All--we lost a friend, brother, family member yesterday. Most of us have been at a loss for words, too stunned to even speak or think. Nothing can describe the feeling of getting the news and the numbness, pain, anger, and heaviness that follow. Most everyone has been notified. So, we now need a place to post our thoughts.
Charles, thanks for your friendship and all of the memories and lessons you gave me.
The first time I met CDC (a pic taken by Barneephife, I think):
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2112362416_d981378b17.jpg)
The visitation will be this Friday from 5-7 PM at Thompson’s Harveson and Cole Funeral Home located on 702 8th Ave., Fort Worth. The vigil will follow from 7-9 PM.
http://www.thompsonfunerals.com/ (http://www.thompsonfunerals.com/)
The Mass will be held on Saturday at 10AM. The location is Holy Family Catholic Church located at 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth.
http://www.holyfamilyfw.org/ (http://www.holyfamilyfw.org/)
Many have asked about funds, contributions:
"Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to either the Charles de Castro Memorial Fund, 6600 Cherry Hills Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76132; or Catholic Charities, 2701 Burchill Road N., Fort Worth, Texas 76105."
Here is the link to Catholic Charities FW and the various programs managed through donated funds:
http://www.ccdofw.org/ (http://www.ccdofw.org/)
The Charles de Castro Memorial Fund will go toward setting up a non-profit to help needy families with funeral expenses during their time of grief.
We miss you my friend.
Too stunned for words. I'm still in shock. What a huge loss, and a great tragedy.
Please let us know what we can do for the family, and what is planned and appropriate in terms of services.
For those in Ft Worth who knew him best, I'm so sorry. I can't find the words.
You shall not be forgotten but instead endeared to us for all life. The constant mesh of your gears will emanate forever friend.
Thanks George for doing this!!!
This is one of my fav pics of CDC.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x60/alamin115/LYD%20BBQ/5-25-05%20Bar-b-que/m_DSC03934.jpg)
Here are a couple more.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x60/alamin115/LYD%20BBQ/5-25-05%20Bar-b-que/m_DSC03926.jpg)
Charles playing with Desmo
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x60/alamin115/LYD%20BBQ/5-25-05%20Bar-b-que/m_DSC03943.jpg)
Charles was more than a friend to me (and many others) not sure really what to say, but he will be missed!
I have known charles a very long time, he was one of the most caring people I had ever met. He was always there in need, without any questions. He always offered his services and his house (garage with lift) to do whatever was needed. Charles was the best. Even though he was late most of the time!
Even after my accident Charles use to stop by the house a couple times a week to check on me, even got me up and about and took me in my wheelchair to the motorcyle show. Just to show me that I had friends that cared.
what really is upsetting me is that I know I wont be able to make it back to show my respect. So PLEASE let me know if we do something as a group, mindy and I are in, no matter what it is!!
Love you Charles!!!
All I can say right now is Charles, you are greatly missed.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/3029441208_b9ec4170ea_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2976704578_8098a5ab61_b.jpg)
The first time I met Charles he opened up to me like he'd known me for a long time. Every time we've met since it was always the same always a kind word to offer. One can not have too many friends in this place. He is a great friend. I feel very fortunate to know him well. What a wonderful passion he had that welled within. He is an example to us all. Charles will live in my thoughts with his mild manner and wisdom. He will ride with me till my days end.
I wish his family peace in their time of need. I pray for Ultimate understanding to get them through the weeks and years to come after this most tragic loss.
Rest peacefully my friend,
Charlie Smith
A PM I got from Charles after some joking around he found distasteful:
Quote from: cdc on October 28, 2008, 06:26:03 PM
Don't worry about it Donald. I know alot of it is mostly innocent fun but some people are really hurtful (which I did not think you were). I just wanted to make a general point, unfortunately it was at your expense so forgive me for that. There were are even. :-*
cdc
No Charles, I will always owe you one !
Charles, you were the consummate gentleman rider. Peace and prayers for your family and many, many friends.
