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Charles Cookman Obituary
Charles was raised in New Canaan, Ct., and spent time in California, before coming to New Bern, and settling in River Bend. His business, Fortis Fidele provided handyman services to many in the area. Over the years he participated in several local theatrical groups, as both actor and technician for many productions. Some of his best performances onstage were those which showcased his personality and great humor.
He was an accomplished photographer and world traveler, loved science, the out-of-doors, meteorology, and history. As a descendant of several founding families of the United States of America, he took great pride in his heritage and his patriotism.
He attended Connecticut schools, including the St. Luke's School and the Cherry Lawn Academy. He attended college in Southern California.
He is predeceased by his parents Charles C. Cookman of Carlsbad, Calif., and Elizabeth Westaway of River Bend, NC.
He is survived by his siblings James DeW. Cookman (Adelita) of Milford, Ct.; Elizabeth W. Pletcher (Steven) of River Bend, NC; and Mildred C. Frick (William), of Stonington, Ct.; and by his stepsisters, Janet Patterson (James) of Dallas, Texas, Susan Bussey (Thomas) of Oceanside, Calif., Megan Standing, of Oceanside, Calif., and Martha Hardebeck (Thomas) of Encinitas, Calif.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., on Monday, Sept. 9 at Christ Church Episcopal Church in downtown New Bern.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rhems Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, and to Christ Episcopal Church of New Bern.
Arrangements are by Cotton Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Cookman
Sponsored by Milly, Liz and Jim Cookman.
Candy Glass. Pate
July 7, 2021
I had no idea Charlie had passed. I loved that kid. Was like a brother to me. And Hercules.. And all of you Cookmans. If you get this message please contact Milly. My bff forever
8478644235
Peter Adam
November 5, 2014
Sad to hear about this. RIP Charlie --- Millie/Liz/Jim - Please get in touch. Peter (Adam) [email protected]
Jolinda Heavens
June 20, 2014
Hey Charlie, Gosh I have so many memories!Can't mention all of them. Gallagers is a big one as is your Pinto. I miss talking to you especially since we got back in touch. I miss the emails of mountain lions, sunsets etc. May GOD be with you now and always. RIP my friend.
Jolinda Heavens
June 20, 2014
RIP my friend. I miss you
May 2, 2014
English taxi cabs, broken collar bones, Lookout Rock. Charlie has always kept a big place in my heart. It's been a long time but the loss feels enormous. Thoughts and prayers for Milly, Liz and Jim.
Ann Powell Ellsworth, CT
Barbara Stead/Hrivnak
November 25, 2013
I just learned of Charlie's passing today. (11/25/2013). I was suspicious for months that something was very wrong as we were very close friends and kept in touch daily via email, phone, etc... and have been obviously unable to reach him. I grew up with Charlie in Wilton/New Canaan, CT...we ran with the same general crowd. we lost touch over the years, and reconnected in about 2005-06,thanks to technology. Charlie was perhaps one of the truest, most genuine people I have ever known. we shared many recent years of support to one another through rough times, laughter about old stories & new adventures, and just plain REAL friendship. I have missed hearing from him over the last few months, and have a heavy heart over learning of his passing. I miss you Charlie....very much. you were and always will be, very, very loved. and you were probably one of the dearest friends I have ever had. I hope you are healthy, whole, and free upstairs...acting and singing to your heart's content. I love you my friend. - Barb
Millie and Charlie
Ginger Chapman
October 13, 2013
Carol Chapman
October 11, 2013
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Charlie passed away too soon. I'll always
remember him as Milly's little brother
who had a big smile and a larger heart.
May he rest in peace.
Ginger Chapman
October 11, 2013
Dear Millie Liz and Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I too have very fond memories of Charlie from my high school days hanging out at Valley Road with you all.. My last visit with Charlie was from my college years when I was traveling cross country and we scooped him up from san diego and all took a weekend camping trip to Death Valley - he had us all laughing so much my sides ached, his humor was infectious. I am happpy to have that memory as my last. I hope that your good memories of him help to ease the pain of his parting..
Sending you lots of love
Ginger
(I just got this link today or I would have writtten sooner!)
Katherine Christ-Janer
October 4, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. We didn't know one another in school but I knew Charlie as we passed in the halls and among friends of friends. He was one of the handsomest guys in our class, popular, beaming and radiated charm. My heart goes out to family and friends in this most challenging moments of life. Peace to you Charlie..
Bethanne Cross
October 1, 2013
Charlie lived across the street from me in New Canaan. We went to school together from kindergarten through high school. So sad to hear this news, rest in peace my friend.
Rita DePastina
September 28, 2013
I went to Cherry Lawn School with Charlie. He was the little brother I never had. I loved him for his wit, his charm, and his great positive spirit of adventure and fun. He will be missed by all of us who loved him for being a great caring person.
Rita DePastina , Del Mar. CA
Christmas 1975 Oceanside, CA
September 27, 2013
Charles with young Will and Tommy
September 27, 2013
Charlie, Jim and mother, Betsy Westaway
September 27, 2013
The Cookmans
Mildred Frick
September 27, 2013
early portrait of Charles
September 27, 2013
David Bieling
September 26, 2013
I'll always remember Charlie with fondness from our days together in high school. He was a good & cheerful soul. Adieu, my friend.
Amy Cross
September 26, 2013
Our condolences .
The Cross Family
Robert, Gladys, Susan, Bethanne and Amy.
Florida, Arizona
Karen Dascenzo Reid
September 24, 2013
I havealways and will always remember Charlie with great fondness. His smile lit p a room.
