Remembrance and Gratitude: A Selection of Poems and Writings - Charles F. Meek

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Cataloguing in Publication

      Meek, Charles F., 1943-

      Remembrance and gratitude [electronic resource] : a selection of poems and writings / written by Charles F. Meek.

      Electronic monograph in PDF format.

      ISBN 978-1-77143-072-2

      Also available in print format.

      Additional cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada

      All poems, essays and photos contained herein are copyright Charles F. Meek.

      Extreme care has been taken by the author to ensure that all information presented in this book is accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Additionally, neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

      Publisher:

      CCB Publishing

      Terrace, British Columbia, Canada

       www.ccbpublishing.com

      

       Foreword

      

      Over the years we have had the privilege of knowing Charlie and to appreciate his poetic genius. He has captured a wide spectrum of topics, both local and worldly; he has a particular love for his native Scotland, the land of his birth.

      Our relationship with Charlie began many years ago with his radio show, A Touch O’ White Heather, and also his Remembrance Day program hosted from our Tillicum Twin Theatres located here in Terrace, BC.

      He is dedicated to the people of our community and the Royal Canadian Legion, helping bereaved families. Our association over the years has been, and still to this day is an enjoyable one. We are now pleased to present the fruits of his works, which are published in this book. We know that you will enjoy these wonderful poems and writings.

      Bill and Norma Young

      Terrace, BC

      

       Praise for Remembrance and Gratitude

      

      I have known Charles “Charlie” F. Meek for some time; from his days working for the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District as a Bylaw and Animal Control Officer, a radio celebrity, marriage commissioner, property manager, working with Coroner Services, and yes as a tax payer, but most importantly to me as a friend for almost 30 years.

      Over the years I have listened to Charlie on the radio with his A Touch O’ White Heather program or when not able to attend the Remembrance Day services in Terrace to his coverage of it over the radio. I have watched him officiate a marriage ceremony at our fire hall, and also officiate at numerous funerals for veterans, friends and firefighters.

      As a firefighter and Fire Chief I have had the privilege to help protect the community and Charlie’s home from wildfire, respond to medical emergencies, educate the public and train new firefighters. Charlie has thanked our fire department and shown his and Eleanor’s appreciation by writing about our volunteer fire department and its members, and by coming to the fire hall and having a coffee and sharing a story or two.

      When I read Charlie’s poems about our fire department and its members I am reminded of past Chiefs Art Hill, Cal Albright and Ron Gerow and the hours they dedicated volunteering their time to make a better community and the friendships formed.

      I hope you, the reader, enjoy these poems and prose and can relate to the community around you, wherever that may be.

      Charles Wesley (Wes) Patterson

      Fire Chief, Thornhill Fire Department

       Preface

      

      The poems and writings in this book are mostly dedications to friends and loved ones, as well as to our veterans, who sadly there are fewer as each year passes.

      My wife Eleanor has inspired me in my writings, also two very dear friends, Bill and Norma Young, who are responsible for the publication of this book. My local fire department always enjoys my writings and dedications too.

      I hope you will enjoy the contents, and picture in your mind the places I write about.

      Charlie Meek

      

       Norma and Bill Young

      

      Out here in the west, you will meet people who are simply the best

      They come from all walks of life, often with laughter and jest

      Some you will meet, they will stick in your mind

      I know of two, two of the best, yes they are my kind.

      Norma and Bill, live here in my town, they are known so well

      I’m glad they are my friends, when you see us, you can tell

      To me, they give me inspiration, to do the things that I do

      My writings and my poems, I give to all of you.

      The things they do for our town, they are, two of the best,

      I’m proud to call them my friends, in their home, I am their guest

      A welcome will await you, a coffee in your hand

      Bill and Norma to me, are just simply grand.

      One day soon, he will write the story of his life

      This couldn’t be done, without his loving wife

      In his readings you will see, a legacy to be left behind

      I am proud they are my friends, yes they are my kind.

      I give a special thanks, for being my dear friends

      If I can do for you, I freely will to no end.

       Eleanor, My Pride and Joy

      

      I’ve traveled this wide country, all across this great land

      And met many people, and shook a welcome hand

      But none more so than a lady, who was to be my life

      And that loving lady, my ever loving wife.

      We’ve been to many places, and traveled to places within reach

      There’s no place we love better, than our Hawaiian beach

      It was there not so long ago, we joined our loving hands

      We were joined together, on our fingers, golden bands.

      She

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