To the editor:

I was saddened to read of the passing of Charlie Hoag, but very interested to read his extensive obituary of a rich and full life: as an army musician during World War II, his many teaching assignments, compositions, serving as the conductor of the Lawrence Community Orchestra, etc.

My first meeting with Charlie was after being elected president of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra, when it was my obligation to introduce the conductor at the first concert that year. I felt nervous, vastly under qualified and overwhelmed. He came up to me afterward. I do not remember his words, but they were meant to put me at ease and to tell me that I was appreciated. They did.

I may not remember Charlie for his many accomplishments (which may pale in comparison to his greatest opus as husband and father) or for his large imposing figure behind the double bass at concerts; but, as Maya Angelou once said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said . . . what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is that about Charlie Hoag that I will remember.