BS: Uncle Chic

Subject: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 08:53 PM

He tones this down a lot. The real story(s) would sicken you.

And, there are a LOT more stories. I have begged my cousin Jim to get them recorded.

Tough as nails.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 09:12 PM

One thing he doesn't mention in the audio is that he got lost behind lines and a telegram was sent home that he was MIA and presumed dead... it was at least a week before he got back. He broke his back on the bike and still rode. He slept under trucks when he could find one to sleep under... sometimes in puddles in cold weather. He slept on the bike. He slept through terror. He's a good guy.

He's 90 and he's got cancer and things don't look all that great.

Thanks Chic.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 11:38 PM

Thanks very much, gnu. I'll have a good listen in the morning when I can turn the speakers on. I reckon TL will want to hear it, too.

You've got some tough family members.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 02:44 PM

There were three boys and five girls. The youngest son tried to enlist underaged and was turned away because the recruiting officer knew him. The eldest daughter was married and couldn't enlist. All the others did enlist.

Dad was in the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. He was sent home from England because he had been shot in the shoulder but he got into The 14th Field Ambulance, Canadian Medical Corps and went back. The stories from then on are chilling and not those of a medic.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 03:38 PM

I found that particulr attack he spoke of at Teniers Square

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Beer
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 03:44 PM

There were several times when i had to turn around and look at the picture thinking I heard Gnu speak. I know because I spent a very enjoyable evening a few years back with him and have spoke to him a good number of time on the phone.

Those stories are very much appreciated.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:51 PM

What an incredible archive and what a family of service members. Thank you so much for sharing, gnu. This kinds of oral history are so precious. He has a very distinctive, strong voice...I could listen to him for hours of stories. I hope he does well, health-wise, but if not, may he pass peacefully.

Can you get a copy of the full audio of this resource, at least, if your cousin isn't able to get any more recorded?

There are great stories out there. Floyd Coleman was a friend of my parents, is 98, and wants to be the oldest, living WWII vet in the US. He's still in good health, so may make it.

My mom and dad had an Indian with a sidecar when they married. Good thing my dad didn't test my mom that way!

Thanks so much for sharing. I wish your Uncle Chic the best and thanks for telling us his memories.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:58 PM

Thanks, Beer. Those stories need to be told and that site is a treasure. As for Uncle Chic, I just hope he told as many of the stories as he told me and that he audio on that site is not the whole recording, although it would take hours to tell just the stories I heard. Very graphic and unsettling... very humourous. Same as for my old man.

On a sad note, my Aunt Ester, one of four army nurses, had post traumatic stress syndrome and drank herself to her grave far to early. Dad and Chic got off the booze, but it took years.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 07:01 PM

Thanks kat. Although, most of the stories are not so good. For instance, what you heard him say about the MPs that were directing traffic... not the way it went down. The actual story is from a horror movie. But, I can understand why he toned that one down when he was being recorded. I could hear him "thinking" a few times during that audio and changing the story... a gentlemanly thing to do.

I wish my father had been recorded. My FiL as well. FiL was in The Boot, artillery, Battle of Monte Casino. Shortly after that, pretty much blinded by a grenade while on recon. Heck of a story. Again, it doesn't have a "good" ending, but, it was war and ya can't blame soldiers for not being perfect in combat.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 06:17 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 02:52 PM

Scroll down to Teniers Square.

The streetcar pic. Chic was behind the guy that took that pic.

Just got off the phone with Chic. They have upped his morphine but he is still in a lot of pain. I am glad I could make him laugh a few times. Now it's time for one last visit.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 04:29 PM

You are a good nephew and son, gnu. May there be peace and release of pain.

With all good thoughts and gratitude,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:51 PM

Gnu, if you sense a good time in your visit- Please thank your Uncle Chic for his sacrifices, and for telling his story.

Maeve, whose uncles are all gone.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 08:44 PM

Got two CDs today. I had asked for the full interview on CD from The Memory Project by email. They are free. Much to my surprise there was a note attached to one of them... "A Gift from friends from Maine"

Thanks.

When I talked to Chic today, I asked about the other stories and why he didn't tell them. He said they weren't something he thought were to be talked about. And I know why... they are horrifying. I did not say anything. His choice. But, I wish he did or would. They really should be recorded... no matter how graphic and horrific. this project is to document such stories for future generations... to tell them FIRST HAND of what war is. Hell. And survival.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 May 12 - 06:36 PM

Just got off the phone. Oncologist says 3 to 4 weeks. Tough as nails. Got time for a few more visits.

He's calm. He sleeps well. I said, buddy, 90 years... done a lot of things... fine wife... four good boys... success in business... ya still have the world by the ass on a downhill pull even though it's going to come to an end just like it does for everyone... ya done good. He said, "Yeah, I did. Thanks."

