Charles Kysilka Obituary

Sometimes the most ordinary of men can embody the most extraordinary qualities. Chuck Kysilka was, as I told his wife Jean, a young man trapped within the body of an older gentleman. From the moment I met him many years ago, he was filled with the joy of life. He was excited by the world, and delighted in his new discoveries. We never ran out of things to talk about.



My last phone call to him lasted more than an hour. Even as his body had given way, his mind was still learning new things.



However it was the actions of the man that set him apart. He was a warm and affectionate man, sometimes a rascal, and fully aware of his human frailties. Yet rather than hide from his tribulations by belittling others, he faced his shortcomings with honesty. The multitude of obstacles he dealt with throughout his life might have crushed another person. Chuck simply worked his way through each one.



There can be no truer definition of a successful life than one who inspires the affection of young children and the devotion of the adults. It was a privilege to have this type of successful man as my friend.