Charles Godchaux McCarthy

I am writing a piece about Charlie that I am tentatively calling "The Fundamentals of Sailing". I will share it when my heart is finished writing it.

Charlie was one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the joy to know. I counted Charlie as a true friend. He helped me in so many ways over the 30 years I knew him. Charlie once came over to my house in the middle of the night because I was having a hard time. When I thanked him, he said "That is what we do". It was certainly what he did for many, not just me. He was always kind to me and he always had an encouraging word for others. He was not perfect just as none of us are...

I loved Charlie. I learned to accept myself more with compassion and love because of Charlie. I'm grateful for my tears of sadness because they remind me of my depth of appreciation and love for Charlie. What a man. It's always just one day and step at a time. I love you, Charlie.

Charlie was a raconteur without equal. Even sitting down, he lived his life at the 16,000 calorie level, and he continued to cherish life even when his later years brought physical pain. I always knew that when I spoke with Charlie, I would be uplifted. He encouraged me to be an optimist, saying that I could always cry later. His hearty laughter made the world smile. When I first heard his New Orleans accent 30 years ago and he told me he was a crazy man, I knew that I'd found a friend for...

Few friends brought more joy and cheer into my home than Charlie McCarthy. I was his computer student who had no discernible talent in this area. But I never brought him down to my level of frustration and despair ! Instead he lifted me up into the realm of happiness where he seemed always to reside without effort. I will miss my buoyant, brilliant, and colorful friend. An example to all who knew him. Bettie Carrell

His joie de vivre will be missed❣ Just knowing Charlie was possible as an expression of wildlife on this planet gave me joy. A life force like few others,
has left the planet. He and Alice brought my lifelong friend Kevin into the world - grateful❣

I never, never saw him without a smile.

Charlie, thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope! You were a great blessing to me. Susan, I am keeping you in my prayers. -Keith

Thank you God for Charlie. His Bright Recovery, Love, and generosity of Spirit lives in all our hearts.