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 May 12 - 07:05 PM

Tell him "Good job!" for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 12 - 09:58 PM

Me, too. So glad you've had the chance to speak with him so much. That's important.

The CDs will be priceless. I regret not having much of my mom on tape.

Love is all there is, Love is all we need,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 May 12 - 10:38 PM

Three to four weeks--what can I say? I hope these weeks are filled with wonderful memories and love and also free of pain.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 14 May 12 - 05:05 PM

Well, last weekend he was at his son's place and a bunch of people were there. Had partridge stew (ruffed grouse, a deliacy in our family). He had a good time. Same deal yesterday with a nice meal as well. Wish I coulda been there.

When he goes into palliative care, I am going bring him a box of Joe Louis... he used to get me to stop at 6AM so he could get them on our way north.
His wife woulda been pissed if she had known.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 May 12 - 08:12 PM

Gnu - What was his name?

And my Uncle Jim told me stories about being one of the first doctors to liberate one of the death camps. Buchenwald. Those will curl your hair too.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 15 May 12 - 06:32 PM

Chic still IS a nickname for Charles.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 16 May 12 - 08:00 AM

Thinking about your Uncle Chic, gnu. I hope you have some more good visits soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 May 12 - 11:05 AM

What was his rank? I was a sergeant and if he was of lower rank I could ORDER him to shape up and get well. You can tell him I said that. That's the way the military works.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 16 May 12 - 06:43 PM

His rank was First Class A Number One Tough As Nails. As far as ordering Chic to do anything, I expect nobody ever had to do so. If they did and he didn't think it was right, I expect they got theirs. Matter of fact, in a way, that happened one time with some US MPs and a US colonel but I can't recall the details. In the end, it involved a VERY pissed off US General who was waiting on the dispatch rider... Uncle Chic. Hmmmm... something about giving up his Sten (machine pistol) before he proceeded.

Gosh I wish I had written all those stories down.

I just this minute called to find out when to call to see if I can visit tomorrow. It went to the speaker phone and I heard him ask his wife who it was... he sounded.. you know that sound... drugs. He's in the care of a palliative care doc now (as of Monday) and she took him off morphine and whatever and put hime on a cocktail of methadone and some others. She said not to call before 10AM. That shocked me because he told me on Monday morning he is usually at the breakfast table between 8 and 9 and to call anytime after 8. But, I saw that with my old man... until the dosage is right, that kinda shit can happen.

Sorry to ramble... just venting I guess.

Thanks for listening and thanks for caring about a good hearted man.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 May 12 - 09:52 AM

Jaysus. Being forced to give up your weapon in a combat zone??? I'd be pissed off too, a lot more so that a lousy general waiting for a dispatch. But he could then pick up a Thompson -- much better than a Sten.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 17 May 12 - 03:02 PM

Rap... not likely. They wouldn't give him a Tommy. And, what about ammo? Logistics, Rap.

Spent two hours with him today. He went off on a tangent right away about his years as a radio operator on the DEW Line weather network but his wife got him back into the "conversation". Looks GREAT and talks GREAT for a guy with a month or so to go. Even though they are still trying to work out the dosages on the new drugs.

I WISH I could walk okay so I could take out a fishing rod, make it down and up the hill and catch some sea trout in the pond for him. His pond, next to the house, is not far from The Petitcodiac River. The trout are fresh and tastey.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 17 May 12 - 03:36 PM

This pic makes me cry.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 May 12 - 09:55 PM

I didn't say they'd GIVE him one...I said he could pick on up. Heck, my very own brother nearly picked one up out of truck when he was in Vietnam. Lots of things just sort of laying around a battlefield. He could have brought it home used it for duck hunting.

They ain't making 'em like him anymore.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 18 May 12 - 02:14 AM

Great picture, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 May 12 - 10:19 AM

gnu, I have some of those types of pictures as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 12 - 11:43 AM

I'll bet many folks herein do also, Rap.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 May 12 - 09:59 PM

Good looking family! I'm glad you have a photo like that.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 12 - 10:17 PM

ChanteyLass... thanks. Only as I have aged have I realized that there are good looks that run in the family. Same on my mother's side. Guess I am the Black Sheep!

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 May 12 - 10:29 PM

I was gonna ask....

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 04:05 PM

Rough visit in paliative care at the hospital today. He can't get out of bed by himself. When I lifted him, he winced. Spitting image of my old man when I did the same for him. We had a chat. He's cool with it... tough as nails.

The Greatest Generation? Fas as I know, yeah.

Oh, and the nurses say he is "cute". Must be the Irish good looks and charm. I measn, he landed Hazel, 17 years his younger when he was approaching middle age, and she is a babe in every way. I have been telling him for a year that he STILL has the world by the ass on a downhill slide... been where he went and done what he done and married a young babe and had four strong sons and raised them well and fed them by running a successful business that he built in a tough market and... just being a great fuckin guy... a second father to me and beyond. = he done good.

