When I first met Charlie, it was at the Santa Monica base in the field. I was learning the FSR job and called for an assist. When Charlie showed up, with that big smile of his, it warmed me then as it does thinking of it now. He was smiling was not because he had to deal with a rookie, but it was a smile that said "I have been in your position before and I'm here to help you out!". Ever since then we'd see each other and he would say "Stevie!", and give me the biggest bear hug! I'm going to miss your smile that said so much and your mentoring that has stuck with me---

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'll miss talkin smack with him. I don't know a whole lot of people that can take my trash talk and come back with some of their own, but he held his ground pretty well....for a customer service guy. That was our thing. The old "who's better....big tough distribution or smarty pants customer service??" .....we never came up with a conclusion, but it was fun debating it with him. We'll miss you buddy.

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....

Charlie worked for me back in the 80's. I hired Charlie as a Field Service Representative , it was his first full time position with the Gas Company. Charlie would often talk about one of the first turn-on orders he received as a rookie, he was convinced that The Gas Company owned a house in Monterey Park used for trainees. I recall him telling me, "It was the worst order I had ever been to, it was a mess, but I keep smiling knowing that there were cameras somewhere in that house recording me." When I told Charlie that we didn't own a house in Monterey Park, he said "You got to be kidding me!" We laughed and laughed......... I will always remember his beautiful smile, the love he had for his family and his mother Susan. Charlie you truly will be missed.

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.

Whenever the pressure was on and I was on Charles he would always say "mama, I have it handled, don't worry I will take care of it, I got your back". He never let me down. Damn, I really miss his smile and happiness.

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!!"

I will never forget when Charlie was in Palm Springs for the baseball tournament and ended up "catching" the ball with his eye. Of course Maria & I had to decorate his cubicle with baseball items and large glasses with a baseball stuck in the eye area. Charlie found that funny and left his decorations up for a while. He had a great sense of humor and I will miss him!

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!

"The three things I will miss are Charlie's smile, laughter and his homemade chili."

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.

I first met Charlie at Pico Rivera when he was working as a Customer Service Instructor and I was working in the Seismic Services Department. We developed a very good friendship and discovered that we both were big time Notre Dame supporters. He would always say that he was in the minority when it came to his support of the Fighting Irish and I explained that I, too, was in the minority within my workgroup and in my family being an Irish supporter. It goes without saying that those opposing us are "USC" fans (ugh)!!! My last conversation with Charlie on Monday before his untimely death was regarding Seismic Valves and "Go Irish"! We never discussed business without discussing the Fighting Irish as well. Charlie was a wonderful person and loyal employee to the Gas Company. I can't tell you how much he will be missed by myself and all those who knew and loved him. May God bless his family always and may their fond memories bring them peace. Charlie, I know Notre Dame has a great chance of winning a championship now that you are coaching from heaven!

"Charlie-Man" loved to fish. I'll never forget watching him reel in the Dodos in La Paz, what a blast. Thanks for a great time "Charlie-Man".

Two moments that stand out are: With his sarcastic snicker he would tell Frank " If you feel this is the best for my development Mr. Ortiz Sir, than I will support it 100%" of course that bugged Frank which he loved! Another quote is in regards to one of his favorite subjects, food! He would say " Everything taste better with bacon on it!"

Charlie exemplified the qualities of a great husband and father. During our last conversation, Charlie’s eyes beamed as he talked about being able to meet his wife for lunch, how proud he was of his daughters, and how much he enjoys the special relationship with his son. Charlie’s humor and infectious smile will be missed by so many.