place. That night, I committed to him that we would get out there in 2002--that we couldn't do it this year because we're buying a house. It was getting time to call him again--an e-mail he sent Thursday night that I read Saturday morning reminded me of that. And now . . .

I'm going to miss my fellow food critic, my convention roommate, my most trusted confidant, my birthday buddy (we were born ten days apart--I always sang the Marilyn Monroe for him for his birthday and every year, even when he was at work, it was the same boisterous laugh), and the way he greeted me every time we saw each other.

I can't believe we all have to go on without him . . .

Submitted by Brian Crane

Charles was one of the first friends I made at Purdue. As you all know, he always made it a point to go out and meet new people. I remember it was one of the first days of band camp (I'm a trombone player) in 1992 -- my freshman year. I was wearing my Les Miserables shirt and Charles came up to me and asked me about the show. We immediately realized we both had a love for the theatre. Throughout our days at Purdue, we made sure to either go together or meet up at many of the convocations on Campus.

Somewhere along the line my sophomore year I mentioned to someone that I wanted to get buff. Charles heard me talking and said he was in if I wanted a workout partner. So he'd meet me five days a week and we'd go over to the COREC. For those of you know me, you know that my road to buffdom to a bad turn somewhere along the line. I am far, far from buff. But I really treasure those days we had going to the COREC. We ended up doing a lot more talking than lifting. Of course after our workout, we'd head to the dorm to meet a group of people for dinner of chicken strips and French fries -- an Olympian meal.

Charles opened so many doors for me. He helped and encouraged me to be in Kappa Kappa PSI. I remember I mentioned to him once my freshman year that I missed the acting I used to do in high school. He came back the next week and asked if I saw the ad in the school paper for tryouts for Purdue Pete. I said that I had, but I thought I was (at 5-7) too short for the job. He really encouraged me to go for it. He told me to talk to fellow KKPSI member, Jeff Bell, who was also a Purdue Pete. He encouraged me to just go to the callout and see what happened. Well, I made it the finals and a tryout in Mackey. Then Charles took it upon himself to gather a whole bunch a people to come cheer for me at my audition. -- I spent the next three years being Purdue Pete. I know I wouldn't have even made it to the callout without Charles' encouragement.

I know this is getting long (there is so much to say) but I have to mention a few more things. He and I were in group of six who took Wine Appreciation together at Purdue. That was the most fun I ever had in a class. A bunch of us would hop in the El Camino after class and head to his apartment to do "some extra homework" -- drinking wine. Speaking of his apartment, I have a great video (which I'll try have made for the Web) from Get Laid Party '96. As soon a the door opens Charles is standing on the table giving away a bottle of Aqua Velva as a door prize to some lucky winner. Soon after he gave away some Gerber Graduates baby food in honor of his senior class. Charles always knew how to have a good time.

There is so much more I could write about (Like his house in Indy as he and his family let a million people crash there for the Indy 500), but I'm going to end this by just saying how much of an impression Charles made on me on how well balanced a person he was. He had style. As his mother said, he took great pride in a sense of formality. He loved music, sports, theartre, books. And he knew how to have to have a good time -- whether it was one-on-one, at a giant party or formal wedding reception. Charles always got the most out of life.

The one thing I picked up from Charles that I am going to try to make a more conscious effort to emulate in my life is how he always stopped to really talk to you. You knew when stopped and looked you right in the eye and said with a smile, "So, how ARE you?" he really wanted to know how you were. There was no such thing as "small-talk" when it came to Charles Hass. I feel lucky to have had such a talk at the Rose Bowl earlier this month.

I miss you Charles!

Submitted by Amy Dorsch

Reading through everyone's messages is so wonderful--it's so fantastic to hear, see, and feel the love that is there..

I remember the first time meeting him -- the next day, he offered me a ride (along with two other memorable chaps, Andrew and Rob) to Columbus, as they were going to OSU. I remember telling them the wrong way to go (accidentally), Andrew hating me for a while, Charles telling me not to listen to Anrew, no one else ever did... and just having great conversations. That's when he introduced me to ABBA, and he and Andrew told me how much I missed by not knowing who they were.

The coolest time, when we knew we were kindred spirits (I mean, who ISN'T a Kindred Spirit with him), was my freshman year at Purdue's Band formal. I only really knew my friends from Akron who went, and Charles, Andrew (who still was a little miffed about the directions thing), and Rob. I was standing on the dance floor, and "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor came on. Charles was about a half a room away, but we were both singing it. When we realized we were singing, without missing a beat, Charles glided (the boy could Dance) over to me and we finished up the song, dancing better than I ever could, or ever could again. I can never hear that song and not think of him and smile. We planned to dance to it at my wedding this year.... but I'll always have him in my mind, dancing the night away.

When I ran for district office in the Fraternity my junior year, I was so nervous, excited, and all sorts of other emotions. Charles had such a way of always knowing who needed special attention, and how to be the perfect friend. Besides being my sounding board, he said, "Hey, why don't I be your date to the banquet." I said, "Charles, no one TAKES dates to the Banquet." He said we'd be the first-- We didn't sit by each other, we sat with our schools, but there he was, picking me up at the door of my hotel room, and escorting me there, just because he knew I needed something extra.

I'll remember each and every phone call, every visit. A great comfort is to know how he ended each and every phone call with either "I Love You" or "I Love You, too." He loves every one, and everyone loves him.

Submitted by Walt Schilling, Jr.

I've hesitated to write this. I'm not very good at writing things at times like this, and I hope, Charles, if you are out there reading this, that you will forgive my meager writing ability.. I didn't know Charles as well as many of you who have written. I unfortunately have seen or talked with him since last years North Central District convention, nearly a year ago. But Charles made an impression on me and a feel a hole in my heart right now.

I first met Charles back in my Sophomore year in college at the North Central District Convention. It was my first convention ever, and I had been tasked with chairing a committee. I had no idea what I was doing as chair, but I happened to run into a guy with a boatload of energy. He was experienced at the task of convention, and I believe, was chairing a committee for the second or third time. I remember him on Sunday morning, after two complete nights with no sleep (or maybe very little sleep), still full of energy as if it was his first day; I was exhausted at this time. At the end of this convention, Charles was North Central District President.

Charles and I communicated back and forth quite a bit that year over Fraternity issues, as I was President of my chapter. Mostly we talked about business issues, but there was occasionally a personal message. The following year, I again sat as delegate at convention. We had a vote on an issue. Now, I don't even recall the issue. However, I was the one dissenting vote. At the first break, Charles came up to me and we talked at length regarding my vote. I had great respect for him for this.

As time went on, I graduated from school. I saw Charles at convention. We would chat and say hello; he was always very talk able. Unfortunately, apart from convention, we regrettably didn't have much contact. I do not have photos in my collection of the two of us. (As I look at my collection, Charles isn't my only friend that I have no photographs of...) I always knew I would see Charles at the next function, somehow. Of course, I never could fathom something like this happening.

But it did happened. I opened my e-mail and there was the message. I was shocked at first, not knowing what to say or what to do. And then, the next day at work, I again opened my e-mail and received the details. I was again in shock, not knowing what to say or do. And I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

While at work, I kept as busy as I could, hoping I would wake up and realize this wasn't reality. But the drive home from work, when I actually had time to slow down changed all of that.

That night, as I went to bed, all I could think of was praying. For Charles; for Charles' family; for Charles' friend who was also injured. It was a long short night.

