Has a Death Occurred? We Are Available 24/7 (360) 523-2489
Call Us Live Chat
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Stephen
An environmentally friendly option
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Stephen Charak.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
J
Jocelyn Wu posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Mr Charak--
I owe you thanks for introducing me to one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me-- the desire to write and belief in its importance. I'm 23 and still writing. I wish you were here to give me advice about it now! It all started with fiction writing for young voices... Thought about you when I found a newspaper clipping of us on my wall. Best--<3
A
Aaron Hall posted a condolence
Monday, April 2, 2012
I was very lucky to have you in my life. You were a great friend and I thank you for the life lessons. Sorry if I was ever a pain in the ass (Im sure I was)
S
Steve Willis posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
We still miss you. During election season I especially feel the lack of hearing your political wisdom threaded with your sense of social justice and humor. No one else locally has stepped forward to fill the neglected societal slots you had worked so hard to take care of, particularly with encouraging the creativity of children. May God bless you Steve, wherever you are.
J
Julie (Billington) Dorris posted a condolence
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I know that I am getting to this a bit late. It has been a little over three years since you passed away and I still think about you quite often. I never had a chance to tell you how much you meant to me, and how much of a positive influence you had on my life. Fifth grade at Mt. View Elementary was and will always be one of the most memorable times of my life. You were so great with us kids, you never got mad and you always let us be ourselves. I was dyslexic and felt stupid because I always made mistakes on my writing assignments. You would put encouraging comments on my papers that made me feel smart, and let me know that there was absolutely nothing wrong with me and that everyone makes mistakes, even you. I am a very good writer now, thanks to you---I even got an A in my college writing class. I was glad that my kids and my husband had a chance to meet you. I want to say, that after you passed away, I was crushed and I started thinking about my life and the direction that it was going. I finally got up the nerve to go back to school, something I never thought I would do. I am into my second year at SPSCC, going for my R.N. You would also be proud to know that I am still drawing, I had a piece of my art in the Percival Review last year and plan to have one in this years issue also. Even now you are inspiring me to be my best and chase my dreams. Thank you so much for everything you did for me and for countless others-----you made this world a better place. I'll see ya someday----------
S
Steve Willis posted a condolence
Friday, January 18, 2008
Hi Steve. As we enter a new election cycle I find myself missing the pure joy of talking politics with you. I'll keep track of the trivia and fill you in when we meet again. I know you'll enjoy it.
M
Michael Dean Anthony posted a condolence
Thursday, February 15, 2007
I first met Steve in late 1994 and co-created an internship with him while I was attending The Evergreen State College. I served for 2 academic quarters as poetry editor and assistant director of Young Voices, with the magazine and the not-for-profit organization Steve created. Yesterday was Valentine's day, a sort of red-letter day for Steve for reasons I can't really get into here. It got me to thinking about him, and I am glad I found this memorial. I had not spoken to Steve in quite a while (several months) and was shocked to hear of his death (I read about it in my alumni magazine). I remember clearly Steve's love for his work and his ability to touch the lives of students and teachers, as well as his enthusiasm and devotion to what he had created. I had no idea the reach of his influence at the time I came to work with him (my stepmother, who was an elementary teacher in eastern Washington, was already a subscriber to Young Voices, and I learned he had achieved a small circulation nationally--even internationally and a loyal local following). Steve and I had many productive and humorous "coffee shop office" meetings and meetings in his home where we discussed ideas and editied submissions, designed the magazine and prepared for classes. It was an excellent and valuable learning opportunity for me and the catalyst for what became a meaningful and important friendship. I am indebted to Steve for more reasons than I can mention here. I was happy and fortunate to have met Steve and I will miss him very much.
K
Keith S. Charak posted a condolence
Friday, May 20, 2005
To Steven, your family and friends, I know the world is a better place because of your visit. I have read the honors placed upon you by students, friends and relatives and they made me smile. My recollections of you are faded and the memories are probably old family photos that I saw 40 years ago. Seeing your picture brings smiles to my face and warms my heart as your face carries the look of the Charaks, from our grandfather Robert Charak to our fathers Lawrence and Gerry. I will say a prayer for you my cousin as you continue your journey.
Peace
M
Marc Alan Jones posted a condolence
Monday, May 9, 2005
I met Steve when he got on the city bus I was driving in 1983. He became my best friend. He was my best friend for over 20 years. It took several months for me to be able to write anything down about what he meant to me.
