My uncle, father, and friend

About two years ago well almost two years ago since it was February 8th. I lost a very important man in my life. He was kind hearted and never had much to show for it. I could tell you all about stories and such but it would quite literally go on for hours.

Charley Mac Gowan aka Gary Charles Smith was my uncle, father, and friend. Saying "was" is like saying he is no longer with us. Anyone that knew/knows my uncle knows that he left a legacy or impact left where ever he went. His carismatic behavior and jovial manor is what most knew him to be. I of course from being practically raised to be him, knew a much deeper side to his personality and quirks.

He had the singing voice of an angel and everyone knew there was something special about his voice. I watched him sing at wedding, funerals, campfires, and renaissance faires. He made you laugh, he made you sing, and above all else he made you want to remember him for his pure and simple soul. Everyone loved him and also wanted to be some small part of the magic he created.

He passed away while going to pick his wife up from work. She had worked another long graveyard shift and was waiting for several hours. He had a massive heart attack in thier drive way while half sitting behind the wheel of their truck.

In a sad ending and last ditch statement members of his blood family stole his things and raped his wife of the verious physical memories he had left behind. Leaving no stone left unturned some family even wanted his renfaire items to be theirs. I told them to fucking leave his wife alone. I said "She has done nothing to you, so drop this." My brother and cousin (his astranged son) did not. I still hate them to this day for the treatment and dishonor they have commited. If I am ever to face them in a dark alley they will not walk out as whole men again. I have made a promise to his memory now and I plan to live by it "My family is no longer welcome in my life or home with the exception of my mother, sister, and step father".

He was a good man and his family at faire is now where I belong. In my heart I will remember the man that sang his heart out until he passed out in his chair each and every night. In all things this is the most important time for his memory to live on through me. Of course there were all the times of bow and arrows or the lifting of my childhood body to the ceiling to bonk my head. So many memories are still mine and mine alone. But his compasion still lives on through all the people he has touched.

Good night my magical uncle, father, and friend. May all your songs and stories be true for ever in the minds of those that loved you.