1958
2010
Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Plan/Lithgow-Bennett-Philbrick Funeral Home, North Miami, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 30, 2010
Philip Giberson
In Loving Memory of a Very Special Guy
Reliable is not a particularly fancy word; for instance, reliable transportation does not conjure up images of a stylish, sporty car. But, when Charlie and Sharon decided to name their company Reliable Air Conditioning, it was the perfect choice, because that's exactly what they were, Reliable - and then some.
I first learned of Reliable A/C when I bought my home 19 years ago. The selller pointed out their company sticker on the air conditioner and said they did good work. The first time I needed service I called and Sharon scheduled an appointment; and that's how I met Charlie.
The second or third time my A/C broke down it was late on a Friday during the dog days of August; it was miserably hot and humid. I called, left a message and feared the worst because Charlie worked by himself; I fully expected it wopuld be several days before he could get to me. He called early the next morning and explained that he was so backed up he couldn't get to me any sooner than THE NEXT MORNING - A SUNDAY!
He showed up at 7:45 am for an 8 o'clock appointment, had my system fixed by 9:15, and gave me a bill for $40. When I objected that I felt he was entitled to more, he told me he knew many A/C servicemen that charged $75 just to show up on a weekend, plus time and materials, and he could not stand that crap. He flat refused to accept more than $40; that's when I fell in love with Charlie Alkema.
From then on, I used Reliable to service all the A/C's in our family business locations; and recommended them to everyone I knew.
In the 19 years since we met, I think I bonded with Charlie because he lived something my father taught me at a very young age, that friends are the most important thing you will ever possess: You can have everything and no friends and have nothing; or, you can have nothing and great friends and have everything.
In the 10 years that Charlie fought cancer after cancer, he stayed alive much longer than his doctors predicted because he was a pugnacious fighter - there was no quit in him - and he had a secret weapon, his daughter Samantha.
He was determined to be there during her formative years as long as humanly possible to help teach her the things he knew were most important in life. Samantha is 12 1/2 now, and Charlie can be deservedly proud of the young lady she has become.
My heart goes out to Sharon, Samantha, Sean and the entire family.
October 27, 2010
The Valeron Family
You are all in our prayers. Remember...unconditional...always.
October 27, 2010
The Richie Family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
October 27, 2010
Tim Richie
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Charlie.He was a wonderful person and whenever I called him he was always there for me. He was a good friend and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace. Prayers go out to Sharon and Samantha and family
October 26, 2010
Charles Smalley
Charlie was one of the very few people in this world that I truly admired and looked up to. He had a great sense of humor and an incredibe sense of integrity. I can only wish to try to be half as good a man as him. He is a good friend that will be deeply missed. Our love and prayers go out to him, Sharon and Samantha.
October 26, 2010
June Zeisig
Love and Prayers for you
Love,
October 26, 2010
Fred & Bobbie Baessler
Our love and prayers are with you
Love
October 26, 2010
Randy,Janet, Janette & Krysten Zeisig
Our prayers and love are with you all.
Love,
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