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/alancb/p1060291.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/alancb/2865881782_f227de52f9.jpg)
With humble respect,
Alan
My thoughts and prayers to all of CDC's friends and family. I never had the opportunity to get to know Charles very well, outside of a few group meetings, but I know the group always spoke fond of him. He'll be missed by many.
Charles, thanks for all the great conversations, laughs, and memories that you were able to give to the group and to myself. You'll be missed by many many people. My deepest condolences go out to everybody that was lucky enough to know him.
i just found out. i'm not even sure what to say about this.
This news saddens me terribly. Charles was a great host and a gentle soul who always had a friendly smile and a helping hand for all who knew him.
The visitation will be this Friday from 5-7 PM at Thompson’s Harveson and Cole Funeral Home located on 702 8th Ave., Fort Worth. The vigil will follow from 7-9 PM.
http://www.thompsonfunerals.com/ (http://www.thompsonfunerals.com/)
The Mass will be held on Saturday at 10AM. The location is Holy Family Catholic Church located at 6150 Pershing Ave., Fort Worth.
http://www.holyfamilyfw.org/ (http://www.holyfamilyfw.org/)
I think "gentle soul" sums it up. Charles always made sure to make his way over and say hello at any function and was just a genuinely great guy that shared a common passion with the rest of us. My last memory of Charles was at the Rembrandt's MotoGP party when Jeff presented him with the Ducati Binda watch...his presence will surely be missed!! My prayers are with his family.
You will be greatly missed, Charles.
Our sincere condolences to CDC's family, friends, and all that knew him.
Alan and Lisa
:-[
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/629251292_9We8H-L.jpg)
That's perfect
I am so sorry for Charles' family and the great loss they've suffered. Rest in peace Charles. :'(
Rest in peace Charles. Godspeed my friend. My heart goes out to his family. They and all of his friends will be added to my family's prayers.
Is it in bad taste to mention that he died doing something that he loved so much and was so passionate about? I hope that is taken in the respectful manner in which I intended.
Quote from: fastwin on August 24, 2009, 03:34:58 PM
Rest in peace Charles. Godspeed my friend. My heart goes out to his family. They and all of his friends will be added to my family's prayers.
Is it in bad taste to mention that he died doing something that he loved so much and was so passionate about? I hope that is taken in the respectful manner in which I intended.
Its not bad taste at all!! and your correct! :'(
I have different thoughts about the woman who has stubbornly refused to hand over the keys to her pleading family for the last ten years. But that's just me.
Still at a loss of what to say.
I hope he finds the roads always perfect,
the sun always shining,
the breezes always light,
his fuel tank always full,
and his tires always fresh.
Quote from: Ronr on August 24, 2009, 05:43:59 PM
I have different thoughts about the woman who has stubbornly refused to hand over the keys to her pleading family for the last ten years. But that's just me.
you are not alone.
Quote from: fastwin on August 24, 2009, 07:28:34 PM
Is that the case here? How do you know? I certainly couldn't get my aging father to do the same thing no matter what I said. At least he finally passed away before he hurt someone while driving. It's not as easy as you think. Jennifer had the same problem with her 89 year old Dad until we got him to move in with us.
Yes that's the case and I have first hand experience. You see, my Grandfather is who I've always considered my Dad and he too had to have his keys taken away from him by ME. I did it out of fear for both him and others. I don't care what my parents will say but I will do it again and expect, should I live that long, to have it done to me. It's the responsible thing to do.
Admitedly I'm angry and I will not change my perspective. CDC was a standup man and each day we find fewer around us. I know you're splitting traffic in heaven CDC!
There comes a time in all our lives when we should have our keys taken away from us. Its just to bad a close dear friend had to pass away before it happened to this person.
I can understand brians point, but dam why charles.
Quote from: fastwin on August 24, 2009, 07:28:34 PM
Is that the case here? How do you know? I certainly couldn't get my aging father to do the same thing no matter what I said. At least he finally passed away before he hurt someone while driving. It's not as easy as you think. Jennifer had the same problem with her 89 year old Dad until we got him to move in with us.
