As we live our lives, we come into contact with all sorts of people that touch us in ways we do not foresee. I met Chuck 30 years ago. He was introduced to me, by a co-worker. He was dating one of her girl friends. We were both in the same industry. Chuck worked for one of our suppliers, and over the next seven years,  we conducted business and at one point, we were even competitors. Then, in 1989, I went to work for the same company that Chuck worked for. We called on adjacent territories and shared some account responsibility. We quickly became good friends, and eventually our relationship was like, brothers from different mothers . When we traveled to off site meetings,  we would often share a room. We lived about 15 minutes from each other, and we would often car pool to go to meetings in the office. 
Chuck was the original party animal, with a penchant for good food, fine wines, and quality cigars.  Just the mention of the word party, would bring a twinkle to his eyes and a smile to his face. Any party that Chuck attended was elevated to a higher level. In fact, a party was likely to break out if Chuck was present. In that respect, we were Yin and Yang, he got me to let loose, and I didn't let him get too loose. Chuck introduced me to Cigars, and planted the seeds that continue to grow and bear fruit. For years, Chuck and I enjoyed a Friday Afternoon ritual. We would meet most Fridays about 4 and sit back and light up a cigar and discuss the events of the week, help each other work through issues, flush away the pressures of the week and transition to the weekend. We smoked some really good cigars over the years. 
When Helen and I decided to move to Idaho, I left my job of 18 years and good friend. I did keep in touch with Chuck, and eventually, I returned to the industry, and was fortunate enough to get to work with Chuck again. I even invited Chuck to come with with me to the IPCPR cigar trade show in Las Vegas. It was like trick or treat, but instead of filling our bags with Candy, it was Cigars.  What a great time we had, and what great memories. About 1 1/2 ago Chuck was diagnosed with Cancer, and succumed to the deasese in June. Chuck and I spent many hours together during his fight. we worked together, laughed together and through it all, Chuck never gave up or gave in, and enjoyed every minute with his Wife, Chris, and his 2 Children Blake & Brittany. He was able to watch them grow up and become adults. He was always proud of how well they turned out, and gave the credit to his Wife.

So, when you visit our shop and enjoy the surroundings, the people who frequent the shop, and the lounge, you need to realize, that most of what you are enjoying, started with Chuck. When you light up that cigar, stop for a minute and thank Chuck for making it possible.The store is a embodiment of what Chuck believed and the way he enjoyed life.

 And one day, when it is my time to pass over to the other side, I know, Chuck will be waiting there with a lighter, a cutter, and a great smoke, and we will continue our friendship.

I can only hope that there is someone in your life like Chuck, that helps you derive enjoyment and value out of the smallest things in life.