Charles Jennings Ellis Ph.D.

I miss you!

The following is the beautiful eulogy provided by Fred Alfano at Dad's memorial service, 7/30/05, at the Congregational Church, Sun City, AZ. We all appreciated his heartfelt thoughts.

Eulogy for Chuck’s Memorial July 30, 2005

by Fred Alfano


On April 16th of this year, 2005, an amazing man died. He was a man
of many talents and titles; Colonel Charles Jennings Ellis, Dr. Ellis, and Professor Ellis. What we say here today is only an...

Hi Chuck,
How are you? I know you are a lot happier up there. I sure do miss you so much, you were the first thing on my mind when Father's Day came. I miss our talks and our laughs and even when we cried together. I still need you, to talk about a lot of other things so please stop in when you are not so busy. Please save a place for me, I still want to be close to you. I love you so much and I miss you more than you'll ever know. I'm not going to say good-bye, cause I'll see you one...

ChuckI..It was truly a pleasure to meet and spend time with you. When you walked into the Denny's retaurant, I could have picked you out easily from the desriptions I had gotten from Barbara. You have a truly remarkable family, as well. Though meeting them all for the first time on my second visit to Phoenix, I felt I had known them for years. The influence you had on their lives was evident. They all display the warmth and grace you showed me. For that I am truly grateful. I only wish I...

My Sweet Chuck....Happy Birthday! Saturday will be your eighty-fourth birthday! We shared only two and how deeply I wish that we could be together for another! I'm comforted by the realization that you are at peace and completely well again and with so many you have truly loved and who deeply love you. Celebrate your day joyfully and I will cherish my wonderful memories. Memories of two years ago and the great fun we had at the Grand Canyon and the busy excited anticipation of your family's...

Dear Grandpa:

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. It has been so hard to comprehend your passing. You were such a major part of my life and to have that support gone is very hard to deal with.

First of all, I would like to thank you for the Mustang which is now money for college! You can be assured that all of that money will go to my higher education. I don't think you will ever know how much that money is appreciated!

Secondly, thank you for...

Yesterday, 5/25/05, was the day that you anticipated and planned for some time.

On 5/19/05, MaryEllen completed and turned in a lengthy school project in which she was required to write chapters about her life - past, present, and future. As required, she solicited letters from family and close adult friends concerning the same three timeframes. (As I wrote my letter to her about the past, Dad, I realized, once again, how much of an influence you were in her life.) The format I...

My friend, Chuck….

What is the preeminent definition of a friend? There are many. Friends can be many, some will take advantage of your weaknesses. Some are even there just for money. If you are truly fortunate, some will touch your heart.

A true Friend is the whole world from inside. A reliable comfort zone, who is there by your side, every time you need him. He is the person who listens, and is always there to hear you. He is someone who knows everything about...

Dear Chuck:
Thanks pal, for leaving me at the dinner table that last night when we dined together at the lodge – without even a “Good Bye Hug”, just the usual, “See you tomorrow”. Chuck, the short time I knew you was a great joy!

Since I have already served 98 years in this life – who knows, maybe I’ll be at the end of the line to meet you and your sweet wife!

Bless your heart – and a thousand “Thanks” for the short but great friendship!!

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