Charlie Abowd died. Jesus wept. So, too, did those who knew this man for all seasons.
Journalists from day one learn to keep it simple, stupid. Jesus wept is the prototypical simple and to-the-point lead because it gives the news that’s needed with brevity and clarity. Jesus, left mostly to himself in secular journalism these days, isn’t the point of this praise prose for the late, great guy who is.
As with Jesus, to know him was and is to love him. He had but one flaw, though he didn’t see it that way. He couldn’t help – being an East Bay fanatic – but root for the Oakland A’s baseballers.
The A’s, though, weren’t the only gang that got him rooting. He loved his wife, Karen, his whole family, and most of humanity. Perhaps in that order.
But here’s the kicker news at the close of this prose in praise of a real man and genuine human being. If you didn’t already know it, (perhaps it’s not news to his friends) people loved him back. He was a true craftsman in life and his chosen tasks.
He had purpose and rarely forgot it. Suffice to say, craftsmen and women are hard to find these days. Being crafty in this fashion takes love and commitment.
Miss him, as those who knew him well will. As for Jesus, he wept again. If the Holy Ghost exists, Charlie’s ghost is being welcomed with open arms.
J.B. Barrette Carson City.