We are all going to miss Charles. Every time I go by a Ruby Tuesday's, I will probably think of him. Every time I see a Purdue brother or sister with a pot, I will think of him. Every time I see a FedEx truck, I will think of him.

For now, however, until the shock fades, I carry on as best as I can. I know that Charles is in a better place now, raising a ruckus. And I also know that Charles would not want us to emphasize what happened, but instead, think of the time we spent with him and the memories we have of him. Charles touched all of our lives in different manners. I am very proud to have known him.

Time is a very limited commodity. You never realize its value until you can not spend it.

Strive for the Highest, as Charles always did.

Submitted by Kelly Rider

I first met Charles at district convention the year he was president. He came flying by, quickly introduced himself, gave me a hug and just as quickly as he appeared he was gone, promising he would catch up with me later that weekend and we would talk. My first thoughts of this man were, "wow, who does he think he is that he can hug me after only knowing me a whole 10 seconds and then walk away promising he will catch up with me, year right." Little did I know that I would get to know this person he would end up being one of the most caring, considerate and genuinely loving people I have ever met. (that did catch up with me at that convention I might add) I will never forget the parties in Indianapolis where we sat in his car (the new one! :) ) talking until six in the morning. I will never forget Summer FUNction with him Holly and HR and how the four of us bonded that night over beer and tears. I will never forget the 3 way phone calls with my two roomates and very very dear friends Holly and Kerrie. He would go on and on about how he loved wherever he was and that he was meeting so many new people. Always happy, no matter what the situation. I will never forget him showing up from Texas to suprise Holly. I will never forget his honsest answers and opinions, even when I didn't want to hear them. I always appreciated his honesty.

Probubly my fondest memory of Charles revolved around BOA (Bands of America) marching band compentation. There were several of us that headed to the RCA Dome that night, and Charles caught up with us late because he was working. We were watching marching bands when we heard that unforgettable laugh behind us. Charles came and joined us, and stated, and i quote, " Well I am here, and now I want to see Silver Lamay, Yards and yards, of Silver lamay." Of course he said this in his Charles voice and soon many around use were laughing and looking. But we didn't mind, we were laughing too hard to care. For the rest of the night anytime he saw silver lamay he would smile, point, and say there we are, Silver lamay! That year for Christmas we got together and bought Charles Silver Lamay boxer shorts. I will never forget the look on his face when he opened that box. That smile will stay with me forever.

I will miss Charles. He e-mail's just to check up on me and see how I was. I know wherever he is he is talking, laughing, and loving just as he did in life.

Submitted by Andrew Peak

I've been trying to think on one good memory of Charles, but it is so hard to come up with just one. For the past 9 years Charles has been a part of my life. I always looked forward to seeing him again. I always knew that when he was around we would always have a good time. I thought I was done crying last night but then I saw the last email of the day from Sean and Val and saw how many people were on that email list. He was such a wonderful person. He had so many friends that loved him and he loved back. I can't imagine not having him at all of our gatherings.

One of my favorite memories of Charles was when we were at Purdue. He was the Kappa Kappa Psi NCD President at the time. At that point I didn't know anything about the district level of Kappa Kappa Psi - or for that matter couldn't really care - but Charles kept bugging me to get involved. You all know that really annoying way he could hound you about something. Eventually he broke me down and I decided to get a little more involved. So Charles recruited Rob Evatt and myself to go on a trip around the NCD for the week of Spring Break. At that point I didn't know anyone outside my own chapter so I was a bit nervous to go around to 6 different schools to meet people. We packed into my grandmothers Cadillac and headed out for the "farms" of Ohio. Our first stop was at Ohio University for a block meeting. That was my first block meeting. I got to meet some really wonderful people and learn what the KKPsi district was about. Our next stop was in North Carolina to see the installation of a new chapter. Before we left Ohio University we managed to talk Mike "Pookie" Osborn into coming with us for the trip. He hadn't planned on going and didn't have a suit to wear for the ceremony. When we got there Pookie had to go buy a new suit - shoes, socks - the whole works. We slept on the hallway floor of the music department building. The four of us had such a great time. This happened to be the weekend that Yitzak Rabin ( Prime Minister of Israel) was assassinated. I remember hearing about it on the radio and telling Pookie, Charles and Rob about it. Charles looked at me and said; "Oh my god, that's terrible. He was such a good violin player." I just busted out laughing. After about two minutes I was able to compose myself enough to tell him that was Itzak Pearlman he was thinking about. That's when I realized he had a little bit of Rose Nighland (from the Golden Girls) in him.

After we left North Carolina we went up to Akron and Kent where I had the honor of meeting some of my best friends i've ever had. If it weren't for Charles I never would have had the opportunity to eat Rose Murray out of house and home, meet this character named "Coondog", and drive miles and miles out of my way because of a new friend named Amy Dorsch.

There are so many wonderful memories from that trip that I will remember it for as long as I live. If it weren't for Charles, I never would have gotten involved in the district. I never would have gotten to meet most of you. My life was - is - so much more enriched because he made be get out there and make new friends. He made me more outgoing. I owe so much to Charles that I could never thank him enough.

I will miss him so much.

We all will............

Submitted by Neeraja Aravamuda

I've known Charles since middle school. We've been friends since high school. I've been thinking about him so much since i found out. About what a wonderful person he is. He has this irritating habit of talking about people as his 'projects' but as I think about it now, it was mainly irritating because he's always been that way, since high school. He's always thought he could read people so well and bring out their best qualities.

And he can. The testimony that all of you have given is proof of that. He is able to look into us and see our potential and come hell or high water he works to bring it out of us. And to be fair, he also 'borrowed' many things from each us--small and large. He 'borrowed' the idea to give up his TV from me (though i have two now--for shame!).

And he often wanted (forced) us to see it in each other. I can't tell you how many parties I've been to where he bravely invited a wide range of people assuming we'd all get along and like each other as much as he liked us. Through sheer will he would get us to get along. He loved to bring out the best in people, which he has done for so many for us.

I have so many memories...

He was my prom date senior year, though we weren't 'dating'. We had an unforgettable time with Sean and Kristin and got to extend our weekend when we all went to Lake Monroe for waterskiing on Val's boat.

Our camping trip sitting around a fire singing songs from 'Les Miz'--as usual he sang at the top of his lungs and messed up the words (he was always a better whistler).

Our weekly 'coffee talks' at Purdue endlessly discussing where our lives were going to take us. Comparing our equivalent ENFJ personalities after taking the Myers-Briggs and realizing that's why we got along so well.

Him holding me as I cried over some boy in college. Thank you, Charles, for that. You knew I deserved better.

He wanted to get 'Bro' and 'Sis' shirts made because we understood each other so well, i don't know why i never did.

I tried to get him to get active again when he moved to Dallas--join a book club or choir (I was forever trying to convert him from his 'band geek' ways--no animosity towards KKPsi folks but I was a PMO girl). i think he was planning to do a lot in San Francisco, which is why he was willing to pay a fortune to live 'where the action was' despite my practical advice to the contrary.

He visited me just last October and I remember thinking that I could really see us staying friends for the rest of our lives. He wasn't always easy to be friends with--because he always speaks his mind and so do I, we'd often butt heads. I often forgot that he just likes to argue to argue (which I don't do so well except with my students). But I so enjoyed laughing with him that weekend. Another chat in a coffee shop as he anticipated his move to San Fran.

