A FITTING FAREWELL FOR FRIEND CHASSM!!!!

 

                  Kathy Fraze at Chassm's BJ retirement

        Kathy Fraze with shirt that Montague gave her

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!