Charles J. Warde

I am saddened to hear of Dr. Warde's death. He was both a great teacher and a true gentleman. I am glad that I knew him!

Even Heaven must be a happier place with Charlie Warde there. Charlie and I worked together at High Point University for a number of years, and Charlie always knew everything that was going on long before I did. Sometimes, what he "knew" was not exactly accurate, but it was always interesting. I know how much Charlie cared for his students and how much he worked to make sure they had the opportunity to learn what they needed to know. Charlie had burdens in his own life, and he cared deeply for other people in times of difficulty. But his spirit always expected the best, and he made a joke if one could be made. We shared political values, and I'll always treasure our telephone conversation after our current President was elected.

October 08, 2009

Charles Warde was always an inspiration to the people working with him. He was a man of wit, wisdom and knowledge. I had worked with him at EDA for seven years and can never forget some of the happiest moments he created with his funny comments on almost any subject. We all miss him and my condolences to his family.

Satyanarayana Kodali

Dr Warde was a wonderful professor and facilitator. He had a knack for not only teaching, but finding the roadblocks his students were coming against, and working around them. He was one of the best professors I had in my long college career, and I only knew him for 1 year. Dr Warde: You will be missed, but never forgotten by the many students you reached out to over your time at HPU.

Dr Warde was one of the best people and teachers I have ever known! He was more than an advisor to me in school, he was an advisor in life! He was always there to lend an ear and help you out with so many more things than just chemistry. I'll never forget my early morning breakfasts with him, where he never tired of explaining to me over and over again the concepts of chemistry.....or the times when he told me (very nicely) that I was off track in life. I can't imagine what I would have done without him. He inspired me to be a better person and to always push myself. He gave me confidence that I otherwise wouldn't have had, and I truly believe he was instrumental in getting me into medical school. God Bless you Dr. Warde, you will never be forgotten! I can't imagine the pain and loss his family must feel but I hope you can find some peace in the fact that I truly know in my heart he is watching over all of us now, and his life made such a difference in so many other people's lives. Not many people can say without a doubt that their father, sibling, husband, etc, was truly a HERO! I will keep all of you in my prayers.

I never had you as a professor, but I wish I did. You made learning fun. I enjoyed our brief conversations in between classes. As you said, you studied the "real science" whereas I was just a political scientist. R.I.P.

It was with sadness that I heard of the passing of Charlie. And I wish him well on his next great adventure. I recall with a warm feeling of one of my discussions with Charlie in the offices of EDA, where we worked together. I was kidding him by making the point that he missed his calling by entering the chemical profession. Indeed, I told him that he had the soul of a poet. But I suppose that even a poet needs a day job. Farewell Charlie, you left a fine legacy behind you and you will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Dr. Warde inspired me in ways he never knew. He believed in everyone which in turn made them believe in themselves to the highest level. He will be greatly missed.

I had Dr. Warde for my General Chemistry at 8 am in the morning. Not a good time to have any class, let alone a chemistry one. He would always make jokes and try his best to keep us awake. He had a wit that could only be surpassed by his heart. He would meet students on Sunday afternoons and go over every question in his handouts, and he would always complain that we were “cutting into his drinking time.” He brought us donuts every time before the test, “to help our brains work.” He had a passion for teaching that I have never seen and did not know existed. Dr. Warde was a confidante of his students. Students would seek him out for advice ranging from love to where to go for grad school. You could never ask too much of him. It is for this reason that students would call him “Uncle Charlie”, because this is what he was like to us, the fun loving uncle that you could always go to for advice on any matter. He will be missed by all those who knew him and he will never be forgotten. God Bless!

I worked with Charlie at EDA. We had great times when a proposal was due to EPRI and several of us had to work late to get the proposal finished so Charlie could get it out Fed Ex.

My deepest condolences to the family. May God be with you.

Kathie Dwyer

It was my great privilege to work for Charlie as a young engineer at EDA 30 years ago. I could not have asked for a better role model. Funny, inspirational, delightfully Irish, brilliant, and kind he was to those around him and unforgettable he will remain to me.

