Chales Santiestban Tribute

Charlie always and I say ALWAYS had a smile on his face! I am thankful for the time I had to share with him! We could all take a page from his book in our dealings with other people. The eternal smile will be missed!!!

I met Charles 8 months ago when he accepted the FOS I position in Pasadena. He was quite the storyteller and always had a memory to share from his days as an ASR, Training Instructor, and FOS II. He had fun no matter where he went. And those around him shared in the excitement by just enjoying his company.

His smile I'll never forget, that giggle, I can still hear....

I met Charlie in the early 90's when we were both ETR's assigned The Santa Monica District. I remember Charlie's personality, that made you feel as though you had been friends with him for years. We both worked the off hour coverage shifts for several years, and were a heck of a team. No matter how heavy the workload was, we always managed to squeak out some "Stand-By time". Never taking anything too seriously, Charlie loved to have a good time and joked around with everyone he came in contact with. From putting "pipe dope" under each others truck door handles, to listening to the company radio to see where each other was so that we could meet up for lunch, to attending our kids birthday parties, Charlie will always be remembered for his intoxicating laugh and ear to ear grin. Although I never had a brother when I was growing up, it's ok.... cause for a short time of my life, I had Charlie.

Charlie had just joined our management team. The first couple weeks of working together, he would end his day by going to my desk and telling me it was late and I should go home. Newbie FOS II that I was... I was always trying to get one more thing done. One month of this and Charlie had had enough. He came into my office and took a seat. He gave me a grin that showed that perfect smile, looked at me and said; "Mercedes, GO HOME! The Gas Company has been around forever. Gas will always flow through the pipes and the work will always be there."

He gave me advice that I know he lived by. Now I understand why he was always so happy. Work was important, but it never came first. He enjoyed his family, friends, Dodgers, Notre Dame football, and even his two dogs. I get it now.

So thanks Charlie, for the one liner that I will continue to use for the duration of my career... "Go Home! Gas is still going to flow through the pipes!!"

Charlie's smile was one that you would light up the room. There were times we would debate on certain issues in my office, after all was said and done........he would walk away... turn and smile and say "Mr. Ortiz...Sir, It was my pleasure having this discussion with you Sir.......... and I'll support you anyway I can for the betterment of the team " We will miss you Charles!

Charley was my friend. He would call, just to check in, and he was always so happy you could almost hear his smile over the phone. When he would walk in the office if I tried to shake his hand he would grab me and say "what's wrong with you, give me a hug". He ended every call with "I love you man". Charley often talked about his kids and how much he loved them. I was lucky to have worked with such a great person and will always remember him for that easy smile that was always there to greet me.