My 65-year old father-in-law passed instantly, and unexpectedly, on Wednesday morning after running a mile down to his health club to meet up with his running buddies.
Charles Metcalfe
August 9, 1946-May 2, 2012
He ran more than 50 marathons, qualified for Boston but never had a chance to run it, and coached and paced hundreds of runners through their first races and to PRs. He got my wife to start running, and she eventually inspired me to start running two years ago. He ran with her through her first 4-miler, first half marathon, and first marathon in November 2010…plus hundreds of miles of training runs over the past 3.5 years. It had always been on his bucket list to run a marathon with someone in the family. And just like nearly everything else on that list, he made it happen.
Pacing Becky through her first half marathon in Champaign in 2010.
Becky crossing the finish line of her first half marathon with Chuck just a step behind so she could finish first.
At the starting line of Becky’s first marathon when Chuck paced her through training and the whole race…something that had been on his bucket list for years.
We’ll miss the headbands, Chuck. And we’ll miss you. We already do.
So sorry to hear this. Condolences to you, your wife, and your family.
Thank you, Amy. From all of us.
I’m so so sorry for your loss
The people who change lives are the ones that are missed the most…sounds like he was a good one. My thoughts are with you and your family.
He was definitely a good one. And he’ll definitely be missed. Already is…
What a wonderful role model for your wife and family. I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Miss you Dad, best friend, confidant, role model, gel carrier, advice giver, Mr. Mom, best Papa. The list could go on infinitely to express everything you are to me. Rest peacefully and watch over us as we feebly try to follow your example. We know you’ll be there to greet us if we are so lucky to join you upstairs.
So, so sorry for your sudden loss. Chuck sounds like he was a great guy. Maybe it sounds trite, but he went out doing what he loved: running.
The symbolism of the way he passed is so appropriate in so many ways… He wouldn’t have had it any other way.
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