To know Charlie is to love him. For 69 years the effects of cerebral palsy limited Charlie’s physical abilities, but never his ability to generously love and to express his love with great exuberance. Charlie brought inspiration and joy to all who were fortunate to share his life.
Charlie, lovingly called Chasbo by his siblings, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 4, 1945 to Magdalene Jolley Fechser and Charles Deronda Fechser. Charlie’s father died when he was five years old. The family then moved to Provo, Utah, which became home to Charlie for his remaining years. Charlie’s life was blessed by his loving siblings, John Fechser (deceased) and Jeannie Fechser Tate, Key Fechser (deceased), Leslie and Bruce Tall and Lynn and Gary Anderson, all of whom doted on the youngest brother.
Charlie was clearly an extrovert. He loved people indiscriminately, reaching out to everyone with warm smiles, friendly greetings and big bear hugs. He was comfortable and happy in his world. Words which best describe Charlie are: joyful, enthusiastic, adventuresome, teasing, intuitive, empathetic, affectionate, inspirational, and most of all, loving.
People were the source of happiness for Charlie, and there were many: parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and friends—all of whom gave love, attention and service.
One of the special times in Charlie’s life was his endowment day at the LDS Provo Temple which brought peace, warmth and a reminder that families are forever.
Pain was ever present during Charlie’s last few years. His loved ones rejoice in the knowledge that he now enjoys a healthy body free from disability and suffering.
We pay tribute to Charlie for a life well-lived, for his ability to embrace with gratitude the good in his life instead of focusing on the difficult. He understood that loving relationships are the real source of joy, and those he had in abundance.
One cannot pay tribute to Charlie without giving honor and praise to his mother, Margo Fechser, who selflessly cared for him, nurtured him and loved him with her whole heart and soul.
Charlie’s family feels enormous gratitude for the love and devotion shown to Charlie from family, friends and those who served his needs at the Trinity Mission Care Center. We are also grateful for the extraordinary care Charlie received from Hospice and the staff at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sunset 3rd Ward Chapel, 1090 West 1020 South, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30 until 10:45. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.bergmortuary.com.
