He was a simple man. He was called son, brother, war hero, husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He preferred to be called dad or grandpa and

rarely mentioned the hero part. "I just was a sailor who happened to go in and out of hell.... out is better."

Happy to leave his sailing days behind, Charlie tossed out his personal anchor and settled in Utcia, NY. with his "bride.,"

Betty McGuirl. She gave him children galore. "His hooligans" he would proudly call us as we all inherited his love of life,

adventure and challenge. He kept us in line well; well most of the time, just with the "look" and when it would take more; we

would run for the door or maybe under the bed with the towering man right behind us. He taught us how to swim, boat, water ski,

ride bikes, fix bikes, build snow forts, that lasted longer than any other family in the neighborhood. He told us scary stories

while toasting marshmallows by the campfire in the woods. He helped with math homework when he really wanted to read his

paper. He loved his camp in the Adirondacks, a cold beer, a cigarette, his dog, his friends stopping by unannounced. He

would love to dance in the Kitchen with our mother to the nig band Cole Porter

version of "Begin the Beguine" because with six children that was considered

"the night out." As I said, he was a simple man.

Advice from this man was subtle and frequent. He told us our life would be

filled with love, heartache, fear, laughter, and adventure. Play for keeps;

stay honest; be fearless; be careful. Follow your God given instinct. Lead with your right.

Always Be respectful of the preists & nun, of your elders and people less fortunate than

you. Keep your temper a bay. Always work hard. Go to the church. Don't be afraid to

speak your mind. Don't drink too much. Always wear shoes that tie - no loafers( we

that one) Don't be afraid of a honest fight; don't go looking for one either. Above

all, take care of each other.

Charlie was a master carpenter by trade, a restauranteur by persuasion. Our mother

Betty was the eldest daughter of Mike and Luva McGuril, and properitors of "Irish

House McGuirl." Mom wanted to to take over the family business upon her parents'

retirement. Charlie was always up for a new adventure, dropped anchor yet again.

We worked hard, washed endless dishes, peeled & sliced mountains of potatoes,

breaded oceans of fish, peeled hundreds of shrimp, shucked clams, made corn beef,set up, cleaned up, served clam bakes, tended

bar, waited tables, and tapped kegs- learned how to color all the tapped beer on St. Patty's Day. We tolerated drunks-some of

which we were related to. Irish tempers flared and we got over it. We made life time long friends and always laughed, when the

tool us we sang Irish songs, we fought argued, loved all along the way.

Lesson learned Charlie & Betty... we got it. Hard work never killed anyone!

Charlie's laugh was infectious and that michievous twinkle in his eye ever faded. Family was everything to both oth them having

produced 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Charlie and Betty are gone now as well as our beloved sister Carol and

brother Tom. Since the conception of Son of a Sailor, they have been a driving force, and so it will remain.

Thank you for tossing your anchor at Son of a Sailor, Bolton Landing: even if just for a while, Relax, have a meal from our

mother's recipe box, or try something new and slightly adventurous. Most of all... enjoy yourself laugh out loud, life is food,

trust Charlie on that point.