On Father’s Day, June 21, 2009, we lost a dear friend.

Chuck Caddey died on Sunday, surrounded by his family.

Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling Club would not be the thriving, healthy organization it is today without Chuck Caddey. He served as the club’s president from 1999 through 2007. For many of us, Chuck was our first introduction to the club–a warm handshake and a smile. Everyone felt welcome when Chuck was on the greens.

When Chuck came on as president, the club was in trouble. Membership had dwindled and many people thought the club was destined to close. But Chuck was determined to introduce a new generation to the sport and place he loved. Every Wednesday night (Fridays later on) Chuck hosted free nights open to the public. One by one he built a new core group.

Many of those people (and I am one of them) were drawn first to the spirit and kindness of Chuck, and only later embraced the sport of lawn bowling.

Chuck’s joy came from seeing “young people” out on the greens. He had the uncanny ability to teach you to bowl, convince you to join the club and ask if you’d like to be on the board… all in one night.

He wasn’t much for competition. He never played in a national championship. But he will always be our champion.

July 4th is the Chuck Caddey Independence Day Ice Cream Social & Open Bowling (7pm). Marge (Chuck’s wife) thought that would be the best time for us to honor Chuck’s life. It just so happens that Chuck and Marge met on July 4, 1952.

Come on out and celebrate the life of our president, friend, and champion.