Click Baldwin

Click Baldwin
1954 - 2008
GASTONIA -- Mr. Baldwin, 54, owner of Carolina Harley-Davidson for 20 years, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, MT, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Salisbury, NC, the son of Lynn Baldwin and the late Ernest Baldwin, and raised in Belmont, NC. He is survived by his wife, Diane McCuen Baldwin of the home; daughter, Chelsea Baldwin of the home; mother, Lynn Baldwin of Belmont and brother, Cricket Baldwin of Mt Holly. In addition to his father, a sister, Nancy Lynn Baldwin, preceded him in death.
Prior to graduating from South Point High School in Belmont, Click's recreations of old discarded bicycles proved to be his original canvas for future masterpieces of steel and chrome. Click was envied by his peers as he proudly road their revitalized waste through the center of town. His escorted motorcade return could not have been more poignant.
Click belonged to the church of motorcycle brotherhood. Some might say he was an accomplished business man, due to the shroud of awards over the years. Others might say he was a visionary for his colorful insight and innate ability to dream big and execute more. Many will say he was a generous and committed philanthropist; after all he donated and helped raise thousands for chronically ill children. Children and humbled parents may have called him Santa, for he delivered the toys. Others might chat how he was the life of the party, immediately following with 'he stole the show'.
Click was the center of controlled chaos, at any given moment of the day. His journeys across the globe, made him aware of just how small we are but how we still were all connected. There was not a person he met that if they knew him for more than fifteen minutes, had a fond memory. People lived vicariously through him and his stories, and he couldn't wait to share. He was blessed to live each day to the fullest, and in fact that was his mantra. Click never did two things at once, as he knew it would mean to do neither. He was engaged in your conversations for no personal gain, but if he had chosen could beat any politician for he was authentic. He too was a receiver. Click wanted and enjoyed those around him, and felt the pain and sorrows; joy and happiness of those he loved.
Click rode motorcycles and many of them. He was known for pranks on those long rides and was instrumental for lifting those tired spirits. His special language and quick wit left you with no other recourse than to laugh and smile. Click was gift to us all, he will be missed, but he will not be forgotten.
'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away'. This thought for the day captures Click's personal relationship with his family and close friends. Click maximized every moment of time with them and it is evident he practiced the philosophy of being there when it mattered most. Click was a cherished son and a close, loving brother. He traveled far and often; more often with those few select friends he called 'The Band' but at the end of the day, his foundation, inspiration and strength was his wife, Diane and daughter, Chelsea.
Click was born to ride and died doing what he loved. Click would not want anyone to mourn, he'd ask us all to celebrate life, toast the Crown and keep telling the stories to make people laugh. He'd say be kind to your brother, give to those who need, and be sure to do right because when it's your time to go, it's just your time.
Click would say 'that's all folks', but we know different -- he was cool; he was the one and only 'Clicker', and by far 'Unlike Any Other'!
We are grateful that God sent him to inspire us all. In his own unique way, Click was a shepherd of God watching over His flock. Click is smiling upon us and there is no doubt Heaven is a more colorful place.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 777 South Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, NC. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC, Kenny Crosswhite officiating.
In lieu of flowers, A 'Brick for Click' can be purchased at Carolina Harley-Davidson after August 1st, or donations may be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317.
Email condolences to carothersfh@aol.com or sign guest book at www.mem.com.
Carothers Funeral Home of Gastonia is serving the Baldwin Family.