Charles Gries Obituary

My family and I just found out about Buddy. We live in Texas now but are originally from Chicago and Buddy was a part of our family before I was born. My grandfather discovered him at Acorn on Oak and my mom, aunt and myself would go and see him whenever the opportunity availed itself. Once my mother and I moved to Texas we made sure to visit Buddy anytime we came to town. He always knew us not matter how long it had been between visits and I believe my first request from Buddy was Paper Moon when I was about 11. When I was 18, I moved back to Chicago and was on my own. He was at the Drake at this point and I would take multiple buses to visit him. He always let me sit by him and made sure that I was warmed up with a cup of cocoa. We loved Buddy and he will be in our hearts forever.

Buddy was a heroic musician. He was the most joyful person I've ever known. The obvious result of his living, honest faith was an inspiring spiritual strength. I cannot share adequately my sorrow at his passing nor of my great joy of being influenced by him. I'm so grateful to his family for sharing him with us.

“Great joy does not gather the rosebuds while it may; its eyes are fixed on the immortal rose which Dante saw.”

Thanks for fulfillng all our requests.
The line was very long at Skaja when I was there, so I'm signing now.
Thanks for "The Folks Who Lived on the Hill".
You'll be missed by countless numbers.

I just found out about Buddy's passing & my sympathy goes out to the Gries Family with very fond memories of Buddy, Patty & the kids. I'll always remeber "Wits End" printed above the garage door & wondered what it meant - as an adult I now know. Thanks for your insight even back then Buddy. It was great seeing you & Patty at our Dad's 75th birthday. You were all good neighbors & good friends for a long long time.

What sad news today, just hearing about Buddy going home. Brought many many childhood memories. Fondly remembering how he referred to my sister and I as the "svoboda girls". What a dear dear talented man. Having known him since we moved as children to Morton Grove in 1957. Many hugs to Pat, I remember each announcement for the births of each child hanging outside, as well as WIT's END such a big event on Wilson Terrace. He was so very proud of his family. God Bless you Buddy!!

To The Gries Family:
I am so very sorry I would have been there, but I just now found out.. I have kown all of you since I was 4yrs old which is hard to believe has been 52 years now. You have my heartfelt condolences, there will never be another "Buddy" he was a one of a kind man and will be sorely missed by everyone who has ever had the pleasure of knowing him!!

I'll never forget when about 6-7 yrs ago myself, along with his daughter, Terry and about 5 others traveled by limo up to Chicago and surprised Charles and his wife Pat. We arrived unknowinglywhere Charles was playing. We had a terrific time! He was wonderful and it was obvious that the family is a very close family! Both he and Pat have such terrific sense of humor and it made such a very memorable experience.

Buddy, you were the best that Chicago music had to give to the public. Can't remember when we first met, I believe in the 60s!! You were great entertainer at that time and only became greater through the years. Whoever is listening to you today has the best on us. God bless you.

So long Buddy. You will always remain in my heart as a wonderful friend and life-teacher. I've never enjoyed sitting-in with a pianist more than with you. From The Acorn to Coq to Chambers. Heaven is blessed as you have blessed so many.

Buddy, I know that you are upstairs jamming to your heart's content with all the other great players who are as blessed with as much talent as you. I love you and your entire family and shall never, ever forget you.

It was an honor to know Buddy and I will always keep the memories of seeing him perform close to my heart. Im glad I got to see his final performance at Chambers and will always remember it. We will all miss you Buddy...

When Jesus was asked why he sat with tax collectors and sinners he replied "Healthy poeple do not need a doctor". Buddy made music in saloons for the same reason. Only God knows the sadness he helped cure.

Dear Pat and Family:

Buddy meant the world to us over the 25 years that we had the priviledge of knowing him. His contributions to everyone's life seemed to come from his ability to be himself, do his best and follow his heart. All extreamely rare qualities.

Thank you for sharing him with us.

Love, Bob and Marce Norris (Lombard, IL.)

