Charlie Waters was a great friend and likely the most beloved editor by staff I have ever met.
He had country boy wisdom, impeccable integrity, wit and humility. We both worked at the Fresno Bee (decades apart), at the Los Angeles Times together and at the Las Vegas Sun together (after he left Fresno). We had lunch regularly in Las Vegas. One day he told me about this guy named John Canzano.
I wasn’t happy with the Oregonian’s new columnist. This Canzano cat seemed to be throwing rocks at Oregon sports, outsider-like. Charlie would have none of it. Just wait, he said. “He’s a star and going to be a bigger one. Talk to me in a year. I’ll bet you change your mind.”
Then Charlie said something that carried debate-ending weight. Canzano, he said, “was the best hire of my life.”
I don’t know if anyone in any endeavor ever got higher praise.
Thank you, John. Yes, I had a mentor, and a few others who made significant impact on what I came to be. I am frequently reminded of a former President who was castigated for telling the businessmen: “you know, you didn’t do this by yourself.”
Great writing I had a mentor like yours in my career, he died many years ago but I think of him often even in retirement! Thank you for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
John... Charlie Waters helped you clear the distractions so you could see your purpose. Hiding in plain sight. Something important for Thanksgiving Day. Lucky you. Lucky us.
I never really knew the name "Charlie Waters." But he obviously had a huge influence over a writer I cite all the time, which would be you, Mr. Canzano! So Charlie Waters had to be a good one!
After reading your story I remembered that I had missed a call from a friend of 50 years. So glad I reached out as he had been in the hospital for 2 weeks but expected to get to PT just later in the day. Your thanksgiving message to reach out to those you hold dear was perfect ..thank you John and blessings to you and family.,
Thank you for sharing, JC, and Happy Thanksgiving to the Canzano whanau. Can't imagine a better topic for today. We cook our turkey tomorrow here in NZ, with a handful of American ex-pats as our guests. We are blessed.
I'm 74 years old and wish to convey what has grimly transpired over the last 15 years as my friends and relatives have begun dying off. The smokers go first. They are the youngest to die. Most of the fatsos and boozers are still hanging in there but the smokers are pretty much all gone.
A beautiful tribute to your mentor and friend, Charlie Waters. We all have something to be thankful for, no matter our current struggles, so thank you for reminding us of that and prodding us to pass on what skills and knowledge we can to the next generations. P.S. I agree with the pitching analogy because we never know if you will publish something happy, something sad; something funny something mad.....and we look forward to it! Thank you!
Better words never spoken. About thirty years ago I looked up four people who made a huge difference in my career (and by extension my happiness as a person) I've stayed in touch with them since. The first was my sales supervisor at my first full time job in 1973. Jack Apps taught me most of what I learned about selling in two short years. I called him twice a year for twenty-five years until he died in 2015. On our last call he reminded my that when about to close a deal, never say, "I won't let you down." to the customer. Rather, tell him, "My integrity is on the line. I won't let myself down." Worth remembering. I've been seeking out people to mentor for decades now. What could be more uplifting than to hear voice on the other line say, "Mr Wright - you changed my life."? Your Charlie Waters is another person I wish I had met in person. Thanks for introducing him to us via your column. Happy Thanksgiving! Thank BIG.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, JC.
Charlie Waters was a great friend and likely the most beloved editor by staff I have ever met.
He had country boy wisdom, impeccable integrity, wit and humility. We both worked at the Fresno Bee (decades apart), at the Los Angeles Times together and at the Las Vegas Sun together (after he left Fresno). We had lunch regularly in Las Vegas. One day he told me about this guy named John Canzano.
I wasn’t happy with the Oregonian’s new columnist. This Canzano cat seemed to be throwing rocks at Oregon sports, outsider-like. Charlie would have none of it. Just wait, he said. “He’s a star and going to be a bigger one. Talk to me in a year. I’ll bet you change your mind.”
