A Lifetime Performance

When you were with Charles, you were the most important person in the world to him. His time, money, talents, and very life were continuously offered to others. We received all this and relished in who he was. Charles loved sipping Margaret's Hope 2nd Flush Darjeeling and buying coffee for as many people as he could at Lux. He sometimes arrived at his Tuesday morning book study unprepared because he had given his book away. He had photographic memory. He had "absolute pitch"; play any note, on any instrument, and he could name or replay that note. At the age of 24, he had already composed four symphonies, three operas, multiple piano and organ works, a host of songs for voice and piano/orchestra accompaniment, string quartets and piano trios. He traveled extensively. He learned several languages; German particularly fluently. He performed many recitals at private concerts around the world, premiered and recorded works from some of the world's most exemplary living composers. Yet, foremost, we discovered rather quickly the thing which was closest to Charles' heart and soul: Jesus Christ; his mother, Louise; and everyone else he met. Charles gave us an understanding of what a life given to others looks like, feels like, and sounds like.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Letter from Pastor Dan Flemming


The day after the accident, Pastor Dan Flemming (lead pastor at the church where Charles played piano every Sunday), sent this letter to his congregation:

Friday, Nov 13

Dear Friends,

Our dear brother Charles was killed in an auto accident early Thursday morning - around 6:30 - outside of Globe, AZ on highway 77.

[Webmaster comment: I'm afraid that at this time, Sunday morning, 11/15/09, these are the only facts we know. Where Charles had come from, what the circumstances where, how he was found, who found him, etc. are all under investigation. The instant the lead investigator gives us any more details I will post them to this website. Before that, I'll send an announcement via the website newsletter, so please sign up if you have not done so already.]

Charles traveled extensively all over the valley giving piano lessons - he had piano students out in Globe as well.

We are all in a state of shock and devastation.

Please pray for Charles' mother, Louise. She lived with him and he cared for her in many ways. She will miss him terribly. This afternoon while she was grieving she was also leaning on her faith - knowing that she would see him again in heaven and that God is good and that this will not cause her to turn away from God.

Since Charles was an only child there are no other family members to help her, she asked me to help her. So please pray for me as I help her sort through the many details of Charles' life.

When we know the details for when or where a memorial will be held we will celebrate Charles' life.

Many have called to express their grief and pain at the loss we feel. We are so interconnected. The AZ DPS officer who came to inform Mrs. Wells attends the Sun City Nazarene church and was able to locate me by calling his pastor, Marion McKelleps.

Life is fragile and temporary. The Bible says we are a mist or a vapor. Please take time to affirm and encourage each other daily - each time we have an opportunity. Affirm the importance of each member in our faith community and family members. We never know when it may be our last opportunity to convey our love and appreciation.

I love you dear friends.

Pastor Dan

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