CCCII
September 21, 2013
Dennis Graber
September 21, 2013
I first met Charlie in the Seventies in California. He was a very talented actor, photographer, and I discovered he also wrote original poetry which made for great song lyrics. We wrote and sang a number of songs together and remained best of friends through the years. Charlie was a blessing to all who knew him with love in his soul and always a song of peace in his heart. Peace & tranquility forever RIP CCC2!
September 20, 2013
It's been many, many years since I last saw Charlie. But my memories of him is that he was always smiling and laughing. He left this earth way too young. Rest in peace Charlie. ~Heidi Melick Laureano~
Wendy
September 20, 2013
Peace Charlie Peace x
September 20, 2013
I knew Charlie as a young teenager on Valley Road. I'd say we were hippies together. (o; I have tons of fun memories of Charlie - that infectious laugh he had and those golden locks! I'm sad he had to go so early in life. Rest in peace Charlie. Love, Jamee
September 19, 2013
Charlie loved life and we had great times from East School until our 30th high school reunion. He always made me laugh! Such a talented and funny guy. You will be missed Charlie...RIP my friend...Wendy Coleman HIlboldt
Amanda Cushman
September 19, 2013
I am very sad to hear of Charlie's untimely death. His laugh and smile lit up the room, I have a million great memories of him in New Canaan in Junior high and then in high school. Hanging out on Valley Road, with Jody and Suzy and on an on!
September 19, 2013
Charlie, I'll miss you and your wonderful sense of humor.
Remembering you in 1st grade at Center School!
Patty Linger Beyer (CT)
Debbie Driscoll Grant
September 19, 2013
You were full of energy, had an infectious smile and provided many laughs. "CCC 2"
September 19, 2013
So sad to hear of Charlie's passing. I was just thinking of him as I went through old albums and there was a Moody Blues album with a note from Charlie thanking Tommy and me for putting him up in Wilton for a few days. He was always flying in and out, and I'm guessing he'll continue to.
Karen Ruscoe - Hurlburt
September 19, 2013
Thanks for spreading your happiness around a room! Charlie was a kind man and a really fun friend! Bless you.
Catherine Leuthold
September 18, 2013
Although we have not seen Charlie in many years, I remember his laughter and smile and hanging out at the Poundridge Reservation with him and others. He was always kind and sweet to those around him. Charlie go out into the Galaxy and light up what is out there for I am sure we will see you. Catherine and Terry
Tom Gibson
September 17, 2013
Not much can say,Our memories go back to East school,St Lukes and on till this month.I will never forget the laugh! and all the great times we experienced together growing up!,which we did together,,Rest in PEACE, a word he ended most conversations with. I will miss him greatly!
Yes, we were young
Alex von Kleydorff
September 16, 2013
So many memories growing up being part of of friends and family with Charlie. Those days may have passed but i will smile when i think of him, he will always hold a part of me that only few can..
September 10, 2013
Dear Valley Road family! Thinking of you today and dear Charlie whom we grew up with in Connecticut. Love CT
September 9, 2013
Charlie was a very bright and funny guy.I enjoyed knowing him. Love and prayers for his family..
Pat Vestal
September 9, 2013
Love and prayers for Charlie's Family.
Pat Vestal
Susan Horn
September 9, 2013
I have such wonderful and funny stories about Charlie when he was growing up in New Canaan. My heart goes out to Jimmy, Liz and Millie. God Bless your family.
Jeff Hall
September 9, 2013
Charlie and I were best friends up until the 3rd grade when I moved to a different school, but we kept in touch through High School. I have many fond memories of Charlie and am sad that he is no longer with us. All my best to Jim, Liz, and Millie.
Mary Bryant
September 9, 2013
Charlie was a funny guy who had strong opinions on many issues. He was the first person to want to help anyone in need. I had not talked with him in many years but was still sad to see of his passing. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Hometown-New Bern
Living in Northern Ireland at present
Cristina Cantwell-Holub
September 9, 2013
I've known Charlie since high school. He was a true free spirit. He was the first person I ever heard use the word 'ergonomics' and it was long before it was a word everyone knew. His smile was infectious. We lived not far from each other in River Bend, and shared some fun adventures with friends in our younger years. Eventually life set us on paths that went in opposite directions. Still, when I ran into him a few years ago on a visit to New Bern from PA, it was like we had seen each other just the day before. His smile was the same. The conversation was not dull and I was catapulted from adulthood back in time to River Bend and no responsibility. People are all different but some of them have a light that shines so bright it doesn't matter how dark it is where they stand. It will be a little less bright now, for those of us who knew Charlie. Hugs sent to Heaven, Charlie. I know you're not 'resting' in peace. Peace was something you always had in your heart, but resting was too boring. Enjoy eternity, Charlie, and thanks for the memories.
XYZ QRS
September 8, 2013
I am very sad about a lot of things, and I would have liked to have known the playright and actor better. God Bless.
September 8, 2013
I didn't know Charlie well, probably not at all, but we seem to click at Mark's wedding. Lynn, my neighbor, and I found our short time with Charlie to be warm and comfortable, as though we had known him for years. My prayers go to all who knew and loved Charlie. Betty Palmquist
Donna Goetjen
September 7, 2013
Charlie and I chatted every day via email, as I suspected he did with many others. He was smart, funny and very caring. i will miss our daily chats.
September 7, 2013
Charlie was a wonderful whom I wish I had gotten to know better. RIP Charlie.
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