We went to over 100 Mariner games, including that transcendant extra-inning victory over the Yankees in the final game of the first round of the 1995 playoffs. We played table baseball almost every Sunday for many years. We talked about politics, sports, music, movies, and the kind of trivia that only minds like ours cared about.
I wanted to write something for the memorial section of the next issue of Steve's greatest gift to the world; Young Voices Magazine. The long and overdone essay I first wrote soon morphed into a 12 line poem. I live with poets, so maybe their process rubbed off onto me. My wife Bonnie, a real poet, recently read the result publicly at Orcas Books in Olympia.
Steve got on my bus one day in 1983.
Steve remained on board my bus
Long after I stopped driving the bus.
When I was with Steve, I felt his commitment and passion.
When I was with Steve, I felt my energy level rise by osmosis.
When I was with Steve, I felt the lights were on and everybody was home.
When I was with Steve, I felt happier than I was before.
When I was with Steve, I felt his sincere acceptance of me.
When I was with Steve, I felt like I had a friend in this world.
Steve got on my bus one day in 1983.
Steve got off my bus December 18, 2004.
The bus is so much emptier now.
Thanks, Steve. You were an amazing human being. I really miss you.
L
Lovey Farler and family posted a condolence
Sunday, May 8, 2005
Steve taught at the same school that I am still working at....Mt. View Elemantary. He always proclaimed that he moved so fast, because he had lived in New York and there you had to move fast to keep ahead of the muggers. One day we were sitting in the staff lounge and we heard one door open at one end of the room and saw the other door at the other end of the room close, never did see who went that fast...only a streak of blue...must have been Mr. New York......
Steve was a great teacher who looked into the hearts of his students and got emotionally involved with their learning, he created wonderful, exciting things for the kids to do to bring school into a good light for the kids, they were never bored and never had an ear turned away.
My daughter Angie and her class was the last class that he taught, he said that he could not get any better than that and wanted to leave on a high note....he went on to write a play and his children that he had taught were his characters.
He taught my daughter to debate (not always a good thing, sense mom was a target quite a few times) If she did not think she got a square deal on a grade, she had the opportunity to debate that fact...she got a lot of A's from his class..........the next year she tried to debate with her sixth grade teacher...nose to nose....her teacher said "maybe in Mr. Charak's class that was called debating, in my class it's called argueing....her grades went down.....debating is now part of her job.....Thanks Steve.
I miss Steve, he was truly a good, good person who touched so many hearts and made us laugh and learn.
S
Stuart Strum posted a condolence
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Steve was a good friend during my time in Olympia, and I always felt remiss at losing touch with him after I relocated. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely passing. I remember his irrepressible sense of humor. Once we were comparing childhood stories from our different backgrounds, Steve from Chicago, me from a farm in North Carolina. I mentioned there was a dirth of Catholics in my hometown. Steve guessed there were no Jews in such a backwater, either. He collapsed in laughter when I told him I did have one jewish acquaintance, my orthodontist.
Shine on you crazy diamond, Steve. The loss is ours.
S
Shannon Davis posted a condolence
Monday, February 21, 2005
This weekend I was cleaning out a box and found a copy of Young Voices which has a picture of my grand dauther Gwen Davis and some of her friends. It is one of my savables. I had always heard of Steve and I did meet him one time at Rich's home. He was so well liked by Rich and his girls. Now they are definitely together maybe playing basketball or riding Harleys. Rich always wanted to do that.
J
James ("Jimmy") Stocks posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2005
As I write this, I sit in shock at learning that Mr. Charak has passed. Like so many others who have posted their thoughts and memories of him, I stand counted among the countless others whose lives were meaningfully and substantially changed by Mr. Charak. Like another writer below (who's name is familiar, even after all these years), I too was a student in Mr. Charak's first 5th grade class at Mountain View elementary. I came into 5th grade bored with school, and at times before that I was a behavior problem because of my boredom and the lack of challenge in school. Mr. Charak opened up a whole new world, however, challenged me, and changed my life forever.
My family moved from Washington only a couple of years after I finished 5th grade with Mr. Charak, but his influence has followed me and stayed with me ever since. The one regret I have is never having contacted him to let him know what an important role he played in making me who I am today. As part of the "City" environment of his classroom, I was given the job of a lawyer. I remember there being a "mock trial" and when it came time for my cross-examination, I impeached the witness with the question "Do you lie?" Mr. Charak found that to be funny, and I think he would have found it extremely humerous that I went on to actually become a lawyer here in Los Angeles.
