My dear friend and colleague Charlie Mead passed away this morning. Even though I knew it was coming, I am still stunned.

What can I say about Charlie? He deserves poems and statues.

Writing a poem worthy of Charlie will be tough, certainly beyond my capabilities. In the meantime...

He was amazing and wonderful, larger than life, a true original. Charlie's heart and personality were huge, bigger than Roane County, bigger than the world. He was more real than real.

He was brilliant and talented, a thinker and genius, a dreamer and doer, Roane County’s own Leonardo da Vinci: a scientist, an inventor, an artist in both photography and wood.

He loved learning and research and trying new things. He was always curious about life’s mysteries from Photoshop to genetics and more. His passionate love of learning and pursuit of excellence were infectious.

He glowed with life and joy and love of people.

He was a friend to all and a good friend to me. He always was ready to extend a helping hand.

He was a leader and volunteer. He was chairman of the board of the West Roane fire department as well as its photographer. He recruited many volunteers, including me. He also helped the Foothills Craft Guild and served on its board of directors.

He was a husband, father, and grandfather, the successful patriarch of a large clan.

He seemed to know everyone and everyone knew him. I’ve lived here two decades, but most of the people I know here I know through Charlie. Many a stranger’s door was opened warmly when I said, “Charlie said I should call.”

He was the nerve center of our community, a common thread holding us together, always working for good. People called him “Mayor of West Roane County.”

-- OneTahiti