Charles William Snow, known as Chuck, Charles, Charlie, “Uncle Chuck” of Covington was known for giving profound advice, hosting in style and loving unconditionally. Born August 1, 1948, he died on Thursday, May 12, 2016, just one day before his lucky number 13.
How unlucky.
He merged with the universe the way he did all things in life – exactly as he pleased! He was 67.
A chemistry honors grad from Thomas More College, Uncle Chuck enjoyed socializing more than anything and, like this remembrance, was always fashionably late for parties and engagements.
He could paint all three stories of a house in a three-piece suit and not get a drop on him. He could tie a Double-Windsor in seconds; dance the jitter bug unlike any nostalgia lover known to man; and he could run plumbing, electric and set wood floors over the weekend. He had fine taste in art, music, crystal and delectable dining.
Charles W. Snow
He didn’t have children but was adamant at reminding folks that “your family isn’t necessarily related to you.”
A widower for nearly 30 years, Chuck and his beloved wife, Becky, had opened their Ft. Thomas home to dozens of foster children and provided the greatest gift for which he was known – true and absolute unconditional love.
It may be ironic, too, that the month of May is “Foster Care Month.”
The thousands of lives touched by Uncle Chuck from Cincinnati to Paris to Tokyo range from CEOs of multi-national corporations to elected officials, from college students to toddlers, from riverfront hobos to atheists and from the most unpopular to celebrities.
He gave everything within himself (and on himself) so others could prosper or have what they needed. If you asked for five bucks, he gave you twenty. If you asked to borrow a jacket, he gave you an Armani. If you asked for a burger, he served you filet and a glass of Cabernet. If you asked for a handshake, he gave you a hug—and a kiss too. He thought of God as his spiritual friend in his “pocket” only to find Christ at the end had kept Uncle Chuck in his own.
One of Uncle Chuck’s best-known quotes was seemingly justified as he stole an early retirement as a management executive at Walgreen’s after nearly 30 years of service. At some point close to his retirement, sitting on Duvall Street in Key West, Florida having lobster and wine with a cigarette, he stated, “I should live my life as a hedonist — I love to eat, drink, smoke and have a good time — but somehow work manages to get in my way.”
From then on, he did just that and lived his life to the fullest. He was truly fascinating and gentle.
He is best known for loving others based on where they were at their particular walk in life rather than who they were or why they were. He always focused on each individual in a way that made them feel particularly special and that ‘they’ were the only person in his life. There was no better being in the universe than this man. Whether you knew him for 30 years or five minutes, you connected immediately and always picked up where you left off.
Charles is survived by his nephew Tony Doolin of Covington and a niece Margaret Glenn of Las Vegas, Nevada. His immediate greats include nephew Kirt Doolin and latest family addition Tiegan, born shortly before Snow’s departure; his great niece Mehrin Doolan Kehoe just married while Chuck stubbornly remained in the hospital as family from around the country visited and partied in his honor (and absence).
These additional surviving members include Glenn’s daughters Beth Higgins and great-great nieces/nephews Jack, Molly, Ben and Quinn; and Higgins’ sister Megan, who also beat out Uncle Chuck in the game of life with children Anabelle and Margaux.
In all of his life, Charlie was most proud and boasted frequently of all of his nieces and nephews, both immediate and the greats!
Uncle Chuck died of natural causes related to his life passions including living a lifetime of great socializing, entertaining and enjoying moments consumed by infinite love (among other things) shared by those to whom he so unconditionally gave his own love, time, listening and giving.
The culmination of his life’s works will be spread for the world to enjoy as his ashes will be delivered to Key West, Florida and consumed by the ocean where he enjoyed his living the most.
This piece is dedicated to those closest who helped care for Uncle Chuck so he could spend time at home in hospice before his death – his last wishes in which he visited with his best friends & loved ones! To Jim Grate, Jen Allen, Jerry Buschle, Jeff & Gina Scott, Joy Bishop, Nick & Katelyn Warndorf, Mary Griesemer, Mike & Donna Clarke, Fares & Jenny Taamneh, Tony & Peggy Doolin, Donna Wight and Margaret Glenn.
To Charles W. Snow, a life remembered, a love cherished and a soul free of earthly pain for eternity. Cheers Uncle Chuck, Charles, Charlie. Photos and memories of Uncle Chuck can be shared at https://www.facebook.com/ChuckSNOWisHome/.
Warner Allen lives in Covington with this family.
Thank you for the beautifully written eulogy.Thank you for having this published.
Thank you for always being there for Charlie.
I will always remember the tireless hours you and Jen spent at his bedside. Nothing could have been asked of you that you didn’t support 100 %.
He touched so many lives. The world surely will be a sadder place without my dear Uncle and closest friend.
Thanks Warner! Beautiful –