Charles E. Coulter

I worked with Charlie in 1975 and 1976 - we were original members of the Different Strokes tree planting crew - part of the Hoedads Forestry cooperative. Charlie came with the Mud Farm contingent which joined with folks from Dexter, Eugene/Springfield, and later Drain to form an ecletic group planting trees all over the Northwest and beyond. Charlie was always level headed, friendly, and calm. While the rest of us were complaining about the misery of planting trees in lousy weather over...

I smile when thinking of the wonderful stories Charlie would tell. The amazing people he met and the journey of his life. I can't think of a phone call or a visit that lasted a few minutes since he would have a story to share either from his past or a piece of information he read in a recent article. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I am so lucky to have known him.

I remember seeing Charlie about a year ago and we talked about our days as Hoedads... on the Different Strokes tree planting crew...we had a great time in Arizona planting trees along the Grand Caynon and in Colorado in 1977...so over 30 years had passed. I always remembered him with long black hair and a long black beard...he was a great guy and someone who shared a very special time in my life.

1975: I remember driving up the worst road in the whole world to get to the aptly named Mud Farm. We sure did work hard planting trees in the horrible weather and devil's club of Hebo. I ran into Charlie again in 2001 at the Hoedad reunion and it was great to see him again. He hadn't changed a bit. Damn, he was a nice man.

Saying Charlie had a generous heart is so right on. He was a special man. Always so upbeat, and friendly. I first met Charlie while working for a Clackamas County judge. Charlie would always make time to stop by for a chat when he came to the courthouse. I was always impressed how he loved what he was doing and the obvious satisfaction he received helping people who needed it most. He will be missed be all who knew him.

Charlie was an exemplary human being and a gifted and skilled attorney. Our family was blessed to have had him in our corner, both legally and personally.

Charlie added a calm confidance at a time in my life when I needed it most. I felt safe knowing he was around if I needed him. He will be so very missed.

I can just hear Charlie's voice telling me a story of his past days in Eugene. He had a way of talking in a sarcastic but very funny tone. He had a humorous outlook on life. I really can't imagine him gone. He graduated law school with my mom so I've know him for 22 years--just seems like he'll be around when I come home for get togethers.