I think we've all heard or experienced these stories. Some old folks are more capable than others, but there should be NO 88 year olds behind the wheel. Sorry Carroll and A.J., but you're gonna need to hand those suckers over at some point.
Quote from: Ronr on August 24, 2009, 05:43:59 PM
I have different thoughts about the woman who has stubbornly refused to hand over the keys to her pleading family for the last ten years. But that's just me.
No Ron,
NOT JUST YOU.(in fact, my true feelings would rhyme with "truck that punt", and would probably resuly in a ban here ...because as everyone knows, this is not the board to express conflicting opinions on.)
R.I.P Charles. You will most definately be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to CDC's family and friends. I only met him a few times but he was always pleasant to be around.
Amy and I were talking last night about Charles and she remembered him from a dinner where he was joking with her about not eating seafood and chatting with her. She only met him once but he obviously made an impression on her.
RIP Charles.
Swanny & Amy
I did not really know Charles but I do know he was a good guy.
My thoughts go out to his family and those that were lucky enough to know him.
Driving old is just as bad as driving drunk!!!
This would be a murder charge if she had been drinking. She was just incapacitated with age instead of alcohol. What the make the beast with two backs is the difference?
godspeed friend and I hope your journey with the ferryman to the other side is as smooth as your best ride day.
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/361379539.jpg)
I wasn't really mad at you Saturday when you arrived at John's.... I just missed riding with you, that's all...... It was all in good fun Charles, it was all in good fun. Why did we ride so fast that day man? Seconds slower and I wouldn't be typing this feeling like I have a golf ball in my throat and trying to see the screen through my tears....
"I love you man.... Westies rule....."
I remember the first time I met Charles at Alan's house, I remember thinking... LOL, this guy rides..... not knowing that that little man, who in so many ways was far bigger than me, could ride like I wish I could. I'm just glad I knew you Charles, everytime I ever saw you, you made me smile, not because you were the funniest or most out spoken, but because you were CDC... The man I admired and looked up to. The man who gave me words of encouragement everytime I needed them. Charles, I feel happy and sad at the same time to know that I made your last ride, but I wait for the day that we ride again....
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/354450586.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/372711860.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/372707150.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/372711861.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/360866742.jpg)
And you know I had to post this one, because the 100 other times I posted it, just wasn't as important
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/354448447.jpg)
I could tell he was a great guy from everyones post.. wish I came on this bored sooner so I too cld have known him... die doing what you love is only what we cld all ask for... to see one person have an impact on so many others says a lot... ride hard up there charles...
Quote from: Samsonite on August 25, 2009, 10:05:23 AM
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/22447854/361379539.jpg)
I'm gonna need buy some more kleenex really soon !
I have never met and did not know CDC, but from reading this thread I really feel that I know the type of man he was. Obviously he meant a lot to many people. I absolutely hate to ready about stories like this. It really makes me sit down and think before I ride next time. My thoughts and prayers are with CDC's friend's and family.
Words can't express the loss I feel now that Charles is gone. Such a great human being. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I feel blessed to have known him. Farewell our friend!!
(http://www.barneephife.com/cdc/cdc01.jpg)
(http://www.barneephife.com/cdc/cdc04.jpg)
Charles,
Thank you for the kindness you showed each of us.
Thank you for always moving us forward and toward peace.
Thank you for living out Gods love so that we could see.
I can't wait to see your angelic smile again someday.
Blessed to call you friend,
Lyndy
I had no idea I loved him so much. Every time I saw him I left feeling better.
A friend told me God loved us through him, could not have been better said.
He offered to help me change my Hyper's clutch fluid a while back. "Let's meet at MyLan for lunch then go to my garage".
OK I say.
Lunch at 10:30 to beat the crowd. Cool, It's my day off, I'll get a lot done.
Now I'm riding up 35W and my phone buzzes, pull over and text says "running late, meet me at Eurosport".
Now I'm at Eurosport waiting inside out of the heat looking at stuff I can't afford.
11:45 I get a call, "Had to stop by the store, on my way."