I took my wife on our first date to listen to Buddy..wonderful time,wonderful man, so many wonderful memories over the years, such a good man....please accept our deepest sympathy
john and mary thulis

Singing with Buddy was without a doubt the most fun someone could do with their voice. I am happy that almost all of the times I sang with him, thank you to Tabby for recording our best together. There was a magic that
filled the room when he played and an irresistable charm that eminated from the speakers of Chambers when he sang. His repetoire amazed me I thought I knew alot of songs until I met Buddy and I felt like a peasant next to the King. If there's a piano in heaven Buddy is playing
it, I never will forget Buddy and there's a special place in my heart
for the music we made, and a new meaning to the songs we performed together.
-Christian Ketter (and family)

My wife Lisa and I would like to share our sympathy & condolences. We were privileged to spend many Tuesday evenings at Chambers with Buddy. Our last visit was on Lisa's birthday Oct. 7th of this year. He was in fine form, and spirits that evening. He honored my request for Harold Arlen with a 30 minute medley that was a biography in music, and a lesson in technique & improvisation. He played "Mona Lisa" for my wife, and lastly, "Lydia the Tattooed Lady!" His wife and daughter were there, and he played that blues favorite by request. He will live in our hearts and memories as long as we live, and please know that we loved him too. You can be sure he's up there trading chops with Fats, Art, Teddy, Earl, Willie the Lion, Oscar...Thanks for sharing him with us!

Buddy, So long, my buddy.
Lar-

This great man I knew almost before I was born, and as I look at his life and the many lives he touched with such warmth and love, I am sad for our loss, but more importantly, I am grateful for the memories he has given us to hold in our hearts... his gift to us. I'll cherish mine. As the sorrow passes, the joy and warmth returns.

My sincere condolences to the Gries family. Although it's been many, many years since I've seen any of you, I will always remember Terry, Chris, Tabby, and Mandy as good neighbors and friends. My parents stayed in touch with "Buddy" over the years and loved to watch him perform. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Buddy was unique and I was fortunate to be able to see an artist at work. My sister gave me the opportunity to enjoy music at its best. When Jeanne and Buddy performed together you could see music was their life and it spread joy throughout the audience.
Thanks Buddy your music will live on.

Buddy was funny, smart, talented, kind; everything about him was good. I met him during our teenage years, summers spent along Chicago's lakefront.

My sincere sympathies to his family. He was the kind of person you could never forget.
Margie

She had just left the convent, I was a Chicago cop and I was extremely nervous on our first date. Buddy Charles’ piano was where we wound up. The evening began at the Gail Street Inn famous for their exceptional ribs. Then a short walk to a nearby theater to see George Burns in “Oh God.” Where else would you take an ex nun just a couple of months out of the religious community? Alas, the box office was closing just as we arrived… we had missed the last show. I panicked. There was no backup plan. Now what?

“Do you know any piano bars?” she suggested.

I knew two, one on the North Shore where the pianist played light classics and show tunes and Buddy Charles at the Acorn on Oak. I was dubious... Buddy could be just a bit bawdy and was more of a pop/jazz type guy. I was certain she would pick North Shore. She opted for Buddy.

We arrived before midnight and nursed drinks (she drank 7 Up) as we gradually moved up closer to Buddy. We wound up sitting right at the piano. We closed the joint at 4 AM.

I knew that night I was going to marry her… it took her slightly longer to arrive at the same conclusion.

God bless you Buddy, you hold a special place in our hearts!

My Buddy, my pal.

They say that you're gone now - but I don't have to believe that if I don't want to. Your love and your hugs and your joy in playing all those songs will never be gone. So I'm not going to believe them, Bud - I'll keep looking until I find you.

Biggie and the Angel

Buddy Charles was singular, irreplaceable, beyond valuation.

But was there ever a man of whom it could be more truly said "his spirit will always be with us" than Buddy?

Remember, as Frankie Laine wisely tells us: parting is not good-bye.

There will never be another Buddy Charles, NEVER. He brought so much joy and laughter to everyone. And what a truely nice man. My condolences to his family and Pat......as I called her "Mrs Buddy" lol.

Thank Buddy for being my piano teacher...Informally that is, as I sat many times at the cloqdor(sp?) in the Drake hotel and watched your hands/fingers work the keys...
"After a while you begin to see it" you told me once... I know more of what you mean and think of you as I play. I played many gospel songs honoring you just after I heard of your passing. You made a big impression on me...You moved so many by your interpretaion of a song...You a most significant Piano Hero to me...
Chris

You can tell the greats by the way other greats admire them.
In the late '80's, Buddy was still playing at the Acorn on Oak. When the Four Freshmen would come to Chicago to perform, what did they want to do after their show was over? They wanted to "go hear Buddy." We would meet them backstage, drive them over to the Acorn, and sit around that big piano.
Boy. Great performers to the right of us. Great performers to the left of us. All there to watch a great performer in front of us.
--Lynn Hauldren and Joyce Markle

Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. We enjoyed listening to your dad perform when we all took the limo to Chicago. You are all in our prayers. Love you Bubba.