I always wanted to tell him that story and see how he would have reacted, to see if he would even have remembered me. Unfortunately, I waited too long to find out. But since I know you're looking down from the better place you've gone, and since it's better late than never...Thank you, Mr. Charak! And thanks also to his wonderful family for sharing him with all of us...my heart, prayers, and condolences go out to you.
L
Liz M. posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2005
To Katie and Steve's family,
I take the liberty of speaking for all Steve's acquaintances in Boise that we will miss his generousity, strength, hope and experience that he so willingly shared with us. He was a courageous mensch and we regret his passing.
S
Shannon Butters posted a condolence
Saturday, January 15, 2005
I am the Mom of one of Steve`s students @ Mt. View Elementary..many years ago. My son, Ryan, idolized Mr. Charak and would spend many after school afternoons in the classroom talking to his teacher...his mentor...his friend.
The joy Steve showed in his teaching, the love of writing and his imagination and respect of others were some positive traits my Son learned from this wonderful teacher. Mr. Charak was one incredible man.
I am a nurse and happened to see Steve this Fall while he was in the hospital. He was full of optimism and remembered me immediately and made ME feel at ease with seeing him and hearing of his illness. He was facing it directly w/ his notorious sense of humor and realism. He knew he was sick...but it wasn`t going to get him down.
I was so sorry to hear that he had so quickly passed away but I hope his family is comforted by the fact that the next generation....our children...take a bit of Mr. Charak with them as they grow up.Our world is a better place because the many children he taught are passing on his incredible lessons. They are making this world a better place. So, indeed Mr. Charak lives on!!!
L
Lori Hoffmann posted a condolence
Monday, January 3, 2005
Steve was a regular and much loved library patron of the Olympia Library where I worked for over 4 years until my recent move to California.
Steve embodied the best of humanity and of Olympia. His committment to children and his compassion for others, combined with his obvious joy in living, endeared him to all of us who enjoyed handing him his holds and catching a smile.
I was speaking to a former co-worker last night and she told me of Steve's passing...I am still in shock.
My heart goes out to Steve's family and close friends as I can only imagine the depth of your loss. As a former Olympian, I can only say
that his physical presence will be missed but his spirit was so vital that it will continue on to inspire all of us.
R
Ryan Fiedler posted a condolence
Saturday, January 1, 2005
For every person who believes that the defining element of a child is about what is in his/her heart (not a test score)...For every person who believes in the basic goodness of the human condition...For every person who believes in putting other people first...For every person who strives to cherish each day...For every person who takes joy in the simple tasks of life...We have lost our hero. Having said that, Rabbi Goldstein mentioned that Steve felt that "endings are overrated". He continued by suggesting that focusing on Steve death would neglect examining how he lived. In this sense, the spirit of Steve will never die. He will be with us forever. Thank God for that!
E
Elizabeth Daniels posted a condolence
Friday, December 31, 2004
Steve has definitely been an inspiration in my life. I've been going to his workshops since about first grade. It seems like forever. I've had quite a few teachers in my life and Steve, by far, is the greatest one yet. He taught me not to be afraid but write what you're thinking. There's no such thing as a stupid idea, and if you make mistakes, just go back and fix them later. Both my parents and my teachers saw improvement in my writing when I returned to school in the fall after attending a workshop, unlike most of the other kids in my class who's writing ability seemed to go downhill after not thinking about it for weeks. That's the thing though, Steve taught me not to think about my writing but to just let it all out. When I read about the funeral in the Olympian, I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. If I gave in to believe it, it would mean that I had lost possibly the most inspirational person in my life. Mere words could not describe Steve's influence on me and many other people around the country. May he rest in peace.
Y
Your cousin Kathy posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Katie, I remember when you called me to tell me that you and Steve had gotten married after a whirlwind romance. I, being the conservative sensible one, of course panicked. I wondered what you had gotten yourself into. Then I had the good fortune of meeting Steve during one of your trips to Chicago to visit family and run the Chicago Marathon. After only spending an afternoon with him I realized what a wonderful treasure you had found. The two of you were truly soul mates. I was so happy for you and any remaining reservations about your perceived impulsivness disappeared. The two of you were meant to be together. But now because of this cruel twist of fate you are apart. Please take some solace in knowing you are not alone and you have the strength of family and friends to help you through this time of tremendous grief and sorrow. Although Steve has been taken from you you will never be alone. You are forever and always in my everyday thoughts and prayers.
