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):





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/

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/

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/

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.



Here are a couple more.



Charles playing with Desmo


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.

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.




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/

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/

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.