Where to start? Working at EDA in Michigan, Charlie always made me feel appreciated and encouraged me if I was down. We moved as a group to Greensboro and then when the R&D died we went our seperate ways - some of us staying in NC. Charlie was instrumental in helping me 'wordsmith' my way into my next job that lasted another 16 years. After that he again encouraged me during a very difficult time looking for work as an 'old guy'. We worked hard and played hard (lots of table tennis), laughed and choked on chlorine together. Those were some of the best days of my life. Even though contact has been infrequent, Charlie (and Celene) always made me feel like I hadn't been away. James Taylors song 'Fire and Rain' comes to mind and the line "I always thought I'd see you again"... I'll miss him!

Dr. Warde was an amazing professor and human being. While I did not have a love for Chemistry, I still thoroughly enjoyed his classes. He made me laugh every day! I am very sad to hear of his passing. He touched my life, and I will never forget him. I know he will be remembered by many. My condolences to his family.

I met Charlie for the first time last year at about this time. He had learned that I taught physical chemistry at UNCG and he recognized my last name, wondering if by some small chance I was related to Michael Duffy, my father, another physical chemist. It turns out that my father and he were graduate students in the same research group at University College Dublin. What’s more, their Ph.D. thesis advisor was my uncle Cormick O’Brien, my mother’s brother. I have taught at UNCG for ten years and it took nine before I met Charlie. Charlie was a wonderful character and I regret not having had longer to get to know him. I also greatly regret that my parents did not have a chance to meet him after all these years. They spoke fondly of him as did my aunt Iseult, Cormick’s wife. I met him several times over the last year and thoroughly enjoyed every encounter. Charlie came to a number of speaking events I had arranged over the last year and I could count on him to ask insightful pointed questions that kept the speakers on their toes. While self-effacing, Charlie had little to no tolerance for anything that hinted at charlatanism or intellectual dishonesty, and had little compunction about saying so; I aspire to have to his candor. My heart goes out to Celene and your family. Charlie will be deeply missed.

I first met Charlie Warde in 1976 when I came to work for EDA working on Zinc Chloride batteries in Michigan. Charlie was an amazing raconteur. It was always interesting to talk to him and hear his great stories. Between his wonderful, quick wit and his charming accent you just wanted to listen forever. I am sure he was a great teacher. He was always able to take the most complex, technical subject and make it understandable and enjoyable. I have thought of him often. He will be missed. I am sure he will enjoy the wake.

I met Charlie this past year as a guest at our restaurant. He and Celene would always sit at the end of the bar for drinks and laughs. He always had a smile, laugh, and kind word to share. We would share bad jokes and opinions on our favorite beers. Always a joy to be around, he will be missed. A memorial name plate will be placed on the bar in his honor. Allen Odom-and the staff at Bert's Seafood Grille-Greensboro.

To the family and friends of Dr. Warde, he was a truly amazing professor, confidant, and friend to the students who encountered him at HPU. Many memories of this great professor, funny Irishman, and phenomenal man will live on in our hearts.

I am saddened that it was his time to go, but I am grateful to know that he is now in peace and was a stop along the road for me. I will treasure all of the teachings/lessons learned from him, and I miss him, as do many others, all ready.

May your souls be at peace and rest, treasuring the life and memory of Dr. Warde forever in your hearts. We love and miss you, Dr. Warde.

It was a privilege to have Dr. Warde as a professor and an honor to have him as a guest at our wedding. He had a passion for learning that was contagious, and was forever plotting to turn me (and anyone else he possibly could) into a chemistry major. He used to joke that what was then known as the Greensward would someday be called Warde’s Green. To me the name will always be fitting. He represented the best qualities of HPU and I like the thought of him on a bench sharing his wisdom and laughter. Thank you to the Warde family for sharing him with us. He will be missed.

Dr. Warde was an amazing man. He was willing to do anything for anyone without question. He had a unique way of teaching that helped his students to see things differently and think outside the box. My fondest memories begin with our Gen. Chem. field trip to the Red Oak Brewery to having a few beers at my parents house prior to my leaving for grad school. He was always there for me at the drop of a hat. My one regret is that I have lost touch over the last few years. He was my mentor, my friend, my teacher, and he will forever be my inspiration.

Dr. Warde or Uncle Charlie like i liked to call him. He was once my professor and later became my greatest confidant. He was a great listenerl, always gving me great advice. Because of him i am where i am now. I am going to miss you uncle Charlie.