T
The Gomez Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Our son Matthew so enjoyed Steve's writing workshops. We are so sorry to hear that he has passed on but will remember his creativity, humor and commitment to all the children that he mentored over the past years, including our son. Our prayers go out to Steve's family.
T
Theresa Candelaria posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
It's amazing that as much as I love Steve's book, "Making Mistakes", I'm afraid to write here because I want this to be perfect. But he wouldn't want it that way. Richard Bach wrote "Members of the same family are rarely raised under the same roof".
In this case, Steve was my brother. Since I moved from Oly to Philly six years ago, Steve checked in with me every weekend to see how I was, and he was always there for me.
He had a magnifying mind that would find the good in situations. He didn't judge, just calmly listen.
I miss him so much, but as much as I miss him I am so grateful to have him in my life. I wish there were a day where everyone would carry around rubber chickens to honor his philosophy of life.
And in honor of Steve I hope to make the kind of mistakes it takes to leave this world a much happier place than when I entered.
L
Lucas Spaid posted a condolence
Monday, December 27, 2004
I was a student in Steve's first class. As a 5th grader at Mt. View Elementary, I was inspired by the freedom and creativity with which he led us. I am not at all surprised at the great number of people he touched. I think of him a lot. Every time I want to write some meaningful things down and find that I've got other things to do. Always my favorite teacher. Thank you, Mr. Charak.
G
Gretchen Steiger posted a condolence
Monday, December 27, 2004
I've been wrestling with disbelief and deep sadness at the huge loss with Steve's passing. Oddly enough, I also find myself smiling with warm memories of him as I go to the downtown library, the post office, and Starbucks, the places where I would often run into him and I feel like he is still with us. Steve's roots run deep into this wonderful community and I feel so grateful that my life was enriched by knowing him. I would listen to him tutor my son at our home as I cooked dinner. I wish I had a recording of it because it's difficult to put into words- the energy between the two minds as they shared their passions for books and music and baseball and life. Steve found the gold in my son and taught him to be a confident writer and lifelong learner. One afternoon after Steve left I thought, what a better world this would be if we all had a Steve Charak in our life--someone who encourages you to stop and think, who completely believes in you and your ideas with gusto! Steve made the world a better place. His influence on our family will always be with us.
J
J Wu posted a condolence
Sunday, December 26, 2004
I was one of the many students who knew Steve and I remember his hilarious skits. When my mom showed me the e-mail about his funeral I didn't beleive it. I was still planning to submit some poems to Young Voices. I am now in 9th grade. Steve published one of my stories from 2nd grade in his magazine. What an inspiration he had been when he read me the story made of all the worst possible endings and starters... :)
S
Stuart charak posted a condolence
Friday, December 24, 2004
I never realized just how many people my brother has touched in one way or another. My sister and I were amazed at the outpouring of friends that showed up for his service.
The amount of people who came up to talked to us about Steve in one form or another is still mind blowing.
I was very pleased to know that my brother had so many friends and so many people that cared and loved him.
My wife and kids and I will truely miss my brother.
C
Cindy Bryant posted a condolence
Friday, December 24, 2004
Dear Mr. Charak: My daughter Robin was your student in 5th Grade at Mt. View Elementary School so many years ago. Of all of the teachers Robin had through her scholastic life, you are the only one I remember by name. You operated the classroom as a City. The students each had a role, a job to perform within this City. There were services to buy and sell with the City's money. This unique concept was probably the first real exposure these young students had to responsibilities and financial decisions and as a parent, I was totally blown away by the concept and the outcome. The school year with you was exciting, challenging, and enriching. You guided this class down a road of enlightenment. When my daughter was experiencing stomach issues you came to our home to visit her and to give us your insight on health and nutrition. You cared so much about your students and their development. You made a lasting impression on many young lives, and on me, the Mom of a 5th grader some 17 years ago. I will always remember you Mr. Charak. I thank you for the impact you made on our lives. I thank you for being such a great teacher and a terrific man.
M
MerleAnn McVay posted a condolence
Thursday, December 23, 2004
I only met Steve a couple of times but I was very impressed with him in just those short encounters.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your loss.