There's no one in the world like Charles who combines laughter with wisdom and charm. I miss you, bro.

Submitted by H. R. Jung

That laugh!!!!

That is the first thing I think of when I think of Charles. He is the only person I knew that had a more peircing voice than myself. The first time I saw Charles was at the 95 NCD convention when he was running for office. I had to leave early that weekend so I didn't know how the election had turned out, but when our delegate returned and said that Charles Hass from purdue was our president. I said," You mean the freak in the Hat?" I was later corrected, it's called a pot.

Too many memories of Charles.

I was the lucky enough for him to move to Indianapolis and befriend me. I he was my companion on many a roadtrips to district functions when it was my turn to be district president. We talked and belted out Showtunes,( Just remember Charles that in, "Into the Woods" I am Cinderella's Price and you are Sleeping Beauty's prince). All of our late night trips to Denny's. All of your parties at your mother's house. All of these memories I will always cherish.

I was the sucker he conned into helping him move all of his crap from indy to Ft. Worth. And can I say if you are going to move to a third floor apartment in Texas in June please have an elevator or a resperator. Lets just say it was hot but I would do it again. I wish I could put into words what he has meant to me over the past few years. He has been more of a brother to me than my own brothers and he is the one to always listen and help me when I have been down.

I love you very much and I will miss you Greatly Charles Hass.

Submitted by Laura Lasher

Charles Hass - FedEx

That's the first thing I hear in my head when I either see a FedEx truck or see Charles' name. What a character he was! I remember he and other Brothers previously mentioned staying at our (mine and Amy's) apartment one time after Kent's Block and Amy's rectical. We tried to recruit some more people to visit a "family establishment". Those of us who went to The Innerbelt that night will always remember how much fun we had dancing the nite away, laughing at each other and the little boy who was trying to freak on H.R.!

Charles was a great friend to me. Though not as close to me as he was to others he still made SURE he gave me a hug and best wishes every time I saw him.

Speaking in past tense just isn't right and reading many of your emails has brought the tears back into my eyes since monday nite. (Thanx Coondog) I hope we can remember him in the future as well and as real as we remember him in the past.

Friday, February 2, 2001

Update by Rob Cascella

My apologies for not having added everyones' stories to the site sooner. And I've still not added all the stories that I have received. But after spending all day Wednesday on the first "edition," if you will, I was just too emotionally drained to keep going Thursday. And I'm getting worked up all over again, today. I just keep waiting for him to call.

A lot of good has transpired in the days since Monday - a day that I wish I could forget:

One of Charles' and his friend's attackers was caught and arraigned. (Click here to read the story as covered by the Oakland Tribune.) He is a repeat felon. Under the charges he is accused of, he faces the death penalty, or a minimum of life in prison. What I wish upsets me. I guess I'm not as forgiving as I thought I was.
The email has not stopped. The mailing list continues to grow. Messages sent to it now reach more than 250 people across the world.
Progress has been made towards establishing a scholarship in Charles' name. The email explaining it can be viewed by clicking here.
charleshass.org has been registered as a domain name, and has been paid for in advance for 10 years. These pages will now be served properly, in his name. He will truly not be forgotten.

As I type this, the viewing is beginning in Zionsville. I'm unable to be there, but my heart and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

I apologize to those who's stories I have not yet posted. But I promise you that I will get every one of them up here, soon.

Submitted by Michael Heintz

For a while I was wondering if I was going to even send anything for people to read. I didn't know Charles nearly as well as most, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why. But the more I thought about it, I slowly came to a rather large realization. It wasn't a story, or a picture, or anything like that. I discovered that all of the friends I have today I owe to Charles. I know that sounds strange, but let me explain.

You see, I met Charles through the band (where else?). As most of you probably know, the trombone section assigns upper classmen to freshman marchers during band camp and the ensuing season to "teach them the ropes". "Big brothers" we call them. Charles was my Big Brother. Usually Big Brothers have a little bit of talent to work with at the beginning, but I was in a little different situation coming into band camp, my high school did not have a marching band. It was Charles who taught me how to march (literally), and got me through that first week of marching band (and maybe infecting me with his enthusiasm a little along the way). After that week, I was a member of the band, thanks to Charles.

At any rate, to make a long story bearable, I went on to have four of the best years of my life because of band, the experiences I had there, and especially the people I met there. All of the friends I have north of Bloomington I have because of people I met in or through the band, and I have Charles to thank...for teaching me the skills to be part of an organization that has had one of the single most important impacts on my life.

Submitted by Andrew Abney

The more I read of everyones recollections of Charles the more I see of his life. It makes me realize how little I really knew him. I could have, should have known him better. I am sure it was not due to lack of effort on his part.

I know the outgoing, singing at the top of his voice, Charles. I also know the intelligent, willing to argue until you saw it his way, Charles. His laugh is one I can never forget. Nor do I ever want to. His smile was infectious as was his passion for so many things, show tunes, KKPSi, parties, and eucher. I recall the countless hours spent playing D&D at Craig Clevelands, eating pizza and planning out our conquest. The time spent as pledges (BOHEMIANS) memorizing the preamble.

Mostly I recall the Charles who was there when you needed him. He still is. No matter how trivial the task if you asked for help he was always eager to lend a hand. The last time I was able to spend with Charles was the night we packed our moving van for our relocation from Dallas to Boston. He came in saw what need to be done and started right in. This was Charles at his finest, which is to say, Charles as he always was (is).

I was looking forward to calling him and telling him of our plans to visit the Bay area this summer. I had assumed there would be plenty of time to make that call. I missed that opportunity.

The best summary for my feelings is from the letter of St. Paul to the Phillippians: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." 1:3

There is so much more to say, but words fail me.

Submitted by Julie Wilsbacher

I wanted to add a few of my memories of Charles as well. When I was in one of my anxious stages while at Purdue (which was most of the time), talking to Charles or hearing him laugh made me feel better. We didn't really keep in touch after I graduated in '95, but I was so happy to be able to renew my friendship with him when he moved to Fort Worth. I felt that God sent me my own special angel to help me through a hard time. He arrived just as I was getting ready to write my thesis and proceeded to make it a mission to keep me from getting too stressed about it. He goaded me into going out, and he even got me to drink beer - candy beer (ie Lindemans) of course - but he was the only one who could get me to try. I enjoyed watching Purdue football games with him, Chris Moore, Stephen Green, Brian Jones, and Andrew at the DFW Purdue Club organized events. The last time I saw him, he again came to my rescue. We were packing up our apartment, and I was sure we would never get done. Mostly, I was sad to leave our friends in DFW behind. Charles took me to get banana boxes and pizza and the whole time he was singing to Santana at the top of his lungs. He always knew how to get me to smile, and I still smile thinking of him. He was a wonderful friend who lit up any room he was in. Now I think he truly will be an angel to lots of people. I wish I had told him how much he meant to me, but I am sure he hears me now.

