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!
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.
Home run, John. I’m so glad sports writing found you. Happy Thanksgiving.
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!
Happy Thanksgiving John. Terrific column befitting the holiday.
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.
A wonderful piece and tribute. I look forward to every column you write. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Great read. Thanks, and 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.
You were blessed indeed! thanks for sharing.
Out of faith in yourself (usually garnered with other’s support) and perseverance comes excellence. What a great read. Enjoy your thanksgiving!!
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!
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