R
Robin Coder-Willis posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
My dear Katie: There is too much to say . But for now: Steve was/is a great man. I know a lot of wonderful people, but Steve was /is one who grew beyond his socially projected parameters and blossomed in such a joyful and explosive way that his influence and inspiration will reach into the lives of all who were privileged to be his students, friends, and family for all the time we will be without his physical presence, and the lives of everyone we pass that light to. He was the servant candle, and he became great through his love and service to others. You were/are essential in making his completion of his tasks possible; if anything makes me cry out in anger about his passing it is that you and he were not permitted to grow old together. You deserved that, and the world could benefit from further exposure to what a really great marriage is all about. You have my admiration along with my love and whatever support I can offer.
A
Angie Toussaint (San Francisco California) posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Thinking that now was the ideal time to locate a website that was dedicated to youth and teenagers interested in writing, I came across this one. My daughter is a brilliant writer and my intent was to showcase some of her material, however, I was introduced to someone who was well loved and honored for many, many years. I touched a space in my heard reading about the work that was done for so many years and for so many youth. I wish his family strength and empowerment. Following is a poem written by my daughter, Saumirah: copy wright 2004 - Lost and alone. Is this existence my fate? Or, perhaps I have done something to deserve this ache. It seems it will never end - This groaning, screeching blend. Whatdoes this journey entail? Is it nearly over, or has it just begun? Of this, I am not sure, for the rising of the moon is forever chasing the rising of the sun. When one day it has all passed, when everything is written, said and done, will we know then?
M
Molly Morgan posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Katie,
I can not begin to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. In the short few mintues I was able to visit with Steve, I saw a man who was full of passion, energy, happiness and love for you. Please accept my condolences and know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this terribly sad time.
J
Jolene Black posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
I will always remember Steve's ever present energy. I have never met someone and probably never will that had Steve's ability to do so many things so well. I will remember Steve's love of baseball and the conversations we had over the Mariner's. My condolences to you Katie, and your family for the loss of Steve. You remain in my thoughts.
P
Philomena Bradford posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Words cannot describe the impact Steve has had on my life during the seven years I attended the Young Voices workshops. My first workshop with Steve began on a sweltering summer day in a small room of the Knox Building. As my mother impatiently shuffled me up the stairs and pushed me into the room, I was very, very nervous. I was guided to an uncomfortible plastic chair and given a clean blue folder with a name tag. 'Wow, a name tag!' I thought excitedly, 'And with my name on it!' Then, someone began to speak and I was entranced by his vibrant personality. In the next few minutes, I was reassured that my ideas for writing 'were not stupid' and that I could write about my 'big toe.' But most importantly I was told to 'MAKE MISTAKES!' Wow, my five year old mind thought. This guy is cool. As I look back at my first meeting with Steve, I realize how really cool he was. He did not just help me with my writing, he taught me to write: to form ideas, dream, and yes even to 'brainstorm.' Steve loved to make fun of this word. He would say, 'Does this mean there is a storm going on in my brain and rain is pouring out my ears?' And then all of us would laugh and Steve would laugh with us. What a man he was; caring, passionate, full of joy, and energetic. I have so many more thoughts of Steve but cannot with words give them the meaning they deserve. Goodbye Steve. I will miss you. The rest is silence.
M
Mrs. Wilmoth posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
I remember watching Steve teach a writing workshop in first
grade about 15 years ago. He generated excitment with his passion for writing. Steve nutured many children by way of their feelings about thoughts, ideas and words and how that could be weaved into a story of their making. Not only did he accomplish that he actually offered a pay check to them when they had a story published. They felt so proud to be authors and published in Young Voices Magazine. I would have wanted to thank Steve for giving children the gift of writing and for making our children feel so important and also for making them authors. Steve will be remembered by every voice he heard and by many others.
L
Lindsay Schopfer posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
I started learning from Steve when I was a little kid. he taught me how to write, and a whole lot more. He taught me to make mistakes, to enjoy creativity, and to love life. He was there for my first orginal play, he was there when my first orginal musical went to the big stage. This man dreamed of happy children making wonderful stories and more. Young Voices helped to do that. More than anything, I wish I could have seen him one last time. The last time I saw him was at a book signing of his, right before I went on an extended asignment. that was over two years ago. Steve Charak has made me a better person. I'm dedicating my life to creating, to writing, directing, and acting. In my memory I'll always cherish my first and greatest writing teacher. Steve is my teacher, my example, my friend. God bless him, and his sweet wife. Take care.
