It is an honor and privilege to deliver this tribute to Charlie Thompson at his Memorial Service on April 17, 2004 here at Christ Church Oyster Bay. The reasons why I am accorded this honor give some insight into the special kind of person Charlie was. First, I met Charlie here at Christ Church where I serve on the Vestry, and where Charlie was a lifelong member. As a good Episcopalian, Charlie had firm ties in his own church while making occasional forays into other churches both locally and in Manhattan. The leadership of the church gives tribute today to Charlie for his loyal support and active participation.

Secondly, I am currently president of the Oyster Bay Historical Society, in large part due to Charlie. As a past president of the society, Charlie took great care to recruit and nurture trustees in historic preservation, the local history of the North Shore, and the maintenance of the Earle-Wightman House, where Charlie took special interest in the garden. On behalf of the several trustees here today, I give tribute to Charlie for his enthusiasm and dedication.

Another major focus of Charlie's philanthropic spirit was the Locust Valley Library, where he was also a past president of the board of trustees. His well-known landmark house across the street from the library graced the neighborhood for many years. As many of us will recall, its well-appointed rooms were a reflection of Charlie's personality - classy, comfortable, and cultured, with a little bit of clutter.

A true representative of Long Island's North Shore elite, Charlie was educated at the Green Vale School, Middlesex School and Harvard University. In 1957, Charlie received a master of education degree from Columbia University, where he was dean of Teachers College until his retirement. At the time of his death on March 8, 2004, he was still an active member of the Alumni Council of Teachers College. For many years, Charlie divided his time between residences in Manhattan and Locust Valley, fortunate to have most of his family nearby. We are thankful to his family for offering this memorial service and reception today to allow us to share our recollections of our friend.

Let me share one such recollection. Liz Roosevelt sailed with Charlie in the junior program at Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club during the 1940s, when Charlie had a Sea Bird called Curlew. When Larchmont Junior Day races got written up in The Herald Tribune, Charlie's boat was mentioned as Curfew, which Liz thought was rather appropriate, since it came in last.

What none of these objective facts reveal is an adequate picture of the man himself, with his upbeat personality, civility, good taste, and cultural interests. A true product of his time and place, he was - by breeding and by behavior - a true gentleman. His circle of friends and acquaintances extended well into and beyond the Social Register, for he was genuinely interested in all sorts of people. His impish grin, infectious charm, and insatiable curiosity made him a welcome guest, good conversationalist, sound historian, and good friend to so many of us.

That is why one of the most distressing things about Charlie's recent illness and depression was how it robbed our friend of his natural ebullience and love of life. In the last few months, he was too frequently too ill to receive visits from even his closest friends, including myself and his friend and neighbor Suzanne Dillenbeck. However, the person who was the closest to him throughout his life, his friend Larry Aiken, helped him throughout his illness, to the very end. Our disappointment at not seeing Charlie in recent months was lessened by the comfort in knowing that Charlie had the help of his friend and companion Larry and his wonderful caretaker Wieslava (Visha) Czerepah.

When all is said and done, however, the true value of a person's life is measured by the affection it arouses in others. Like God's love, given by grace with no regard to merit, such affection cannot be demanded or expected based on our talents, abilities or worldly accomplishments. As a final tribute to Charlie, let me give him what is perhaps the highest tribute anyone can receive at the end of this earthly life - he was much loved. Goodbye, Charlie, we shall miss you.

Carol A. Miller was born on June 8, 1957 and died on April 25, 2004 at the age of 46. She is survived by her sister Stella Miller, and her brothers, Joseph Fetterly and John Miller Jr. Carol is also survived by many friends. A memorial service will be held on May 21 at the Francis P. DeVine Funeral Home, 293 South St., Oyster Bay, at 11 a.m. Services will begin at noon with interment of ashes to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Brookville. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Carol Miller Memorial Fund at Child Development Research, 22 W. 21st St., 10th floor, New York, NY 10011.

Bradley Marmorale, of Bayville, died on April 26, 2004. Father of Frank. Son of Frank (Andrea) and Lorraine (Maurice). Brother of Leslie and Missy. Arrangements were made by the Whitting Funeral Home, Glen Head. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gertrude's RC Church. Interment Locust Valley Cemetery.

Marjorie G. Marks, of Mill Neck, died on April 29, 2004. Wife of the late Lawrence M. Sister of Eleanor J. Grennan. Arrangements were made by the Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Service at St. John's of Lattingtown. Donations may be made to St. John's of Lattingtown, PO Box 448, Locust Valley, NY 11560.

Josephine Vancura, 102, of Bayville, died on April 30, 2004. Aunt of Alice Cavallaro (Michael), Anne Hughes (James), Joan Kappler (Wallace) and Emil (Janet). Also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews. Arrangements were made by the Dodge-Thomas Funeral Home, Glen Cove. Interment St. Michael's Cemetery.