Buddy was a significant part of my life many years ago and a source of great memories today - always a gentleman, positive and kind and quite an entertainer! I know he will be missed by family and friends and will continue to be a soiurce of fond memories for all.

Pat, Terry, Chris, Tabby and Mandy,

I am just so sad and so sorry. I'll never forget my Brudder Bunny.

With love,

Nancy

People often say, "If I had a nickle for everytime..." Well, I don't need a nickle because every memory I have of Buddy leaves me far richer than any earthly treasure could make me. When we did the Harry Warren show with Jeanne Scherkenbach, we would talk and laugh the whole trip from Morton Grove to Milwaukee and back. He never stinted in giving - whether it was time, knowledge, love or more material goods. May this memory serve to lighten grief.

Buddy was a genuinely special person and he made me feel special every time I saw him. That was one of his gifts to me, and I know it was also his gift to many others. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have been able to call him my friend. I miss him immensely. To Pat, my thoughts are with you and your family. To Buddy, the word "prosthesis" will never be the same.

I will miss you buddy. You will always be an inspiration to me. I knew you for a long while from Acorn to Coq, and "the history of boogie". It's been 30 years. I loved sittin in with you all hours of the night. I truly pattern my stage personna with you in mind. We will meet again in pianoman heaven! And to your family, What could it have been like living with you? Fantastic! Love, Dave

Deepest condolences to you, Pat, and to your family. I'd known Buddy from grammar school through my cousin Joseph O'Connell; we shared a great admiration for him.
Lovingly,

Dear Pat and Family,
So sorry to have learned Of Buddy's passing. May he Rest In Peace.My deepest sympathy to you and the Family. He will be greatly missed.He was an exceptional humanbeing. JoAnn Goldman

Dear Pat,

Love and condolences from me and all the O'Connells. We all loved Buddy, his music, his humor, and his faith.

Much love, Dick O'Connell

Great memories from the 40's Loyola Academy boxing team.
Charlie was a great boxer but after workouts would draw crowds with his wonderful "boogie-woogie" on an old piano in the corner of the gym and a VERY nice guy. God Bless!
Jim Brennwald, LaQuinta,CA, Loyola '46

Pat,

I am so sorry to hear that Buddy's no longer with us. He was a fabulous musician and a wonderful person as well. It's rare to see anyone enjoying themselves as much as Buddy did when he was at the keyboard.

My condolences to you and to Buddy's children.

Dear Pat and Family

I was truly saddened to hear of Buddy's passing, especially at this time of year. He was truly one-of-a-kind!

His terrific smile and the twinkle in his eye,will never be forgotten. He had a way to make everyone feel special and to make you forget all your troubles.

I will always remember him singing "The Streets of Lerado" for Dad and the kinds words he spoke of Mom at her wake.

I will miss the yearly Christmas cards, with their uniques expressions and his infamous signature!

I always felt proud when I was young and my Mom would tell me I inherited my musical talent from Buddy.

Buddy was truly a blessing to us all and he will be missed here on earth. I'm sure he is celebrating his homecoming in Heaven and reunion with his family members and the good Lord.

You are all now blessed with a guardian angel in Heaven as are we with Mom and Dad.

Thank you all for sharing him with the rest of us. He will always hold a special place in my heart and you will all be in my prayers.

May God Bless You All!
Wendie (Davis) Lloyd
Mark, Justin and Andrew,too.

He was my friend.

He was my surrogate dad.

He was my patient.

i will miss him so much.

Good Bye Uncle Buddy

At Christmas time in 1962 Buddy Gries came to play piano for Nancy Sackrison's first grade class at Emma S Melzer School in Morton Grove.
I was fortunate enough to be in that class and to enjoy his beautiful music.
He made that day so very special!
46 years later....if i close my eyes i can still hear him singing and playing the piano!
He shared his wonderful talent with the world, touched many lives and he was always appreciated.....even by the little children who sat mesmerized and singing the Christmas carols.
Buddy, thank you for touching all of our lives....and for making many wonderful memories!
My deepest sympathies to the entire Gries family.

Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.....and remembering fondly Buddy Gries.

