A heartfelt response to tragedy

SEELEY LAKE - "Charlie was an individual who walks into a room and meets all sorts of different people. When he walks out of the room, he's got 20 new friends," said Mark Wilson, Charlie Wolff's neighbor on Big Sky Lake and in Green Valley, Arizona. "He took an interest in people and what they did."

Friends, neighbors and others who loved Charlie and the Cahoon family gathered Friday at Double Arrow Golf Course for the First Annual Charlie Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament. Charlie along with his friend Wayne Cahoon were killed in an airplane crash Sept. 12 near Seeley Lake. Wayne's son Christian Cahoon survived and is receiving treatment in Seattle, Washington for his injuries.

According to an article in the Green Valley News, Charlie grew up on a farm, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked at Boeing for 30 years in Seattle managing design engineers. He retired 12 years ago and he and his wife Peggy moved to Green Valley. They also had a place on Big Sky Lake near Seeley Lake.

That is where Mark first met Charlie. They both retired in 2008 and both loved to golf.

They golfed together almost every day, whether it was in Seeley Lake, Arizona or traveling to tournaments. Mark added Charlie was one of a select few that could talk to anyone. He was a brilliant man, good friend and well loved by many.

In the morning when Mark would ask him how he was doing, his responses ranged from "Absolutely marvelous," or "It's a fabulous day" said Mark recreating Charlie's enthusiasm. "Everything was beautiful to him."

"He was like a big magnet that drew you to him," added Ruby, Mark's wife.

Everywhere they golfed, Mark said Charlie would visit with the grounds crew they would see on the course. He was quick to hand out candy to the employees as a way to reach out and he often complimented them on their work.

"Most people wouldn't even spend the time to say thank you," said Mark. "He appreciated what they did. That was Charlie. He was so giving and he loved life and loved everybody."

Ruby said Charlie taught Mark how to live.

"He personally drew me out of my shell, as only Charlie can, and turned me into the human being I am today," said Mark. "He did his best and I did my best to make both of us better."

Following the tragedy, the Wilsons felt they needed to do something for the town of Seeley Lake and to honor and remember Charlie.

"Everybody in town knew who Charlie was," said Mark. "Being no funeral service, it is something for Charlie's friends to get together and talk about Charlie, laugh about Charlie and tell stories about Charlie. It was just a time for everyone to get together and remember and honor him and get everyone out on the golf course."

Ruby added it was also an opportunity for everyone to come together since no one knows what to do or where to go or how to deal with the loss.

"We haven't seen most of these people since Charlie died," said Ruby. "They are all our golfing friends. We just felt that it was really important that our friends be able to grieve and laugh and share memories together."

The Wilsons arranged the tournament in two days with the help of Lonnie and Randy Warner. After simply sending out an email, they recruited 48 players for Friday's tournament.

"Charlie's aura spread throughout the community. Even people that don't play golf were welcome to come, talk to the golfers, talk to each other, trade stories and trade laughs. It's good to see the people of Seeley Lake and the valley come together and do this," said Mark. "It is our way of showing how much we loved Charlie and how much we are going to miss him."

The event included a 50/50 raffle with all the proceeds going to the Cahoon family to support Christian. Ruby predicted the winner would turn over their earnings and Charlie's neighbor on Big Sky Lake Jeff Harrits did just that. The Cahoon family was given all $1,030 raised in the 50/50.

Cash prizes were also awarded to the top five places for both men and women. Cory Dennehy won for the men and Sue Hatfield took the women's tournament. The winnings were also donated to the Cahoon family.

"I think Seeley Lake lost two great people in that plane crash but God spared one. I pray for Christian. I hope he recovers 100% and he will be back to lead this valley forward," said Mark to the crowd during the awards ceremony. "I'm proud of the generosity shown by all of you for the Cahoon family. Wayne, Christian and Charlie are never going to be out of our lives."

"I thank you so much," said Wayne's wife Sandee Cahoon, to the group after receiving the donations for Christian. "Thank you to all of you. They loved all of you."

The Wilsons look forward to hosting another memorial tournament sometime in September again next year so people can come up to Seeley Lake, get together and golf.