At first I only knew Charlie on the boards. Than we got to talking on the phone. So many times I had to end our conversations because the cell battery was going dead. In '14 I was going thru a rough spot and he suggested coming to Texas for their local race in March. I was hoping for something in Feb. but he convinced me to wait. He mentioned Ray was going too. Ray who? He says: a friend of his. 20/20 hindsight, I think Charlie considered everyone here, Ihadav8 site, and others his friends. So Ray and I meet for the 1st time at DFW. We rent a car, head to Hillsboro. (1st stop at Red Lobster) Than we head to the Bosque Resort where we're staying. The next couple days were just awesome. Seeing Charlie. Meeting Greg and Corky. Going to the track with the local Buick guys. Ray and me laughing 24/7. Now it's all a blur and misty eyed. Charlie was a special kind of person. For those that have met him must agree. I already miss our phone BS. The memorial service Sunday was extremely special. I met 3 other Buick brothers and sisters, caught up with another friend, Carol (Charlie's sister) and so many nice Texas people. Charlie was a unique person I am extremely proud to call my friend.