This may seem a bit strange... I met Charlie at an international Scouting event in the summer of 1995. I was a storyteller, unofficially attending while on holiday. My "day job" was performing in schools in the South and Midwest of the US on behalf of the National Scouting Museum when it was located in Murray, Kentucky. I was able to tell a few on the stages of the Scouting event; a wonderful time.
I met Charlie and spent several hours together over the course of a few days that summer. We traded momentos to honor our time; his to me was a small pendant with Lord Baden-Powell on it that he had been given, and mine to him a Native-American neck ornament that was given to me by the Quapaw tribe (Arkansas).
Over the years I've thought of Charlie, especially when handling a length of rope and considering what knot to tie. His words, "If you don't know a knot, tie a lot" would come to mind and I knew I should better tie an appropriate knot and be sure rather than a bunch and hope.
Recently, I had a dream in which Charlie was prominent. I thought it odd after all these years, but it was very nice to see him and remember his warm smile, eager willingness to show someone a Turk's Head, or a one-handed constrictor. I had the pleasure of watching him teach young scouts many a knot that weekend so long ago. I felt the urge to seek news of my old friend here in this space for which I knew he had such fondness. Being so separated by miles, I regret the inability to interact with him again. I've missed Charlie. May he rest in peace with fresh bytes in each hand.
