Sunday, October 25, 2009

A Year Has Passed...

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since I last saw my Dad. It was Sunday morning, October 26th, 2008 and I was leaving Seattle after spending my last week with him. As we both awoke that morning, he was in good spirits and talkative. I had no idea that he would die in three days time; who would have, as he appeared much as he always did,with his strong voice and his sweet way. After chatting for some time about the book he was reading, he offered me some fatherly wisdom in sort of a round about way. Looking back after he died, I realized that he was trying to give a bit of advice and encouragement, much like a coach would give to his prized pupil who was setting off on his own journey. It was his way of looking forward, as he probably could not bear to say goodbye forever. There were things that I wish I had told him, and I was sure at the time that he was not near death-he was strong, and I thought months away from passing.

Now as I look back I see that he lived a long and full life that spanned nine decades. That is a long journey, though just a blink in God's eye. He was blessed in many ways, and in his heart I know he was grateful for all of his friends and family. He was such a social creature, really quite interested in other people and their stories. He always talked about his friends and family to others, as if he was so proud of them. This always struck me as such an altruistic quality-a man who believed in the goodness and love of his fellow man.

I too am grateful-grateful for the loving father that I had, and all the good memories we shared. Now he remains a peace of my heart forever.

I'll be sure to raise a toast in his honor this week, on October 29th, in memory of his last moments with us. I hope you all will join me, as you remember Charley in your own special way.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Welcome The "Charley McIntyre"




The newest member of the family of Pocock Racing Shells has come out of the Pocock shop, and onto the water. The boat is a Quad Hypercarbon Racing Shell, and she is called the "Charley McIntyre". If Dad was here to see this he would be smiling from ear to ear! It is such a tribute to his friends, his family, and his fellow rowers that they gave their generous donations to make this happen.

The boat has not yet been formally christened-that is scheduled to happen sometime this summer-but there was an informal ceremony at the Pocock Racing Shell factory on May 8th. Bill Tytus, the owner of Pocock, was on hand to dedicate the new boat, and he told some funny stories of Dad from years past. We then raised a toast of Irish Whiskey, and then Bill poured what was left of Dad's last bottle of Irish Whiskey on the boat.  One for the Road, you might say.

The shell was then transported down to the Pocock Rowing Center by Bill's son John Tytus. Myself, my brother Joe, my brother in law Dave, and John then carried the boat down into the boathouse. This is the lightest four man boat that I have ever carried, in fact it can be lifted by two people! This is important, so that it can be carried by the Junior girls, who will be racing the boat at the US National Rowing Championships in June. The girls have already won the first race that the boat was entered in, this past month, at the Pacific Northwest Regional Rowing Championships!

However, the first lucky souls to row the boat were Charley McIntyre Jr., Joe McIntyre, Dave Fitch, and Molly McIntyre Fitch.  And what an honor it was to be the first to put The Charley into the water, and row her up through the Montlake Cut past the old UW shellhouse! The boat handled superbly, with the help of Dave steering in the bow for the first time. The boat is light, stiff, and very responsive to the pressure placed through the oars. When we put the pressure on, you could feel the boat lift up in the water and run smooth and fast.  Dad would be singing her praises if he was rowing with us. And in a way he was, as part of him rests inside that boat. She's a winner for sure, just like her namesake was.

I look forward to the formal christening ceremony this summer, and especially look forward to seeing the girls win a national championship in The Charley this year! 

Best to All,

Charlie McIntyre Jr.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Memories of Alpental


Charlie Jr. Here... I was up in Seattle last month, and went up to Snoqualmie Pass for the day with my sister Molly. It was a foggy day below 3000 feet, but it was sunny and warm at the top of Alpental. As many of you know, Alpental was Dad's home ski area, only second to Sun Valley on his favorites list. He moved over to teach skiing at Alpental in it's inaugural year-1968-The Winter of Love.


It was my first time back to Alpental since I went there with Dad a year ago. I could feel his presence there that day. For me, Alpental holds so many memories of my Dad, as that is where he taught me how to ski way back in 1973. To honor him, I scattered his ashes into the mountain winds at some of his favorite spots:


Edelweiss Bowl-where Dad would sing the song Edelweiss from The Sound of Music, before he set off down the hill.


Chair 3-along the treeline where Dad would carve his Round Turns and discuss his philosophy of Skiing. One of his favorite spots for teaching his students.


The Top of Chair 2-where I threw his ashes into the wind, and they were blown down into Internationale, his spirit descending down that great ski run.


Thanks to you Dad, for bringing us all to The Mountains.