Then Charlie said something that carried debate-ending weight. Canzano, he said, “was the best hire of my life.”
I don’t know if anyone in any endeavor ever got higher praise.
We all who knew him miss him every day.
Thank you for this D. Appreciate this more than you know. Happy Thanksgiving.
Home run, John. I’m so glad sports writing found you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for being here. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Thank you, John. Yes, I had a mentor, and a few others who made significant impact on what I came to be. I am frequently reminded of a former President who was castigated for telling the businessmen: “you know, you didn’t do this by yourself.”
Great writing I had a mentor like yours in my career, he died many years ago but I think of him often even in retirement! Thank you for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
So true.
Happy Thanksgiving John. Terrific column befitting the holiday.
Thank you.
John... Charlie Waters helped you clear the distractions so you could see your purpose. Hiding in plain sight. Something important for Thanksgiving Day. Lucky you. Lucky us.
Find a mentor... be a mentor... thank you for this.
I never really knew the name "Charlie Waters." But he obviously had a huge influence over a writer I cite all the time, which would be you, Mr. Canzano! So Charlie Waters had to be a good one!
Long after I left The Bee... I'd hear from Charlie. He was quick with a small bit of feedback. Followed me for years after I'd left.
After reading your story I remembered that I had missed a call from a friend of 50 years. So glad I reached out as he had been in the hospital for 2 weeks but expected to get to PT just later in the day. Your thanksgiving message to reach out to those you hold dear was perfect ..thank you John and blessings to you and family.,
Thank you for sharing, JC, and Happy Thanksgiving to the Canzano whanau. Can't imagine a better topic for today. We cook our turkey tomorrow here in NZ, with a handful of American ex-pats as our guests. We are blessed.
Do you watch Ducks games online? What sports do New Zealanders have? Why do Americans move to New Zealand?
Ariel, lots to share here. Will PM you on FB :)
A wonderful piece and tribute. I look forward to every column you write. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Thank you TC. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Great read. Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Mark. Happy Thanksgiving.
I'm 74 years old and wish to convey what has grimly transpired over the last 15 years as my friends and relatives have begun dying off. The smokers go first. They are the youngest to die. Most of the fatsos and boozers are still hanging in there but the smokers are pretty much all gone.
Thanks for this. I think it's generational. Fewer smokers among young people? Or just anecdotal?
You were blessed indeed! thanks for sharing.
He was a gift.
Out of faith in yourself (usually garnered with other’s support) and perseverance comes excellence. What a great read. Enjoy your thanksgiving!!
Confidence is comfort... comfort is confidence, as they say.
A beautiful tribute to your mentor and friend, Charlie Waters. We all have something to be thankful for, no matter our current struggles, so thank you for reminding us of that and prodding us to pass on what skills and knowledge we can to the next generations. P.S. I agree with the pitching analogy because we never know if you will publish something happy, something sad; something funny something mad.....and we look forward to it! Thank you!
Find a mentor... be a mentor.
Better words never spoken. About thirty years ago I looked up four people who made a huge difference in my career (and by extension my happiness as a person) I've stayed in touch with them since. The first was my sales supervisor at my first full time job in 1973. Jack Apps taught me most of what I learned about selling in two short years. I called him twice a year for twenty-five years until he died in 2015. On our last call he reminded my that when about to close a deal, never say, "I won't let you down." to the customer. Rather, tell him, "My integrity is on the line. I won't let myself down." Worth remembering. I've been seeking out people to mentor for decades now. What could be more uplifting than to hear voice on the other line say, "Mr Wright - you changed my life."? Your Charlie Waters is another person I wish I had met in person. Thanks for introducing him to us via your column. Happy Thanksgiving! Thank BIG.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful story on a nice Thanksgiving Day! You have offered your members,
an opportunity to reflect the experiences and blessings for which, each can be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! PMM
Thank you for being here. Charlie would have loved this rogue enterprise.