Sorry... just gotta tell someone. Maybe I am telling me? Whatever. Fuck, fight and hold the light, Chic.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 04:09 PM

It is always a good thing when nurses like a patient for whatever reason. It sounds like he is really something!

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 04:35 PM

They like him because he is nice to them and respects them and the difficult job they have to try to do the best they can at. When poeple don't try to do a good job, he lets them know. Saw it just the other day... he's got some fight in him still.

Hehehee... gotta tell ya what I mean. Lunch came but so did the nurses to change his dressings. Lunch had to wait. When he got to it... he was half way through it when the lass came back for the tray. She started to pick up the tray. Now, here he is with a cup of tea in one hand and a piece of toast in the other hand and he is CHEWING. He asked her what she was doing. She asked, "Are you done yet?" Well! Even though he EVENTUALLY told her to come back in ten or fifteen minutes, she didn't. (Recall he's Irish and slow to temper but when you piss him off like THAT?)

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 04:39 PM

gnudarlin', wrap that big ol' heart of yours up in a big, soft, Mudcat {{{{HUG}}}}...it must've been tough, but I am sure it meant the world to him. Blessings to you and Chic.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Janie
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 04:44 PM

What Kat said....

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 05:58 PM

Thanks. You 'Catters mean a lot to me. Odd thing a cyber community... who could have envisioned that a few short years ago? It's a good thing.

Just got off the phone with one of his sons that is with him now. That downhill slide is getting slipprier by the hour. I kinda knew that today, well, for months that it would happen at some point, but I just hope the grandchildren entertain him by misbehaving REALLY BADLY so my cousin is pissed off. >;-) That'll make Chic smile! He was slow to anger even tho his little bastards used to compete in the aggravation olympics. When me and my bro saw their antics we would look at each other, stunned as to why they were still upright. (Yeah, I know.)

Yeah, that is "bad" for me to wish that or say that. But, the kids are Owens' so what else could I wish for?

Dunno if any of that makes sense really. I am on medication, 355ml at a dose. Vitamin B.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 06:27 PM

Nail his image to your wall and try to live up to it.

I was a sergeant and can tell him what to do -- and he's to shape up!! NOW!!! (Tell him that it's an order!)

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Beer
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 07:29 PM

You heard him Gnu. That's an order.
Talk to you soon.
Ad.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 15 Sep 12 - 08:43 PM

Told ya before, in this very thread, Chic never took orders that he disagreed with. I think, at this point, he would disagree with yours.

Tough as nails but even nails rust. There it is, eh?

As far as trying to live up to his image, I dunno if I could ever be that tough. Gentle.

I'll tell yas the story about the bombed out winery and trading booze for fresh eggs in France some day. If they had Jos Louis back then?

I make sure there is a box of "Joes" in his room at all times.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Sep 12 - 07:28 AM

Then tell him that when he gets to where ever he's going he's to get that place SHAPED UP! He's in charge until I get there and I want it STRAIGHT!!!! Fresh trims on the angel wings! Halos shined until you can see your face in them! I don't want to see a speck of rust on them flaming swords! Togas pressed with creases that'll cut your hands! And those angelic legions had better snap to! None of this la-dee-da farting around, flitting from cloud to cloud! And them Gates had better shine!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 29 Sep 12 - 02:17 PM

I discovered the link in the first post doesn't work anymore so
http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/551:charles-thomas-chick-owens/

Charles Thomas Owens, December 19, 1921 - September 29, 2012.

Fuck, fight and hold the light, Uncle Chic. See ya when I get there.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Sep 12 - 04:15 PM

Gary, my heart aches for you today. I guess the take-away importance is that you had such an incredible person in your life. Not everyone does, you know.

{{{{hug}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: J-boy
Date: 29 Sep 12 - 10:07 PM

I'm sorry brother.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 29 Sep 12 - 10:29 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From:Beer - PM
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 03:44 PM

There were several times when i had to turn around and look at the picture thinking I heard Gnu speak. I know because I spent a very enjoyable evening a few years back with him and have spoke to him a good number of time on the phone.
*******************************************************************

Every visit in the past two months, Chic's wife remarked how much I look like him and sound like him. Spitting image, she said. I spoke to few of the nurses at the hospital during my visits and found out today they thought I was his son and that my cousins were my brothers.

Damn fine compliment was my reply every time as we Owens's are not just good lookin, we are full of it... Irish charm, of course.

Beer... thank YOU for that same compliment. I'll never be half the man that Chic (or my father) was but I am nearly there by their teachings and knowing their actions. I know you understand that in a personal way. Thank you for that as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: ragdall
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 02:57 AM

((((((((((((gnu)))))))))))

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Sep 12 - 08:33 AM

Comisserations !!