Submitted by Jon Wright

I've finally mustered up the strength to write something- thanks Charles. After all, he is why we are writing. Much of my thunder has already been stolen- HR has talked about our surprise in finding out that the dorky guy in the odd hat became president at our first convention, and Utah has told the story of the Charles place/Denver wins connection. I've heard countless recants of all the parties at his mothers- lets not forget the invention of beer frisbee summer of '97 (I think). But in the end, it was Charles that made me write this. Tonight I gathered with several Purdue grads (I'm from Butler) at one of Charles old haunts here in Indy. I realized as I was walking from my car that I was passing by one of his old appartments (site of the everclear incident mentioned before). As the night went on, there were many toasts, stories, laughs, smiles, and the occasional tear- and the constant reminder of our dear old friend. I'll always remember things like the arduous task of getting us in our Kiss paint the night of the show (Charles went as Ace) or the time some really drunk guy pissed down his leg and then offered us pot as an appology at the Pearl Jam concert. What I'll miss is the laugh, the smile, the firm handshake, and the comforting hugs. I remember how he was always there to comfort me and offer advice in the times we thought were tragic. Now that a real tragedy is upon us, I have all of us- the many friends and loved ones that Charles has touched through his incredible life.

Submitted by Paula Wlos

I will always think of Charles as the guy whose personality would literally enter the room before he did. If you were in the Purdue Bands, it wasn't a question of "if" you would meet Charles....it was just a question of "when." My "when" was the fall of 1993 - my first year at Purdue. I met Charles because he was the person to see if you wanted to get season tickets to Purdue Convocations. From there, nI don't quite know how it happened, but Charles became one of my closest friends at Purdue. I can't really think of just one story or memory that stands out above the rest. Though he is the only person who was directly responsible for getting me written up when I still lived in the dorms. Charles was set upon teaching me to play pinochle and bugged me endlessly until I agreed to learn. So the night before Thanksgiving break in 1993 officially began, 4 of us were playing pinochle in my dorm lounge - on 5th floor of Hillenbrand Hall. Obviously if we're in the lounge, nothing sketchy is going on. Well, we got caught up in chatting and playing cards (I'm sure many people can say the same thing!) that no one noticed the time. The counselors did their rounds at midnight (this was before the days of 24 hour guest policy) and decided to write me up for guest hour policy violation. C'mon...how ridiculous was that? After figuring out that there was no way for me to get out of this, we decided to retaliate and "accidentally" drop everything (plastic cups and plates from dinner) as we were taking everything back to my room. So we took much longer to clean up and made SUCH a commotion!! I can't tell you how hard we were laughing (and you know how loud that laugh is)!! Everything just echoed down the hallways.

There are so many other things...4 years of Indy 500 weekends at his mom's house, so many long chats, that laugh!, Rainbow parties, Get Leid parties, just hanging out together, dancing together, band banquet pictures, wine appreciation class, listening to music, the list just goes on and on....

I just spent New Years with him out in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. I had seen him just over a year ago, but it was like I had seen him a week ago. I sat next to him one night during dinner and we huddled and caught up on our lives. I am so glad that I hugged him goodbye on New Year's Day, but I wish I would have held on a little longer and a little tighter.

Charles dahling...I will miss you. May a little bit of Charles live on in each of us.

Submitted by Adam Wakefield

My most vivid memory has to be the first time I met him. See, as a prospective member back at Leadership in 1998, Dave "Woody" Neill locked me in a room with Charles and made sure I got a thorough interview with him. At the time, I wasn't sure what the purpose of the District was, but I knew right away that something about this organization must be really cool. This guy seemed really fired up about it. See, Charles never let that smile leave his face the entire time. I've been digging through my old Kappa papers, in search of that interview. I finally found it today. I've recreated it here. Most of it is just the usual questions, but read on. You may find some surprising (and funny) little tid-bits about the man.

Submitted by Eric Franklin

As I have said, I did not have access to my e-mail on Monday. I spent most of my day shuffling between airplanes trying to get to Toronto and did not receive Christian's e-mail notifying everyone of what had happened. Paula finally got in touch with me at midnight on Monday. She did not realize that I didn't know and had the misfortune of passing the news to me. Needless to say I was unable to go back to sleep. I did not know what to do, so I flipped on the American comforter, the TV. I flipped to MUCH Music (Canadian MTV) and the first song that came on was a tune called "I Hope You Dance." For those of you who know the tune, you know that it can be a touching tune of hope in the face of losing someone..I was hit particularly hard because I knew that someone had taken this hope away from our friend. I then began to write, more or less trying to put my thoughts down so that they weren't eating at me. What follows is an excerpt from that writing. Some of the things I've edited out are too personal to share, and others I found, after a couple of days to reflect, were too negative towards the attack and didn't focus on the impact that Charles had on me, and others.

1/30/00 12:30 a.m. (Anything in parenthesis is an add in as I edit.)

I've done my crying, though there's sure to be more in the coming days, now I've got to try and intellectualize everything. Well, more like I'm trying to put things in the perspectives, at least the best I can anyway. As I sit here in utter shock I've started to realize that in spite of some of our differences, Charles has left an indelible impact on my life.

Two stories really stand out in my mind, illustrating what he was all about. In the middle of my Junior year I decided that I wanted to transfer from EE to IE. The transfer from the University Paperwork standpoint was quite easy. What was not easy was finding new friends and study partners in a new major. During the first week of the second semester (Spring 94) I was in my first IE class IE383, amazing how we can remember such trivial details, when I noticed Charles in the class. Now, I of course knew who Charles was, and anyone who's ever been in a sporting arena with me knows at least what I sound like, so he was a semi-friendly face. When the time came to start choosing up project groups, Charles invited me to join his. He ended up introducing me to several other IE's, most of whom became the basis of my study groups for the remaining 2 years. That really was quite important, thought I didn't realize it at the time..or maybe even until today. Social acceptance in all phases whether it is professional, personal, or academic is important for success and Charles helped me gain that. (I'm hoping that one of those people in that first study group is reading this. Aaron Lamb if you're reading this contact me.) Little did I know at the time that would be only a small part of the impact that Charles would have.

Everyone knows that Charles knew everyone, especially within the Purdue Bands. The following fall semester was another rather tumultuous one for me. Not having ever marched, most of my social exposure to people in the band was from Boiler Brass. Unfortunately, since most people aren't as lucky as I was and don't really have the chance to participate until their Junior or Senior year, most of my friends in the bands were older than me and graduated in 93 and 94. That fall of 94, Charles seemed to make it a point to invite me to parties and other social activities. Mind you, I still would only have considered Charles an acquaintance through that time but that all changed in the Spring of 95 with a little trip to Texas for the NCAA tournament.

When the rooming lists came out for that trip, I was slated to room with Charles. As I considered the trip, I didn't really think that it was going to be so great. I hardly knew my perspective roommate, and worse, I didn't really know most of the people going. Charles facilitated an end to that within the first three hours of being there. Within that time, he introduced me to people that previously I had not known. (Included in that group was what was undoubtedly the shortest Purdue Pete I had ever seen!) What had seemed like a relatively lame trip turned into the time of our lives! We went from being seven guys on a band trip to The Seven Sombreros in the space of three days! How much fun was that?

I didn't know it then, but Charles was introducing me to people that would shape the next year of my life in ways that I could not then imagine. Those influences are still echoing through my life today. Either through Charles directly, or through the people he introduced me to on that trip I met the people that are still the strongest influences, apart from my parents, in my life. I mean, think about it. He introduced me to Brian, and he's now one of my best friends in the world. I met Christian on that trip, and he never ceases to make me smile when I see him. Remember Homecoming this year? If anyone else on the face of the earth were to grab my butt in the middle of Harry's, I just might freak! I met Larry on that trip to Texas, I remember he couldn't get into any of the bars that was soooooo funny, but Larry introduced me to Paula and Cheryl. I really have come to consider Paula my best friend. There's really nothing she doesn't know or understand about me at this point. He lived across the hall from Brendan, which is how I met both him and Dawn. Think of how much different my life would be without them. Come to think of it, I met Bauer because he lived across the hall as well. Too much detail, I'm getting off the point I need to remember why I'm writing this.

