Charles Edward Lochner, Gone Too Soon By Pat Kinsella Herdeg

We lost our beloved cousin Chuckie last week and he is already missed greatly. He was a character of the first order, I think we all can agree on that point!

Family mattered to Chuck! He was the one who made us all wear name tags at our reunions, which was helpful as all ages arrived to catch up on what the past year had brought to each of us.

Last September, Chuckie turned 70 years young, and many cousins and family were there at the Taylor Reunion to wish him well with our best (?) singing voices.

Here are some pictures of our boy:

Chuckie at the 2018 Taylor Reunion with 

his 70th Birthday Cake

Here is one taken at Canandaigua Lake when Chuck was almost 6:

That’s a good size fish!

And no, I was not yet around to take pictures, so with many of these, thank you again Dad, for always taking pictures!

This one is an oldie, but goodie. From 1956, it is taken in the garage of our old home on Fielding Road in Greece. From left to right, Dick Lochner, Chuck Lochner, David Lochner, Harold Taylor, Mary Lou and Kathy Taylor and Barb Taylor in back.

Here is Chuck at almost 15 years old. Already wearing that crazy grin and showing off  his love of crazy hats!

Wow! I do not remember Chuckie looking like this, but I believe Dad’s writing! Chuck is 21 years old here.

Okay, this Chuck I remember—about 28 years old here, he would play for hours and we would all sing along. Right around this time, he and I made a pact to someday jump out a plane together. That never did happen, but it was fun to think about.

Here is Chuck at a Taylor Reunion in 1983. My brother Chris is the one with the cool Spiderman shirt on behind him and yes, Chris is eating Cracker Jacks, another staple of our reunions thanks to Uncle Harold.

Dave and Chuck in 1987 at Ted and Judy’s wedding!

Another reunion! This one in 1989, means Chuck is about 41 years old. From left to right, Chuck, Rick, Julie, Dave, Ted.

A serious Chuck picture, which I assume is a rarity! From 2003
 

From 2017, The Lochner Kids! Rick, Dave, Chuck, Ted with Julie in front. Thanks to cousin Charlie Hawkes for this picture.

The Lochners at Otty Lake’s Men’s Weekend. How Chuck LOVED Men’s Weekend! The limburger cheese story is a legend that will live on forever in the annals of MW. Hiding it behind the water heater so that Mom could find it a month later was not a way to endear yourself to her, but she did finally forgive him. Left to right, Andrew, Dave, Ted, Chuck and Rick Lochner.

Saving the best for last. This is Chuck from the 1983 Reunion. Don’t try to get between Chuck and his cakes (or pies!).

Uncle Harold and Chuck sharing a joke. They are together now, with Chuck’s Mom and Dad, and my Dad, and so many other cousins and relatives. Chuck, until we meet again. I will think of you every time I eat a piece of elderberry pie. 

Love you, Cuz.