A love-in to
remember for BJ’s Chassm!
A chasm is a deep divide, either literal or
figurative, such as a giant chasm in an ice cap or the growing chasm between two friends who haven't spoken in a
long time.
There was NO chasm in
the August 17 tribute to BJ’s Chassm, the late Charles “Chassm” Montague, at
R. Shea Brewing on 540 S. Main St.
Chuck Montague, Chassm, passed away
May 7.
Former BJ reporter Jim Carney, when he
wasn’t slashing his forehead into a sign hurriedly crossing E. Exchange Street, read this tribute
to Chassm from former BJ managing editor Doug Oplinger:
“Thinking about you guys and Chassm. Loved him.
“I can still hear his clear and distinct voice from across the newsroom
after we posted a number of changes on the wall — some of which I was unsure
about.
“Cindy Irby put the announcement up, he wandered over, studied it very
quickly, then with his soccer referee voice said: ‘Hey Joanie, you won’t
believe what they’re doing now!’
“Soccer ref he was (in all 50 states!): quick to see and call what just
happened, but nonetheless afterward help and encourage his co-workers to do
good work.
“Journalists are built to be a pain in the ass sometimes, but no matter
where I was or my role in the newsroom, Chuck was always straightforward with
his thoughts.”
Indeed! I found Chuck a fount of joy and laughter with thoughts flowing
from his mouth to our ears!
Former BJ editor Kathy Fraze wore a shirt that Chuck gave her that told it
all:
“Grammar police: To correct and to serve.”
We all should relish life with the vigor that Chassm did.
Former BJ pop culture critic Elaine Guregian nailed it when she labeled
Chassm “standout guy and terrific colleague.”
Steuvenville native Chassm’s obituary noted:
“Chuck married Rebecca
Orosz. Together, they raised two sons, Jonathan, and Joshua Montague,
instilling a passion for sports and a deep appreciation for education.
“Chuck's warmth, wit and commitment to his craft
left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and colleagues.”
He also was a fierce protector of his Newspaper
Guild mates as BJ management learned when they were at the negotiating table
with Chassm.
I’m sure Chassm is enjoying his Heavenly reward and parsing every word I
typed and yelling: “You won’t believe what Olesky wrote now!”
Chassm had an aura and charisma rarer than a red diamond. There are only 30
of them in the world. The BJ had its red diamond in Charles Smith Montague!
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