2:30 and we've eaten lunch and have checked out battery prices at Interstate Battery for Marc's Sport Classic (trying to save $8.00 for a friend).
3:15 and I'm getting on the 1100s after we've picked up the special order digital gauge from some massive distribution place up near Carson.
End of story, 5:25 we are done with methodical and careful fluid exchange (he's a retired pathologist by the way so some surgical tools were used.)
All I got done was draining the clutch, day all but wasted.
One of the best days I have ever had. It did'nt matter, it was CDC
Many have asked about funds, contributions:
"Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to either the Charles de Castro Memorial Fund, 6600 Cherry Hills Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76132; or Catholic Charities, 2701 Burchill Road N., Fort Worth, Texas 76105."
Quote from: caffeinejunkee on August 26, 2009, 03:12:01 AM
Many have asked about funds, contributions:
"Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to either the Charles de Castro Memorial Fund, 6600 Cherry Hills Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76132; or Catholic Charities, 2701 Burchill Road N., Fort Worth, Texas 76105."
silly question....what does the fund go towards or whom or what is the beneficiary?
From the Star Telegram
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/obituary.aspx?n=constante-charles-reyes-de-castro&pid=131889543 (http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/obituary.aspx?n=constante-charles-reyes-de-castro&pid=131889543)
so he actually had black hair at some point...crazy.
I laughed at that myself ;D
I giggled when they kept calling him 'Chuck' after Slag's post in the other thread...
Quote from: UnionJill on August 26, 2009, 11:32:38 AM
I giggled when they kept calling him 'Chuck' after Slag's post in the other thread...
I think only his wife got away with that one.
He gave us somewhat of a pass when we called him "Back Pack Chuck." ;)
I miss BPC....
I've got to say, that I've really enjoyed taking a few minutes out of the day, throughout the day to look at pictures of Charles, smiling, and such.
I'm still frustrated, but I know that's normal. The pictures sure help though.
Please let me know if there are any plans to meet up and head to the vigil/mass on Fri/Sat
Quote from: bryant8 on August 26, 2009, 01:21:06 PM
Please let me know if there are any plans to meet up and head to the vigil/mass on Fri/Sat
I plan on attending the Mass on Sat. - I'm open to meeting for breakfast & riding together or ride sharing. There is some rain forecast that we will need to keep an eye on.
While we wont be able to make the services, please have our most heartfelt condolences. We considered him a friend even though we never got to meet him. There are just no words to express :'(
People are also meeting tonight in ft worth for anyone interested
Baker Street Pub and Grill:
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. • Fort Worth , TX 76116 • 817-377-9772
I'll be riding out Friday and Saturday; I'm game for grabbing breakfast saturday... I'm working from home Friday though so I can get over there a little earlier
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631768615_akND7-M.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631768732_3CJjB-M.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631769203_wubrg-M.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631768489_AgEhF-M.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631768879_GXgV7-M.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/631768430_W62uf-O.jpg)
Videos anyone?
Tomorrow, I'll be leaving directly from the store to the vigil so I'll see everybody there.
Donald, I'm game for meeting for breakfast on Sat before heading over for mass.
Quote from: bryant8 on August 27, 2009, 02:19:35 PM
Donald, I'm game for meeting for breakfast on Sat before heading over for mass.
Cool, let me know what you think might be a good breakfast spot between you & east Dallas. Others are welcome to join in too ! Fastwin ?
:'( Interesting but sad bit of irony - CDC left us on 8/23 which is the day assigned for celebrating the life of St. Rose of Lima, the patron Saint of the Philippines. She was like the Mother Teresa of 16th century Peru, establishing a medical clinic for the impoverished.
Sounds like a cool idea.
Quote from: zooom on August 26, 2009, 08:16:19 AM
silly question....what does the fund go towards or whom or what is the beneficiary?
Here is the link to Catholic Charities FW and the various programs managed through donated funds:
http://www.ccdofw.org/ (http://www.ccdofw.org/)
The Charles de Castro Memorial Fund will go toward setting up a non-profit to help needy families with funeral expenses during their time of grief.
