Charlie W. Bishop, 78 years old, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.

Charlie, loved by everyone who met him (including all four-legged creatures), will most notably be missed by the love of his life and beloved wife, Barbara Bishop; his children Barry Bishop, Laura Ackerburg, and Sara Bishop McGee; his grandchildren Shelby Rush, Sam Bishop, Jordan Rush, Jared Bishop, Madeleine Ackerburg, AJ Ackerburg, and Megan Bishop; his sister Carol Saxby and brother David Bishop; and his many nieces, nephews and extended family. Charlie was the son of the late Eunice and Lawrence Bishop and brother to the late Larry Bishop. He is now happily reunited with his adored dogs: infamous Bruno and kindhearted Eddie.

Tiger Woods should count himself lucky that he never had to face this golf champion. Charlie was an avid golfer known for his uncanny ability to toss his club forty yards like an Olympic javelin and curse like a sailor. Over the years, he attempted to teach all of his grandchildren this beloved sport. Alas, after many years of patient lessons, only one grandchild (Sam Bishop) managed to reach a skill level deemed worthy by Charlie. Regardless, all of Charlie’s grandchildren fondly remember the many golf lessons taught to them and the hours of laughter, kindness, and ear pulls given by the best grandpa ever.

The “Da Vinci” of his time, Charlie was known by all who knew him as an intelligent polymath with vast knowledge on every subject known to man. He could fix anything without an instruction manual, remember every detail from everything he had ever read, and spin beautiful stories out of thin air. His imagination and creativity allowed him to effortlessly write, paint, and design every artistic endeavor he pursued.

Charlie was also an accomplished saxophone player who served in the Marines Corps, 1st Division Marine Band where he had the honor of playing for JFK and Dwight D. Eisenhower. While this may seem like a huge accomplishment, the real joy came from hearing Charlie whistle and hum in a way that made the birds stop and listen. His love for music stayed with him until the end, in which he continuously listened to songs by Byran Adams, The Eagles, and James Taylor.

With his sparkling blue/grey eyes, contagious laugh, and kind-hearted nature–Charlie inspired all who met him. His laughter, sense of humor, and sharp wit never failed to light up the room. Charlie loved everyone and everything deeply: his family, his friends, and his animals. His love, just like his laughter, managed to touch every soul who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but the stories of his adventures will be shared for decades to come. We know he’s looking down on us with a big smile, a glass of Miller Lite, and his dogs loyally by his side as he gets his first hole-in-one.

Due to the Coronavirus, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Litchfield Moose at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Charlie’s name.