Basically what this boils down to is that I am in debt to Charles for all of this, but how many other people are in the same position I wonder? I guess I should be glad that Charles never seemed to meet a stranger. Heck, that didn't even change this year at the Rose Bowl did it? When Bauer wasn't occupying Carrie's time, Charles took the time to talk to her and try to make her feel welcome. Heck, she wasn't even a Purdue fan, she's a Loosier alum, but he found something to talk to her about!

The thing that now saddens me most is that I realize I never told him these things. Partly maybe because I had never really had cause to consider these facts before tonight. How sad is it that it takes a tragedy of this proportion for me to forget about the little things that Charles and I used to do that annoyed each other? How many times did I say Charles with that "Newman" inflection? (Seinfeld reference.) Oh, I'm sure that he many times gave me the "Hello Eric" a la Newman, and I guess that sometimes we were sharing some personality traits and that caused the problem. We were both planners and gatherers of people, I think though that he was always much better at it, he could lead without an itinerary and that made me jealous. Petty, Petty, Petty! I am so sorry for that, it all really doesn't matter much now does it?

The other shocking part is the finality and unexpected nature of all this. Really, how many times have I read one of those little e-mail chain letters about how fleeting things can be, and how it only takes a second to change a life? How often do I simply delete them without a second thought? I know how annoying those things are, so maybe I should just drop a note now and again rather then send them on.

What I still can't figure out is why this happened to Charles. I mean sure, it's true he sometimes had a stubborn streak, but not a confrontational streak. I wish I had more details, not that it would matter, what's done is done I guess (At this point I had not read the Oakland Tribune story). I hate not being able to control this, I'm sure that most people are probably going to feel the same thing in the next few days.

I think that the most frustrating thing right now is the sense of unfairness, not for me, but for him. I think that Charles was comfortable with himself and his surroundings and was really settling in. He said when we were at the Rose Bowl that he had no plans to move away from his new home any time soon, he loved it. I sometime got the impression when we were in Cali this year that he might not yet know how we were all going to fit into that, but it would have worked itself out I'm sure. Though I'm sure that there's a more eloquent way to say it, it just plain sucks. That's the understatement of a lifetime if I've ever heard it. I guess that we'll have to go on and carry forth with the gifts that Charles left for us.

End excerpt

So, that's a little of what I'm feeling and thinking right now, thanks for listening. I hope that I can make it to the service but if I don't, please know that everyone will be on my mind. You know I've had the conversation with a couple of people in the past about what the meaning of showings and wakes are. I've always believed that the funeral is meant to honor the deceased, but the rest is to help those that are still here. I hope that the next few days helps to bring a sense of closure to this, but I think that we'll all agree that the tracks that Charles has left in our lives will not soon wash away.

Submitted by Peter Murray

I didn't know Charles as well as most, but whenever our paths crossed he made me feel as if we were lifelong friends. I knew him as a solid pillar of brotherhood within the NCD and the fraternity. His devotion to the brothers and sisters, to say nothing of his devotion to the brotherhood itself, is something that I have tried to emulate and will carry in my heart.

I have a picture taken at the NCD Convention in 1996 that represents how I remember Charles: a big grin (fueled by the happiness of those around him and inspiring happiness in those around him) in the company of our brothers and sisters.

Godspeed, Charles Hass.

Submitted by Craig Pfeifer

I wanted to share a few memories of Charles.

I do remember my first year in marching band (1992) when I saw this skinny person with blonde hair attached to a trombone who acted like he caught the Holy Ghost during band practice. He had so much energy, he was running around talking to everyone, old friends, new friends, and people who were about to get hit by train called Charles and become his friend. We were all equally important. To quote George Bush, "I want to be a unificator." And he was. And he didn't even own a basball team.

Charles always amazed me at the depth and bredth of his relationships. Wherever he went, he knew someone. He didn't just know a name, or a job, but had a real connection on some level with everyone he came in contact with. That was one of the great parts of knowing Charles, knowing all of his friends. Fringe benefit. After a short while I realized that all of Charles' friends were just as accepting, interesting, and involved as he was. Traveling 1200 miles away home for college and being the only person from my high school to go to Purdue, you couldn't ask for a better person to meet the week before school started.

I remember when I told him my name was Craig. "Craig! Craig! Your name is Craig?!" he exclaimed (this was at band practice, so he had the Holy Ghost). I wondered if he was on any medication that I or the local authorities should be made aware of, but he grabbed me by the arm and dragged me over to another trombone player. "Craig, meet Craig!" Craig Cleveland put out his hand and said "Craig! I'm Craig! Nice to meet you. Great name." From there I met all the other KKPsi brothers and realized that they were a loyal, outgoing, inclusive, positive bunch of people. You couldn't ask for a better support network for a college career.

Over the years at Purdue, Charles helped me move (I stopped making fun of the 'El Camino Real' from that point on.), helped me figure things out and generally took time out of his busy schedule to do crazy things like drive to Indianapolis just to go to a great little coffee house. I crashed at his house (along with 6.02 x 10^23 other people) during Indy 500 weekend, and I still remember how happy his mom was to have a house full of people. You could tell that she was very proud of her son for having such a large group of courteous, tidy friends (who showed up so well prepared with their own bedding) and that this wasn't the first time she had done this. She was totally prepared with enough breakfast in the morning to feed a third world army.

Whenever you were with Charles, you knew you were going to have a good time. Whether it was sitting in the band lounge between classes, or at one of his infamous apartment parties you knew Charles meant fun. And you knew Charles was in the room (or even in the same zip code) because his voice had this odd, wonderful property of projecting long distances and expanding to fill all available space.

He was everyone's personal lighthouse of the soul. If you ever felt alone or lost in your ocean all you had to do was listen for the infectious laugh. He wouldn't fix your problem, but he would listen, listen some more and respond thoughtfully. He'd light your way back to shore of feeling better.

The highest praise I ever recieved from Charles was when I told him about a book I had read, and suggested he read it to. After he finished it, he called me and said that it was the most amazing book that he had ever read and that he was going to tell his book club (at the time, in Dallas) to read it immediately. He also honored Kelly and I with a toast at our wedding. "Always a best man, never a bride," we said to him.

We will all miss you Charles, more than you will ever know.

Submitted by Julie Tovey

Hello all. I have contemplated sending a message to the group, and seeing your messages inspired me. Here goes.

I am so glad that Eric mentioned "I hope you dance". Yes, it's a country song. Yes, some may view it as a cheesy, inspirational melody, on the CMT/VH1 side of things. But there are days when we all need inspiration, and I believe today is one.

---------------------
I Hope You Dance
performed by LeeAnn Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat buy always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin might mean takin chances but they're worth takin
Lovin might be a mistake but it's worth takin
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

(Tim is a wheel in constant motion
always rolling us along.
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
where those years have gone)

--------------

We can all agree that Charles was a fabulous, wonderful person. A friend, a brother, a peer, and a damn good human being. What strikes me most about your emails, and my thoughts as well, is how he inspired to be good human beings too. To quote Jack Nicholson (sort of), "He makes us want to be a better man."

So do it. Be better. Dance. Make a new friend. Do something outrageous. Take that little piece of our friend Charles inside you and make it come to life. Not just today, but every day.