Alan and I will be at the funeral mass on Saturday.
[coffee] Bryant & I spoke and decided to meet up at Cafe Brazil - Lower Greenville Ave. location ( 2900 Greenville Ave @ Goodwin Ave )
promptly at 8:00 AM tomorrow, Saturday 8/29. We can have an unhurried breakfast & ride to the church in Ft. Worth. We hope anyone who is interested will attend - we are planning on riding but that is certainly not mandatory. Please join us ! If you don't post (or PM) that you are coming we will not look for you. We will not wait for latecomers in any circumstance - sorry, it's a funeral and they tend to start on time!
I'm posting late, but I think CDC would understand ;)
It seems like I've known Charles a long time, even though it's only been a coupla years. He's one of the most genuine, warm, frendly, caring people I know, plus he had a wicked, if quiet, sense of humor. I don't think I ever saw him angry, he was always smiling & laughing. It seemed to me that he truly lived. I think that by setting the example, he lives on through all of us [thumbsup] I'm honored & grateful for the time we spent together. IMHO, the world needs a lot more CDCs. I won't be able to attend the services, but I will be there in spirit.
CDC! CDC! CDC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: Cyclone on August 28, 2009, 06:48:16 AM
[coffee] Bryant & I spoke and decided to meet up at Cafe Brazil - Lower Greenville Ave. location ( 2900 Greenville Ave @ Goodwin Ave )
promptly at 8:00 AM tomorrow, Saturday 8/29. We can have an unhurried breakfast & ride to the church in Ft. Worth. We hope anyone who is interested will attend - we are planning on riding but that is certainly not mandatory. Please join us ! If you don't post (or PM) that you are coming we will not look for you. We will not wait for latecomers in any circumstance - sorry, it's a funeral and they tend to start on time!
i'll see you there at 8 then...though i'll probably be early.
We will be arriving at the funeral home around 5pm, though I half expect cdc to be late for his own viewing :'(
I wish I were in Dallas so I could meet you guys for breakfast. Anyone else want to meet for breakfast in Arlington off 30 or near the Church? I'm sure there are some good places off university or hulen or camp Bowie
I won't be able to make it tonight afterall. I will try to make the service tomorrow. Either way, I'll be at the Dallas breakfast, and hopefully ride out with the easties to the church.
Wow! What a service. I think half of the DFW Philippine community was there.
George, you did a great job speaking up for all of us. I'm sure Charles was listening and enjoying the stories you shared. Thank you for taking the time to find and contact me to let me know what happened.
I don't know why, but for some reason, I felt a lot better after shedding some tears and saying goodbye to Charles yesterday. All last week I felt miserable and depressed. I couldn't get anything done. Watching Monetta say her last fair well to her soul mate just tore me apart. I'll hopefully be seeing her more often since my mom and her hang out together occasionally at the Philippine gatherings. Small world, huh? :) I didn't know she knew them.....but should have known better. :smile:
I know I don't get to ride much or hang out very much with this group, but I do want to thank each and everyone of you for welcoming me and making me feel at home during the three or four times I have actually been able to join your activities. I've become more of a lurker in the shadows of the forum with the kids. Charles and I just hung out for breakfast or just whatever whenever he was in town and I often had my 16 month old with me, so it was hard to do any riding.
I'm blessed to be with such a cool group. :drinks:
Anyways, here are more pics of the group......
It was really nice to see everyone. I'm not good with names but I did recognized many of you guys by face. If you would kindly PM me your real name and what number you are starting from the left of the group pic, it would really help me.
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020607.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020608.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020609.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020611.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020610.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020612.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020613.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020614.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020615.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020616.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020617.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/P1020618.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/Funeralgroupshot.jpg)
I found a coupla photos of cdc....
(http://gallery.me.com/metcalfe/100248/IMG_0337_1/web.jpg?ver=12519402810001)
(http://gallery.me.com/metcalfe/100248/IMG_0100/web.jpg?ver=12519403230001)
Sorry for the late post, but just noticed it this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.