Condolence From: Mark Steffen (Kent ‘98)
Condolence: I was a student of Mr Gould’s at Kent School. He had the most profound effect on me as a student. So much so that I wrote my college application essay about my first day in his English class. Incidentally, that essay gained me acceptance to Bowdoin College where I graduated in the class of ‘02.
There is no teacher on this earth who has shaped the direction of my life more than Charles Gould. I had hoped to have the chance to tell him that one day—though I think he knew already.
My deepest condolences to his family. What a tragic and unexpected loss.
Most Sincerely,
Mark D Steffen (Kent ‘98)
Sunday April 29, 2018
Condolence From: Linda Ward
Condolence: So sorry, Susan, Richard, and jane,
It hits close to home when the friends our age depart unexpectedly. I will always remember Jay in his jacket and bow tie, smoking a pipe and driving a taxi. One day when we were very young he rapped on my door with an umbrella and asked me for a date. I am sure I was too young to appreciate such a debonair gentleman. And that he remained, it seems. I ran into him a few times over the last years and he appeared not to have changed.Again, so sorry about your loss-Linda
Sunday July 30, 2017
Condolence From: John Hunter
Condolence: Dear Susan, Richard and Jane--my very deepest sympathy to you on Charles's unexpected passing.
Saturday July 15, 2017
Condolence From: Valerie P Jackson
Condolence: My deepest sympathy to Susan, Richard and Jane.
I have only had the most casual acquaintance with Charles. I met him when I was co-owner of the English Meadows Inn in Lower Village, Kennebunk and he came in for "Tea" some years ago. He was the most gracious guest and charmed us with stories. He had a rare quality of kindness, genuine courtly manners(exceedingly rare these days), a gentleman and a true scholar. Once the Inn was sold, I would occasion upon him in town or he would see me gardening in front of my little yellow Victorian and he would stop to say a brief hello in his characteristic bow tie and blazer saying how he missed the classic English tea room. He was a rare gem and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A fine man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Saturday July 15, 2017
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Thursday July 06, 2017
Condolence From: Biff Prince
Condolence: Dear Susan, Richard and Jane,
People so full of vitality catch me off guard when it is their time. We still think of him as Jay from childhood days. The memories are strong and good: Lobster bakes, Studebakers, model railroads, tobacco pipes and family get-togethers. The later included laughter in conversation, an upscale hint in attire, a hint of something else in the drinks, and a tremendous sense of family and togetherness and of course Kennebunkport. With a loving God much is possible so watch for subtle signs of our friend by the Emmaus Exit on the Maine Turnpike.
Be well all.
Biff, Cyndy, Scott, Chris and Matthew Prince
Straatham, NH
Thursday July 06, 2017
Condolence From: Sanford Prince IV
Condolence: To Susan, Richard and Jane,
Our condolences to you each of you knowing this is a difficult time with the passing of Jay. We have many fond memories with Jay and the relatives during the family gatherings.
Sandy and Susan Prince
Jenny, Clark and Jenny Prince
Thursday July 06, 2017
Condolence From: Bill Margolin
Condolence: I was so very saddened to hear of Charlie's death. I first met him at Bowdoin-we were both members of the same fraternity (Theta Delta Chi). I often recounted that Charlie would fulfill his initiation requirement by mowing the front lawn of the fraternity house, dressed, of course, in his jacket and bowtie and smoking his pipe. He looked so much older than his actual age in those days that a new professor who always nodded hello to him on campus finally stopped him and asked him what subject he taught. To which Charlie replied, "I am currently a freshman." I was his roommate during the first half of our junior year and when I dropped out to go into the service, he often sent me notes, and, of course, the annual Charles E. Gould Christmas Poem (all of which I have saved and cherished). He used to park his Studebaker head to head in front of the Moulton Union at Bowdoin with an almost identical model owned by Gladys Groel, the evening switchboard operator. He once published an article about Mrs. Groel also.
I kept in touch with Charlie after my return to Bowdoin and attempted to assist him in his pursuit of P.G. Wodehouse material through my own collecting network.He visited me at a Postcard and Ephemera Show in Portland about 4-5 years ago and I was delighted to see him.
Our class at Bowdoin had its fiftieth anniversary celebrations in early June and Charlie was often mentioned, especially among his fellow Theta Delta Chi members.He was a unique individual and we, who were among his circle of friends were very blessed and fortunate indeed.
Wednesday July 05, 2017
Condolence From: Elizabeth Ring
Condolence: I was so sorry to read of Charlie's death. I remember first meeting him at his table in the Moulton Union at which I was privileged to sit occasionally and enjoy remarkable conversations. His bow tie and his Studebaker were icons on campus. His wit and his intense love of English were gifts to everyone who crossed paths with him. My condolences to you all.
Tuesday July 04, 2017
Condolence From: Jill & Jay White
Condolence: To Jane, Susan, and Richard
Jay and I are in shock over the news of Charles passing. We were just with him earlier in June, having lunch, celebrating our anniversary and getting caught up on life's affairs. Charles adopted us and our family in ways. We met him shortly after be began a new chapter in his life, retirement. Jay and I were also starting a new chapter, as business owners with a new family. He took an interest in us, calling on us when he needed our services or maybe just a friendly visit. I think it was a little of both. We enjoyed many meals together, at his favorite haunts. We found out that he was a man of routine, and often joked with him about it. Our conversations were filled with endless joking, poking, and laughter, and he always had something funny to leave us with - until we met again. Resistent to the age of technology, he reluctantly started to use email. Feeling blessed that Jay and I were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of these momentous hurdles in his life. Charles was very much his own man, living life the way he wanted to and in the best way he knew. He loved freely those who were important in his life. His impression will live forever in our hearts. May we remember all the fun and laughter that we shared together, as it is life's best medicine.
Rest In Peace, Charcoal E. Grilled, Jr 💗
Tuesday July 04, 2017