I have been reminded too many times in my life that our days our numbered. Make the most of them.

Submitted by Anthony E. "Wedge" Roscoe

My introduction to Charles was during my introduction into the Fraternity. He was one of the first Brothers to welcome me and my fellow colonists at the University of Pittsburgh with the message below. This message embodied everything that I have experienced since then. It was a simple message, yet not so simple in fully understanding what he meant.

Like so many others, I cannot put to words all that I am feeling right now. Charles was a special person who could touch your life without you even realizing it. I can only say that I will cherish forever my memories of time spent with him. One of the best and more recent was Charles walking in at 10 in the morning after a late night and naming me a god for having already made coffee. Then we sat on a balcony together and enjoyed a beautiful view while talking about life in general and about what a good time we were having.

That's how I choose to remember Charles and I'll have a chance to have that discussion with him again, I'm sure.

Thank you Charles, you are one of those people to me!

To: aerst6@pitt.edu
Subject: KKY

Congratulations!!

I just want to welcome you to the ranks of the Brotherhood. It
is a wonderful organization filled with some of the best people I have
ever met. These people will be your friends for life. If you ever need
any assistance or advice for any reason feel free to contact me. Good
luck!

In the Bond,

-charles w hass
ncd president
kappa kappa psi

Submitted by Jeremy Thomas

As many of you I have racked my brain thinking of encounters I have had with Charles. It is easy to see from the emails why he was so important to so many of us. I do agree with many of you that Charles' smile and laugh always seem to stick out in my mind.

The first time I met Charles was at one of the district conventions. I had just done something really stupid (surprising huh) and he thought it was worth commenting on. This started a little "comment war" in which we always pointed out something the other had done wrong.

I can remember sitting in the AAAA hotel room at last years NCD convention and listening to him tell stories and laugh at other people's jokes (that laugh again). Last year at the SWD convention we all sat together at the Banquet. We were so loud and obnoxious I am surprised someone didn't tell us to be quiet (oh I forgot to mention we were setting right in front of the podium). Between our jokes, laughter, and the formation of the BBAAAA (sorry this is not clean enough to translate on email) we had a great time.

Surprisingly enough the last time I saw Charles was when we were moving out of the fraternity's duck street house at the end of my CFR term. A "Dallas Contingency" had come up to help the new CFRs move in and get settled. We sat-up and had a really good time.

Even though I only live an hour out of Dallas I never got the chance to visit Charles again. We passed emails from time to time, but I never got to see his smiling face.

So many people have touched our lives and it is not until they are absent from it that we truly feel the emptiness. Our lives are interconnected and we influence each other in many different ways.

Many of you have read or seen the analogies of the pebble in a pool of water. The waves flow from the center bumping into objects as it flows out from the centers. Some people make small waves, while others promote people to make waves of their own. Charles' life is just one of those waves that has promoted so many of us to make a difference.

A wave can be a comment, gesture, advice or even listening. All of these things make change. These waives from Charles changed our lives, which help develop us as a person and human being. Charles is one of those great positive waves that has forever influenced my life and made me a better person for it.

As many of you, I can remember Charles' smile and laugh even though it was sometimes directed at me. I can recall his presence at many different district and national conventions, but the one that sticks out the most is our last one here in the Southwest District. Charles was in full glow and we all had a tremendous time.

He has changed our outlook, challenged us, and been a role model for many. The outcry from his brothers and friends are a testament to his affect on us. We should all feel joy in the fact that we, no matter how short, had the opportunity for him to touch our lives.

Even though he is no longer making new ones, his waves are still affecting others and will do so for quite some time. We all feel a little selfish and wish that we could hear his laughter or see his smile. It does not seem fair that he was taken from us when we were not ready, but to be honest we would have never been ready. We have to be assured that our great father has a plan and his plan for Charles stretched beyond this world and into the heavens. Charles showed us how we could be strong, happy, and a loyal brother to the end. It is now time for us to ride the wave that Charles laid before us and continue to Strive for the Highest.

Submitted by Christian Fuller

Although I started at Purdue in 1992, I did not start to know Charles until the infamous Austin trip in 95. Up to that time I referred to Charles as the "loud-singing-toe-head-with-opinions-on-everything-who-asked-too-many- questions". As Eric has eluded to earlier, the trip to Austin has held a special place in my heart. Not only did we drink extreme amounts of alcohol and spend three days trying to find the local Hooters establishment. But, the seven of us started to become friends. The picture of the sombreros was taken at the Alamo. (also the location of the "get off the wall" incident).

Soon after this trip I agreed to room with Charles for the following year. Most of my friends thought I was nuts for doing this and repeatability asked if I knew what I was in for (I frequently questioned my sanity in making this decision). If I knew what that decision would change my life, I would have jumped in with both feet.

Because of Charles I met new people, I learned how to network, I learned about both of his non-engineering majors (IE means imaginary engineering), I discovered that Charles had a problem with keeping gas in the El Camino, I learned how Charles does not like for you to mess with this Star Wars videos, how hard he worked to be NCD president, how many phone calls he made as president (and how long it took to pay me back!), and I worked on the art of listening (because sometimes that was easier then trying to talk to Charles). He also taught me the finer points of social entertaining, and I worked on helping him not burn toast. Charles was also there when I started my growing love for Sky, whom Charles referred to as the fifth roommate.

After Charles returned from his time abroad, I did not get to see too much of him. I was a counselor and he wanted to graduate (like most of us, he was ready to make money and see the world). By chance we found each other at graduation, and look there is Dave Mast. I think Betsy Mast took this picture (I can't really remember), but the way he is smiling is the way I will always remember him. Full of life, ready for today and living for the moment.

Anytime he visited Chicago, it was assumed that he would sleep on our couch. It was always funny walking downstairs and seeing my cat curled-up on Charles as he slept. A picture I always thought I could take in the future. He has done things that many of us only wish we could do. I was always jealous we he would show me the great pictures from his travels, places that I have always wanted to go. Now I will go to those places and remember him.

I love ya Charles! Make sure you tell the angels how to throw a party.

Submitted by Mark Bradbourne

I still can't believe he's gone, it seems just yesterday I was getting e-mails from his asking me if I wanted him to do his annual "NCDAA Gold Card Rooms" program for the upcoming convention, and I remember how relieved I was that he had offered because I knew that things would be handled and I wouldn't have to worry about a thing... Charles was automatic.

There are certain songs that I'll always listen to now that will bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye... including anything by Swedish Super Group ABBA.

I'll always remember the way he entered a room and it lit up with energy. You just knew that Charles had entered the room without even looking at the door.

I'll always treasure the times we spent together, the laughs we shared and the heated discussion we had on a very rare occasion.

I'll always remember him delivering to me the oath of office when I followed him in becoming a district leader.

I'll always remember our foursome for conventions and how much I looked forward to that every year, and much I will miss it this year and every year that is to come.

It's a known fact that they always place three things on a memorial stone... a birthday, a dash, and a date of death... and they say that the most important part of that is the dash, because it's what you accomplished between when you are born and when you die.

My hope is that Charles' dash is just a bit bigger then everyone else's because he touched so many lives and so many people are better for have knowing him, I know he taught me more then I will ever know about who I am and who I want to become.

Charles, I know you are in heaven now, and I know you are probably raising hell already... but take it easy on the angels, they don't know how great you are yet.

I'll miss you...

