Wednesday, October 21, 2009
To the Ashton boys, my deepest sympathy. Charlie was a great man and I will always have many fond memories of working for him while he managed so many things at the Zion Post Office. What I will remember the most about Charlie is his quick wit, and boundless humor. No matter how bad the situation seemed, Charlie could always make light of it and show that big smile. Many years ago on a bitter cold snowy day, Charlie was not having a good day. One of his vehicles had been in an accident, one was stuck in the snow, and two would not start. Charlie called me to tell me that yet another vehicle was being towed to our shop. The driver stated that it just quit in the middle of the road and then screeched to a stop. I assured Charlie we would get right on it. Soon after that the tow truck arrived with the driver, and Charlie came bounding in a moment later. We raised the truck on the lift to see what the problem might be. Then we all just stared at what the problem was. There was an entire box bed spring wrapped around the drive shaft. It had been wound around and around and around until all the flailing metal had cut the gas line causing the motor to quit, and then snatched the exposed brake cables causing the rear wheels to lock up. I still remember Charlie walking over to the driver, and in his most serious look and tone of voice asking, "Did you happen to notice if anyone was sleeping on the bed before you drove over it!" Charlie will be missed by so many people, thanks for letting me share. Skip Deedon - Northwest Auto & Tire
