Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Your dad was a shining light at Van Dyks for the two years I worked there. He loved to share his knowledge about coins, Lincoln and the Todds, WWII, the Civil War, and anything regarding history.
He was so proud of his children, grandchildren and greats. He beamed when introducing me to his sister when she was visiting. He was so proud of two large boards given to him with pictures covering them and loved to share his photo album of when he was in the service.
He had a crush on Audrey Hepburn at some time in his younger years (as so many men did).
He was a complete gentleman, always concerned about the other guy rather than himself. He would hesitate about asking someone to put lotion on his back where he couldn't reach. But when it was being applied, he was so soothed by the attention and the moisture.
He longed to teach children and adults about coins and to light a passion in them to want to collect and learn the history behind the coins. He gave away many of the Lincoln pennies that he so meticulously placed in a framed holder. It was against rules to take anything from the residents, but Charles would convince us that his coins weren't under that jurisdiction.
He loved reading and sharing his books with others. In fact, I have a book of his now that my husband is engrossed in - The Forsaken. Charles gave me a synopsis that was too tempting to refuse his loaning it. And, he always treated a book with pure respect, rubber banding it in case it dropped, protecting the binding from harm.
The last time we were together a few weeks ago, we discussed where he was going after this life. He said he wasn't sure, but I certainly knew that it was heaven that was just a short distance for Charles. I made sure to convince him that his name was in the Book of Life. Countless times I would catch him in the middle of his prayer time even years before. He loved the Lord and committed his life to Him. It showed in his daily actions. I'm sure the Lord was fondly looking down on his servant, Charles, and smiling on the man he became.
What a guy! All Van Dykers will miss him and always hold his memories dear to our hearts!
I pray that these memories will help comfort you as I too am comforted by the thoughts of such a wonderful man, Charles O'Neill.