Simply...the Best!

I was just thinking yesterday that it has been too long since I went to see Buddy Charles.

My sincere and deepest condolences to the entire and extended family.

I only knew Buddy for a short time through my freind Jeanne Scherkenbach. He was an amazing soul that generously touch many through his music. I had the honor of singing with him a few times at Chambers and it was a blessing to partake in his genius. The world has lost someone very special.

Sincere condolences to Buddy's family-his big family of relatives and so many friends and colleagues, too.
Chicago has lost a treasure. We're grateful to have known him and his music. Thanks for so many rich moments, Buddy. Nan and JB Fournier, Chicago

To the Gries Family,

Our love and prayers go out to you on the loss of our dear friend, Buddy, who befriended many of us who wandered into the Acorn on Oak and who let us be priviledged into his greater life. We will miss him but take great comfort in knowing that he's home after a long and faithful journey.

I was 19 years old when I first met Buddy at the "Acorn on Oak". Buddy look up from the piano and said "little girl does your mother know you are here?" I answered "yes, my mother sent me! I'm Big John's daughter". Buddy asked "if I was the Bomber" I replied "No, I'm Wires"-and from that moment I fell in love with Buddy Charles. He has filled our family with love, music, laughter and great memories over the years. I will keep all the Gries family in my prayers.

I was 19 years old when I first met Buddy at the Acorn at Oak. Buddy look up from the piano and said little girl does your mother know you are here? I answered yes, my mother sent me! I'm Big John's daughter, He asked if I was the Bomber I replied no I'm Wires-and from that moment I fell in love with Buddy Charles. He has filled our family with love, music, laughter and great memories over the years. I will keep all the Gries family in my prayers.

Dear Pat,

I knew Buddy since 1980, when I was still living in Europe. Buddy opened a new world for me with his music, and teached me how to listen. I can truly say that Buddy changed my life and personality. I will always be grateful for that.

I never forget how he warned Stephanie against the "crazy Belgian". I also will never forget how he played and performed at our wedding. I was soooo proud that Buddy was there, and myself and all guests enjoyed every second.

What a coincidence that Buddy played for many eyars with my father-in-law, Raymond, and that I knew both of them, but never saw them performing together before meeting Steffie..

Heaven is now a better place than ever, the best pianoplayer and performer is now there.

Buddy, I'm so gratefull that I was given the privilege to know you and that I could call you a friend.

Pat, my sincere condolences, Buddy will be in my prayers for as long as I live

Rik Primo

Buddy, Big John Tuohy's been waiting for you. Anytime we hear "Silver Bells" we'll be thinking of you. Thanks for all the joy you gave us over the years and for your great Catholic witness. It was an honor to know you.

Buddy will be missed by all who heard him. He lightened the hearts of many and is singing a new song in eternity.

In loving memory of Buddy, my Mentor and Friend, whose help, guidance, energy, and humor influenced my life personally and professionally, making me a better person for having known him.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

I so enjoyed going to Acorn on Oak and Coq d'or to listen to Buddy. I brought many a friend to listen to his wonderful music. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to all.

My sincerest wishes to the family! Buddy's love and joy have greatly influenced my life -- and I am grateful to have been able to call him my friend! Much love to you all, Jeanne

To the Gries family:

I am so sorry for your loss and send prayers for your family at this difficult time. Buddy was a wonderful man who brought much joy to anyone who met him. He was a joy to watch performing and brought a smile to my face many times. I will cherish the memories I have of him.

With much sympathy,

Denise Niemann

We needed you and your music for
many, many years...and you were there for us. More of us than you could ever count were enriched by your talent, your friendship, and your personal attention. Goodbye
for now, Buddy. We'll all be back with you in that better place.

Buddy, a man of great faith and wisdom, has gone home. For myself, I feel great sadness; for him, great joy.

He was a man whose heart was big enough to hold all of the stray people in the world who were looking for love and guidance. I was one of the people lucky enough to be adopted by him over 30 years ago when I needed a fatherly influence in my life.

Through the years we shared our love of religion, psychology, philosophy and music. He was a man of great insight and humor refined by intensive reading and prayer.

He gave great music, good laughs and better hugs.

My husband, Joe, and I offer our love and prayers to his beautiful wife, Pat, and his children, Terry, Mandy, Tabby and Chris, who were always on his lips and clearly the better part of the joy in his life.