and
Gratitude
A Selection of Poems and Writings
by
Charles F. Meek
CCB Publishing
Terrace, British Columbia, Canada
Remembrance and Gratitude: A Selection of Poems and Writings
Copyright ©2013 by Charles F. Meek
ISBN-13 978-1-77143-072-2
First Edition
Library and Archives Canada 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
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