"Oh, my brother, won't you stand here beside me, we
shall carry each other... and if your soul grows
weary and the strength leaves your bones, Oh my
brother, I will carry you home."

Submitted by Bianca Dudeck-Wiseman

"I love a firmness in you
that disdains the trivial
and regains the difficult.
You become part then
of the firmness of the night,
the granite holding up walls.

I love you where you go
through the night, not swerving,
clear as the indigo
bunting in flight,
passing over two
thousand miles of ocean."
--Robert Bly

I first met Charles three years ago, and I cannot begin to express the void his passing has left in my life. Every time I needed a friend, Charles was there. My favorite memories are of sitting in Gisela's drinking and eating untill we were stuffed, sitting and talking into the late hours of the night, listening to him laugh. Every time I brush out my long hair, I think of Charles who used to demand that I wear my hair down so he could play with it. Charles lived with his whole self, and taught me a lot about friendship and life just by his being. I am without the proper words.....

I love you Charles, (grrrrrrrrr), you are with me always.

Submitted by David Justin

I can't say it's been easy for me the past few days. I've been spearheading the Texas Memorial for Charles and between getting all the calls and reading all the wonderful emails, I've been emotionally and physically exhausted. I can only imagine what it's like in Indianapolis right now. I've read some people apologize for being long-winded, but I've appreciated it because it lets me know him just a little bit better.

I keep thinking that this will all go away. I keep thinking that there has been some tragic mistake, that is must have been another guy named Charles Hass. But I know in my heart that this has really happened.

Charles is one of my closest friends. He had moved to Dallas/Fort Worth in 1999. After meeting him, he and I became instant friends. He is without a doubt one of the most energetic, caring, and beautiful brothers that I have ever known.

He adopted the Delta Sigma chapter at UT-Arlington as his Texas family. And we adopted him just the same. He showed us the best of what brotherhood is and we will always be grateful to him for that.

A group of us had met a couple of nights before he left for San Francisco. We had dinner and wine at the restaurant of his choice, Bucca di Beppo's. The next day, I had lunch with just him. It was so wonderful. We talked about all the preparations he had made for moving to San Fran. I wish that i could remember more about the trivial things that we talked about.

I talked to him three weeks ago and he was so happy. He loved San Francisco. He talked about the fact that he finally felt "home". He even told me that he had a first date with someone later that week. I called him this past Friday night and left him a message to call me but didn't get to talk to him.

In a bit of Irony, my roommate's grandmother passed away this past week. Joseph Johnson (known as JJ to his friends) is also a friend of Charles, so I emailed Charles and told him about it. Charles sent JJ an email offering his deepest condolensces this weekend.

Now, I want to share just a few of my strongest memories of Charles...

Watching Charles get "PIED" at National Convention in 97 before I knew him.
Moving him from his OLD 3rd floor apartment in Fort Worth to his NEW 3rd floor apartment in Dallas. The boy refused to live on the ground floor with the rest of us mere mortals.
Being worried about him after the Tornado hit Fort Worth last year.
Making the Trip to WNCD in Cincinatti with him last year and truly seeing him in his element.
Seeing him in his Silver Lamet (sp?) shirt
Receiving his present of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur for my Graduation.
Meeting at Martini Ranch and drinking Black Martinis while he tossed back Dirty Martinis and Mandarin Martinis.
Going to JR's and The Village with him for his birthday.
Telling him about my new girlfriend and hearing the excitement in his voice and how he couldn't wait to meet her.
Introducing him to my friends for the first time and watching the look on their faces when he immediately began to warm up to them and get to know them as true friends.
Having him at the many THE BAR parties that JJ and I threw and watching him interact.
Taking him to his first SWD Convention and explaining all the traditions to him.
The Flight back from WNCD where he, Danny and I talked about our lives and what directions they were going in and using each other as comfort boards when we talked about the few unhappy aspects of our life.
Introducing him to REAL Banana Pudding at Soulman's BBQ on the way to SWD Convention. He was so excited he called his friends up north to tell them about it.
Driving to the airport in Little Rock with him to pick up Mike Osborne.
Introducing him to my mother, my sister and her girlfriend and having all three of them instantly fall in love with him.
Seeing him so happy with Rajpaul.
Him giving me his un-etched and un-labeled NCDAA MegaRita Glass after I became a member of the NCDAA.

I don't think that I can truly mourn his loss because of his love of life that he shared with all.� I think instead that I will celebrate his life, thank God for allowing Charles to be such an important part of my life, and mourn for all those who never knew him and that now, never will.

"So now you're sleeping peaceful, I lie awake & pray that you'll be strong tomorrow & we will see another day & we will priase it & love the light that brings a smile across your face."
-Hold On, by Sarah McLachlan

Charles, I love you so much and I always will...

I am now trying to be strong and faithful.

Submitted by Jo Gelfand

There are light bearers in this world -- people who carry warmth and
brightness inside and shine a little of it on everyone they know.
They bring the light of laughter to a stressful situation.
In times of confusion, they shine the light of peace.
In word and deed, they radiate compassion.
In heart and soul, they glow with the light of love.

This is Charles!

Submitted by Louise Hass

Dear Friends of Charles,

Your wonderful web site and memories will be my dearest treasure the rest of my life. Charles was all that you experienced.

Reading your stories has comforted me more than I can express. The bright, loving spirit of Charles lives on.

Charles was the dearest of sons and we were close. Bless you all and thank you for sharing these golden stories that mean so much to me.

Louise Hass (Charles' Mother)

Submitted by Malinda M. Matney

It hasn't been so long since we talked. When we were in Tampa, we laughed. At you, with you, near you. A person had to have a reaction to you, and usually after shaking their head for a while, it was laughter. We joked with you about your FedEx flights, and the odd times of day you'd arrive places. I pointed out that when you booked your flight for NCD, for $20 more you could be delivered directly to our location, just needing a signature for the package.

When I got the news Monday, I couldn't believe it was real. I called your place, thinking I'd wake you up. I got your happy happy voice on the message machine instead.

As the day went on, I called my home machine to see if there were messages. Among them were messages from HR and Andrew. They both started out with "Mom." You used to call me "Mom" too, and for a second on each of their messages, I thought it was you. I could swear it was your voice.

Remember when we met? You had the weight of the world on you. That pot did go everywhere with you, jingling to announce your arrival. You were a district president, and you looked like such a little boy. It was 1995, at National Convention in Orlando. I didn't know you were already in your golden years. You sold me a hat that day. I still have it -- I love that hat.

In 1997, when I was in Indy for a week on business, we got together at one of your favorite coffee places. (You *loved* coffee -- it wasn't a beverage, it was a lifestyle to you.) We shared some secrets we already knew about each other, but hadn't spoken about previously:

I remember summer FUNction of that year. You were running around the amusement park being the sixth Spice Girl. They played that "wannabe" song overandoverandover. You couldn't get enough of it.

You were such high maintenance. I swore after last year in DC, I would never, ever go to the Gap with you again. I remember you at Universal Gear trying on pants. I have never seen anyone fuss so much over the appearance of the total ensemble.

That same weekend, we were discussing the merits of Catholicism versus Episcopalian beliefs versus other forms of Protestant worship. We were doing this at JR's in DC. That was quite a fascinating conversation, but made more wild given the setting. (Discussing Real Presence while Cher is playing on the monitors is not a normal mix. But neither were you.)