S
Steve Willis posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Steve was one of the few people I knew who was able to maintain a good balance between having a sense of social justice and having a lot of fun at the same time. From first meeting that wild haired character (and fellow student) who moved in a frenetic blur in the mid 1970s to knowing the respected and loved civic leader who moved in a frenetic blur in the 21st century, Steve was always enthusiastic about life and knew that teachers themselves were always learning as well. He invented his own vocation and never failed to be people-centered in the course of following that vision. We'll miss you, Steve.
G
Garn Turner posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Steve Charak was like a natural phenomenon, a force of nature. I have never met anyone who was more interested in literally everything. His enthusiasm never flagged, his vitality never diminished until the final two months of his life. He packed more living into his fifty-one years than most of us could manage in two centuries. It seems impossible that his tremendous energy is gone from us.
C
Carol M. posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Steve was a pleasure to know in the support group we both attended. He was present, loving and giving. What a legacy of action, connecting with others he leaves for his loved ones. My condolences in your loss.
C
Craig Oare posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Steve, it was good to know you for many years. Thanks for publishing my writing--it wasn't only young people who benefited from your encouragement. I'll feel your presence when Marc and I root for the Mariners next season.
T
Terry & Gerry Fabre posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Dearest Katie,
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. We are hoping with the grace of God and all your family and friends that time will heal but memories will never be forgotten. Please know that our thoughts are with you and yours. Love, Terry & Gerry
A
Adrian Boomer posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Steve had only 4 rules for writing; the most important was "Be Original". Steve lived this rule when he visited my classroom, where he reinforced my lessons in his own special way, and filled the room with his vibrant energy and good will. His love for people showed in the way he enjoyed the children's efforts, and the enthusiasm with which he visited with me and other colleagues. His sense of humor often had me laughing. His creativity amazed me.
My students and I always looked forward to his visits. I also cannot forget the looks of joy on the faces of my students who were published in "Young Voices".
I will miss Steve.
As his family, your loss is immense. Please know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers.
J
Jerome G posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Thanks Steve for being a part of my life and being a teacher for me on how to live life. I will miss you and your energy.
Love Jerome
J
Joy S posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
I remember Steve and his lively wit, energy, enthusiasm and kindness. He was genuinely interested in everyone no matter how different they might have been.
One summer I was at a retreat with him where there was a talent show. One of the talents sang and encouraged the audience to join in. Before we knew it we were all standing in a huge circle with our arms wrapped around each other singing, Amazing Grace.
Steve commented how great this was as he was Jewish and had not grown up with this song but he loved it. I was so struck at that kind of generousity and comaraderie.
Steve organized activities that enhanced my life and I am forever grateful to have known him. I pray I can have one tenth of the enthusiasm and zest for life that he had. I am sad at his passing.
G
Gail James and David Holston posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
My late husband and I were privileged to live one year in Olympia at which time our son, David, was in the fifth grade. Somehow David became interested in joining the writing seminars that Steve mentored. An amazing thing happened. Our son became "turned on" to writing, a skill he still relishes and one which I believe will come to fruition later again in his life. Dave glowed when he came back from the classes and this feeling extended to other areas of school subjects, something that had not really happened before this time. I'll always remember the excitement in my son when he was able to cash the check for his writing, a physical reminder that he was appreciated for his creative work. What a genius Steve was.
Now, I am living here in WA after retirement and had the sad task of conveying to my son in CA the news of the "joining with the immensity" that Steve has made. After losing his father in 1992, Dave has had much sorrow in his young life and this passing has affected him in a similar way.
We never know how our actions in life will affect someone else but please take some comfort in the knowledge that Steve has made much impact that will reverberate for many years and result in positive change for the earth.
I know it hurts. We hurt with you.
R
Rachel Davis posted a condolence
Monday, December 20, 2004
Steve Charak was an amazing inspiration for kids who didn't think their writing could lead them to bigger places. He first published my writing 15 years ago and it was a startling realization that an adult cared about "us kids" and thought our imagination was worthwhile. I remember him with fondness and appreciation - what an incredible and selfless mentor. Thank you Steve for showing by example how to value others and experiences...
Copyright © 2022 | Terms of use & privacy Policy