To his beloved family. May God help you get through this horrible storm.
Love
Rosie

During my time at HPU Dr. Warde was an inspirational teacher, mentor, and friend. He was a true educator who wanted his students to excel and enjoy learning. Some of my best classroom experiences at HPU were in Dr. Warde's chemistry class and I still smile thinking back to his lectures and field trips. He was always there to guide his students and helped me on numerous occasions when I needed someone's guidance and experience. I will miss Dr. Warde greatly, he was a tremendous man with a huge heart.

Charlie was always most sincere in his concern for the students, both academically and personally. His sense of humor brightened the room and his genuine interest in those he encountered were obvious to everyone fortunate enough to have known him. We are grateful to your family for having shared him with us.

Although Dr. Warde told me to call him Charlie because he didn't deliver babies, I found it difficult as I had always referred to him as Dr. Warde. I never had a conversation with him that I didn't feel inspired once it was over or at the least better equipped for whatever issue I had discussed with him. I'm really going to miss our insightful, sometimes comical converstions. Celine, you and your family are in our prayers.

Dear Cormac,
My entire family extends our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember how great your dad was to us when we came to your house and how concerned he was for Nichole when you went to the prom. We will always remember when all of you came to our house. We have had you in our prayers and continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love Always, Nick,Connie,Tammy and of course Nichole

Dr. Warde was more than a teacher. He was an Uncle. He always pushed me to do my best, helped me with all my problems, and showed me how to laugh at lifes troubles. He cared about people he hadn't even met. Words can't describe the impact he's had on my life. The world has lost a genuinely good person. You are greatly, greatly missed.

Celene and family. Scripture tells us we have been in the presence of angels. I, with the deepest part of my heart feel that way about Charlie.

My wife and Charlie were part of the yearly St.Patrick's Day party at Maryfield and I remember him bringing the Irish sausage over to say thanks for some insignificant gesture I did for him.

The biggest part of Charlie was his heart. It must have been big because he gave all of us a piece of it and that is where I will keep all my wonderful "Charlie" memories.

I have been very blessed to have his life journey and mine cross paths. In Ireland when a person who has passed away and when the name is said so is a prayer. "Charlie Warde, God be good to him.

My life is more enriched by having known this wonderful man.

Charlie, Mary and Meca Connolly

Dr. Warde was an inspiration to all of his students at HPU. He always filled a room with laughter and sunshine. His Irish stories and songs will forever make me smile.

Charlie was the Best! I'm sure I'll hear this from him, "God's an Irishman...not an Englishman anywhere!"

High Point University has lost an amazing and gifted person. Dr. Warde was such a great friend and colleague. I will never forget the way he always seemed to make me laugh, even on challenging days. It will never be the same on campus. We miss you already.

It is a sad day as we have lost such a respectable colleague and such a memorable character. I will miss our candid conversations and the energy he brought to them. Dr. Warde you will be greatly missed.

"Uncle" Charlie was my advisor, mentor, and good friend for over a decade. He was a fantastic teacher and a great listener, always helping the students around him in need, whether he knew them personally or not. I don't believe he ever met a stranger! He was a father figure to me through many difficult times, and taught me to always remember my roots and go after my dreams against all obstacles. He will truly be missed, and we will never forget him.

Our love and prayers are with you and your family during this time. The Sisters from Pennybyrn at Maryfield, High Point, NC

Charlie was many things to many people but, personally, he was a brilliant light into our shared Irish journey. I cannot imagine getting there without him. It was amazing how he and I knew commonalities, conversations, quips, customs and conspiracies of the true Irish without there ever being any real discussion about them. Yet my family had been removed from then since the colonists arrived here. But he knew me and I him. I'll miss him but am confident he'll watch over us all the same.

Dr. Warde- you taught me so much about so many things. You were an amazing professor, mentor, and friend. You have left behind an amazing legacy. I can never thank you enough for the impact you have made on my life. We miss you.

Dr. Warde was my mentor and advisor, but most importantly he was a very dear friend. I would not be where I am today without is guidance and support. Celene, you and your family will be in our prayers. Heaven has one more Irish Angel. We love you guys.

Shawn, Heather (Woodson), Max & Carolyn Clarkson

Dr. Warde was truly a marvelous teacher -- but he was an even better man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and treasured him.