We forced you to enjoy dinner at Burger King in DC. ;)

You were such high maintenance, but look at all the people you were maintaining. No wonder it took that kind of maintenance!

I know I probably wasn't the closest person to you, although we were close. So many have talked about your role as best man, roommate, confidante, mentor. You were such a great friend to me, and you always made me feel like the most important person anywhere. You made me feel pretty. You wanted me to grow my hair longer, to play with clothes, but you always said it not like I needed to improve, but like I had a responsibility to my public to lead the next trend.

There are people I only started to know because you insisted that they be part of my life. Like JenIsh. Like Jeffy. Like Rod. I swear you must have fallen a little bit in love with everyone.

In Tampa, I remember worrying like crazy when you stayed out all night. I was relieved when you were home safe, enjoying your coffee. Did I know? Did you?

Don't work too hard on heaven's policy handbook -- the rest of us want to get in, too!

Submitted by "pugh"

Beth (Marchiano) and I feel a great sense of loss. We have prayed every night for his family and close friends since we heard the tragic news of his murder.

I was literally blown away after reading Adam Wakefield's message... Being section leader of the Bones and my involvement in KKPsi defined some of the best times of my life. From Charles' first run to the Purdue airport at band camp his freshmen year to his leadership in chapter, his unswerving loyalty and spirit were integral in establishing and augmenting the pride of the Bones. I can feel as I write this the big smile that always came over my face when I ran into Charles after I graduated. He proved himself to be a great leader.

Beth and I will truly miss him.

Submitted by Brandon Parsons

I am still in shock over the tragic loss that we are all experiencing right now, and I have a feeling that this utter sense of loss I have in the pit of my stomach will continue unabated for a long time to come. While many of you have known Charles for years, I only came to know him over the past few. I first met Charles at a Fraternity District function when I was fresh out of the gate several years back. Since that event, I took the time to get to know him as both a Brother, a leader and a friend. In many instances, Charles was there for me when times became complicated, always willing to lend a hand, give friendly advice, or simply talk about things that were going on in life. Several late night phone calls with him when the world seemed its darkest, resulted in a whole world of feeling better. He had the ability to brighten up any bad situation with his humor and philosophies....He was (and always will be) someone whom I look upon with great respect and in some instances, awe for his special vigor at handling such a full life.

Though my mind is still racing from this entire tragedy, and it is hard to remember and relay all of the individual moments and memories at this time, I do know that wherever I go (along with everyone else whose life he was a part of...), I'll take him with me in my heart. The heavy sadness and even the anger I feel at all of the injustice and unnecessary violence that has brought us all here to remember a great guy will always be eclipsed by the memories and good times....

My sincerest apologies to you all, his friends and family, coworkers and Brothers, wherever in the world you might be....

Submitted by Wendi Murashige

I wrote this for Charles so I could say good-bye to him and decided to share it with everyone.

REMEMBERING CHARLES

Lion Sleeps Tonigh

Alice in Wonderland.

Submitted by Jeff Gerwig

I remember the first time I met Charles. I knew as soon as I started talking to him, he was someone special. The enthusiasm and fire toward the Fraternity, was unequaled and I don't know if it ever will be equaled. He always had a smile on his face and something to say.

I was fortunate enough to serve with him on the 1995-96 District Council. My first extended time with him was traveling to our first District Officer meeting at Eastern Michigan. He and I met at Michigan State, where he picked up all of the "Stuff" that the President carries and got ready to go. As we were carrying the stuff out to his car, I saw it. There sat his Blue El Camino. I looked at him and knew that it would be an interesting trip. As we were driving down I-96, he would ask me to look something up in one of the many folders that we had picked up, while he was writing up the agenda (while driving) and swerving back and forth on the road. I can only imagine what people who saw us on the road were thinking.

At the 1996 Convention at Michigan State, Charles suggested that I try to get my wife to go into labor during the banquet. He said that, if I could get that to happen, we would have banquet entertainment that COULD NEVER BE TOPPED.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to spend as much time as I would have liked to have spent with him since. I occaisionally got to see him at District Functions, Leadership Conferences, Block Meetings, Conventions and National Conventions. Each time we got back together, he would always put a smile on my face.

I'm sure that I speak for the entire NAA Board of Directors, in saying that your leadership and enthusiasm for the National Alumni Association will be greatly missed. You have been a shining example of how people can continue their support for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.

I know that with all the memories that have been posted, you are looking down from Heaven and smiling at all of the people who's lives you have touched. I wish the very best God can bestow on all of your family and friends through this tough time.

Submitted by KPsiGuy@aol.com

So it may seem
by Joe S. Hoselton

In loving memory of my dear friend Mr. Charles W. Hass.

Submitted by Lammielover2007@aol.com

Charles was my second cousin. I loved him very much. He was always a good person. He had his whole life ahead of him. I would have really liked to see him live more of it, but sadly he only got to live 27 years of it. His death was so sudden to our family. Nobody was expecting it. There's just a few words I'd like to say to him: Charles I love you very much. I would have liked you to be there at the Furneral today, just to see what a crowd you had.It was a big one. Now there is a hole in my heart,but your spirit will fill that whole forever, as lond as I live.

Submitted by Keith and Jan Mast

from Ziggy
by Tom Wilson

Charles met us and loved us all in his unique way. Our lives have been blessed from his short journey with us!! Thank God for the life of Charles Hass.

Submitted by Allan Schmidt

I was extremely saddened on hearing the passing of Charles Hass. Although I only knew him a short time, I'll always remember his friendly smile and upbeat attitude. He always knew how to cheer people up. I especially remember the spirited Euchre games in the band lounge. He will surely be missed. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and all his many friends.

Submitted by Heather Palmer

I didn't know Charles long, but he truly made an impression on me. I am still sitting here in shock, and all I can think to do is write.

Charles and I were pledges/candidates together for KKPsi and TBS. (I still get that confused. Candidates...pledges) Anyway, we had meetings together and functions, and I really enjoyed getting to know him. I remember being stressed at a function, I can't remember the function now, and he said to me "But at least you smell good." That was Charles. He was always cracking me up. And you didn't have to be his best friend, or a trombone, or a brother or sister for him to make you feel special, either with a joke, a hug or both.

I am amazed now by what the world has lost, when what we need are more caring people like Charles. I cannot even begin to imagine what his closest and dearest friends are going through, when all I can do is wonder why. But I'm sure that, somewhere, Charles is telling us that we should go on, no matter what may have happened, because his spirit is still with us, we still have a wonderful life to live, and "at least you smell good".

One other memory I have of Charles, and the candidates/pledges of 1992/1993 will remember this one, is our get together night at Dr. Leppla's house. There was a skit performed, and Charles came in as..you guessed it..Doc. I've enclosed a photo from that night. The photo quality is not the best, but it sure brings back the memories of a funny night. Good night, Charles, and keep us laughing.

Submitted by Greg Stimson

I think the greatest attribute that Charles had was that he could leave such a deep and lasting impression on you, even if you only knew him a short time. I would like to share my first and last memories of Charles. The first thing I can remember about Charles was his speech he gave when running for NCD office in 1995. When he stepped down from the podium, I thought "Well there is our next district president." That was a no-brainer. He had such great ideas that I was felt unqualified to run for office at the same time. I was deeply honored to serve as his VP for Membership Education during his tenure in office. He kept his officers busy and always striving to complete our duties and goals. My last memory of Charles was on my wedding day. At the end of the night, Shannon and I were sneaking out the back door, totally e