About Charles...
Charles was born on the afternoon of September 25, 2005
After having three girls, he was Blair and Martha’s only son
For both families having a boy caused a celebration!
He was called Charles Nathan Hayes after his great grandfathers,
Charles William Cooke and Nathan Elmo Thompson.
He wasn’t a Charlie or a Chuck, but to us, he was “Charles Man.”
Charles was a prima donna right from the start
and didn’t do as other babies and just drink what he could get,
He waited for the cream.
Throughout his life he was little finicky about food and always wanted to be served.
He had a cute dimple on his left cheek.
And when he was frowny or glum
Keturah could put a finger to his cheek and bring a smile to his face.
Followed by a “you’re so cute!” and a great big hug.
In a family full of girls, he quickly learned appreciation for
The “finer” things in life: nail polish, tutus and hairdos.
But he loved making play guns, hiking, fishing, and doing manly things -
Like wearing that pink shirt for 5 years and flappy hats for a few,
Always with shorts and seldom with shoes.
Charles was followed by a much-needed ally,
The ever-mischievous Sarah.
Together the dynamic duo jumped on EVERY surface,
Muddied EVERY outfit, and even dabbled in hair cutting. Oops!
From infancy, the annual camping trip trumped Disneyland.
He’d rather fall asleep fishing in Teapot Lake than on the ride.
As he grew, he enjoyed hiking with the BOYS
Spring break backpacking trips in his bivy.
Alaina’s favorite memory with Charles is
While camping decorating his braided hair with pretty flowers
Most recently up at Moosehorn
Playing board games like Dominion and talking.
On his list of explorations we include:
Glacier, the Swell, Zions, Bryce, Redwoods, Arches, Canyonlands, Hawaii,
Capitol Reef - swimming in the pool in the Grand Wash when it got too hot, Niagara Falls,
Alaska, Oregon Coast, Grand Canyon, Havasupi, and Bear Lake and Yellowstone again and again.
When he started in band he chose the hardest instrument
Because he preferred the way it sounded.
A double reed, the Oboe (& Bassoon), but he never squeaked
And played it well enough to join the Utah Youth Symphony.
From his Mom and Dad he learned to love Pink Floyd
But he took it much further, and he loved to explore
And share his favorites with his friends and family.
He wrote some too which he said would never see the light of day.
You probably wouldn’t say that he LOVED working at Taco Time
But he did like hanging out with Marah
Going on rides, Dutch bros runs, watching “the Office” and sharing music.
He loved playing games, especially strategy games, Dominion, D&D, Magic..
When playing, he wouldn’t just explain the rules
He’d do research, learn all the ins and outs, set up a whole world, complete with music playlist
Then he’d walk you through explaining the odds so everyone would have a great experience.
He loved playing Diablo II or Risk of Rain II late at night with Tyler,
Then discuss music and life into the wee hours of the morning.
His brother-in-law became the older brother he never had.
Charles had a tender heart; he really loved his sisters.
He would go out of his way to make them happy.
He also loved the family dogs – Shasta and then Toby & Charlie
And loved to cuddle with Basilton in his bed.
Our Lord has now received one of the smartest of us all.
A bright boy who was an amazing brother and friend.
Though we miss him, we know we will see him again someday.
We know he is watching over us now and wants us to succeed.