Tribute to Charles Hass

by Sean Werner
February 3, 2001




I had a friend Charles, and I shared him with the world, all of You here, and all of you here in spirit. When I close my eyes these past few days, images race through my mind. Memories that will forever be kept as great moments in my life. Charles, either by determination, luck, or skill is a part of all of them. As I look around, I know now that he is a part of all our best memories. Charles worked hard to be a good friend to anyone who wanted him. He succeeded.

All of us here are but a small representation of the people whose lives were touched by Charles. We are all different in many ways, yet he kept a place for all of us in his heart. He used what little extra time he had to be with his family and friends, we seemed to be the most important part of his life. Throughout his life he reached out to all of us by simply being himself, a man that could not let anyone be unhappy while he was near, or lonely in his presence.

Through Charles, many friendships were born and many marriages were witnessed. My own marriage grew out of a friendship brought about because of him. Charles was a participant in many of our weddings. At so many celebrations he was either groomsman or favored guest. He told me once that the best part of going to a wedding was that he could participate in his friends' happiest memories. So much happier because he was there.

As Charles had a great effect in his friends' lives, he often spoke of the family that had such a profound effect on his life, the people and traditions that meant so much to him was such a part of who he was. It's been an honor to able to be with Charles' family yesterday and today. I remember many times when he spoke of his family, with high regard and deep respect, and always a smile would creep onto his face when he would talk about his favorite family stories, especially, Christmas, which I hear takes all day to properly enjoy.

Charles was a dreamer. If he wanted something to do, he would do it. He was not a man that let his dreams sit on the shelf. He created a life that allowed him to do the things that made him happy and be the man he wanted to be, an educated man, a proud man, and an honorable man. He showed us by example how to live for both the day and the decade.

It is easy to think about how much we have lost. And we have lost a lot. I find myself thinking of all the plans he will not be a part of. I had become accustomed to the idea that he would always be there. Now it may seem that he will not. He will be, for all of us. But for that to be, we must carry with us the memories we have gained, the memories of who he was.

Remember the bounce in his step.
Remember his hair, long, short, long and an unbelievable color of light blonde.
Remember his deep love of music.
Remember his desire for travel.
Remember his singing and dancing.
Remember his respect for tradition.
Remember a wry smile as he watched you.
Remember his warmth
Yes, remember his laugh.

And I'll remember the smile that I could never keep in whenever I saw him.

I had a friend Charles. And I shared him with all of you. He was a man to look up to in many ways. He made all of our lives better. He was someone that I always knew I would be able to talk to and to smile with. Charles was as close to my heart as anyone. He will always be a part of my family. To leave him behind feels like the wrong thing, but I will keep him in my heart just as he kept all of us in his. I will have him in my mind where he is a part of my greatest memories. And I know all of you will too.

Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince. And flights of angels carry thee to thy rest.