Farewell
Charlie Ruppe
Our former president and long time member Mr. Charlie Ruppe has passed away on July 23rd 2006.
Charlie was Masters' president when I first come to the Budd Terrace Building... I was in a very bad mood then. My thyroid gland was destroyed by radiation therapy. I was also worried for my family, being that we have moved to the US not long before. I was tired and quite disoriented. When Ljerka and I first showed up at Wesley Wood Budd Terrace it was Charlie Ruppe who welcomed us at the door, with his arms spread wide and with a broad smile on his face. For the first time since my cancer diagnosis someone outside of my family had time and understanding for me. Charlie aksed me the very questions I was seeking the answers for. Charlie was a little shorter than me (6'), but he seemed to place his arm on my shoulder "from above" and said that everything will be ok. I will never forget how much his encouraging words meant to me.
I was doing some work around the house (I always do some work around the house) when I receievd Melissa's email that Charlie was at St. Joseph's Hospital. I abandoned the work and went to visit with Charlie. I was thinking about what to bring him and then I remembered the cartoon "Don't ever give up," which all new laryngectomees received during his presidency. I found the cartoon, scanned it in and made a personal card for Charlie.
When I arrived at St. Joseph's, the nurse advised me that Charlie will probablynot recognize me. However, Charlie was as sharp as ever. His body appeared weak, but his blue eyes were lively. As soon as I entered the room he pointed at my American Cancer Society t-shirt with words "Hope" on it. He showed me "thumbs up" and mouthed the word "hope." After that he continued talking to me soundlessly. We talked for about 20 minutes. I tried to read his lips as good as I could and I was sorry I haven't learned to read lips better. I did not understand everything he said, but I am sure he said "don't live too fast, or you will be here. Enjoy life." He did this by pointing to himself, then to me, then he made a breaking motion. I also clearly heard the words "enjoy life."
This evening I met his granddaughter Megan LeCraw at the Sandy Springs Chapel Funeral Home. Megan sent me Charlie's autobiographical essay. What a story, what a wonderful life. But Charlie's story is obviously not finished. He had a lot left to tell us. I hope that those that knew and loved him will finish his story.
Farewell Charlie!
You will live forever in our lives.
Ljerka & Boris