I got a call from Charlie's wife, Jen, an hour ago. She said he had a heart attack. I believe he died Tuesday, although I wasn't listening that well. Jen doesn't call me, so when I asked, "Is Charlie OK", I knew before she answered that he wasn't.

My understanding is that his funeral service will be Saturday.

I had a feeling something was wrong. Charlie hadn't answered recent emails, and he never failed to give me his opinion.....and quickly.

He was planning on working his feeders, getting ready for the season.

For those of you that felt his stinger on occasion, don't worry, we all did. He was opinionated, and generally he disagreed with yours, but he was a good-hearted friend. He would chew on you at every opportunity, then turn around a do something so gracious that you couldn't believe it was him.

Honest to a fault. Helpful if he felt you needed it. He loved his family and bragged on his kids at every opportunity. I felt I knew them, through his stories and updates.

I admired his respect for nature and the game that shared his ranches. He believed everything deserved a little space, even his hogs.

I'm glad I met Charlie, and wish we had spent more time together. He could be rougher than a cob, but had a wealth of knowledge that he was glad to share, whether you wanted it or not.

I will not forget his kindness in allowing me to hunt on his place, and be a part of his world.

no no no i don't to believe it the world is dimmer

Just a brief update. Charlie was cremated in Longview, Texas. There will be a visitation in De Kalb, Texas on Saturday at the Bates Family Funeral Home. No service per se. Charlie was 69.

His friend Randy says Charlie had both a heart attack and stroke. An ambulance took him to a hospital in Tyler. Charlie's family gathered, and the doctors told them, based on tests and brain scans, he would not regain consciousness. The decision was made a little later to remove him from life supports.

I feel Gato died about how he would have liked. He was at his computer (probably writing me an email indicating how wrong I was on some subject). Like most of us, he wouldn't have wanted to have lingered, or have lost his mental faculties. I think he lived life large, and deserved to just flip the switch at the end.

His obituary describes him as a self-employed rancher. Hell, he was more than that. To those that knew him, he was a character, one of a few you will meet in your life that you'll never forget.

Sad news, indeed. I had the occasion to meet him twice. Each time, he had bought something I had listed and always said "Hold it for me. I'll be headed through there in a couple months and will come by."

We talked more about family than hunting. He left no doubt how much he loved his family and how important they were to him. And yes, he was indeed a character -- no doubt about that.

RIP, Gato.

Sending prayers to his family and many friends...

I never met the man but greatly enjoyed his posts. Sorry to hear he is gone.

RIP

Wow, now that really makes me sad. I pray for his family.

never had the opportunity to meet him in person, but I bought an old Remington pump rifle from him, ammunition also... and several boxes of books.... the world is a lesser place, RIP!!!

Condolences to all his family and friends.

I am very sorry to hear this.

I met him once when he came through Dallas to buy a Win Model 92 from me.

Condolences to his family.

Very sad to hear. I enjoyed his posts.

God Bless his family.

Man this is sad news,my condolences to his family.

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I am glad to have known him on AR. Will be missed.

Thoughts and prayers.

Charlie

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Keyboard acquaintance only for me, but he is missed.

I'm sorry to hear this. You never had to wonder where he stood on an issue. I would have like to share some BBQ with him. It must be a great loss for his family.

Tom

RIP, CAT

ya!

GWB

Oh my lord. I can't believe it. He had a gruff exterior but a very large and warm heart. I don't know what to say. Damn it all. Had some wine set aside to take him that I was not able to deliver last year due to events here.

Oh hell.

Oh my God hunted several times with his son Adam at my farms .We were great friends he was a spectacular wingshooter having competing many years in skeet .Rest in peace Charlie Tuppen ,ill see you in the Valhalla .
Cheers Juan

Gone too soon...rest in peace.

quote:

I'm sorry to hear this. You never had to wonder where he stood on an issue.

Damn. Ain't that the truth! He was something else. He will be missed here. RIP Charlie.

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Years ago after Walterhog banned CAT, from the Crater, I asked him if he wanted me to speak to DRG on his behalf. He cussed me up one side and down the other for even suggesting such a thing, and told me under no circumstances should I even dare!

I think it would be interesting if Saeed or DRG could/would tell whether his posting privileges in the Crater were ever restored. I do not recall him ever posting there after his banishment.

ya!


GWB

A year or so ago he had told me he was still not allowed. Wore it like a badge of honor.

What a great loss. just shared some pm's with him a couple weeks ago. Always looked forward to his posting.'

Please post a link to his obit.

George

Terrible news. I sold a rifle to him years ago on this forum and got the impression is was an ornery old bastard. Then several years ago I was in AR and posted a question about hunting hogs in AR. Gato graciously offered his place if I wanted to drive 2 1/2 hours to hunt a bit. Very generous and very particular on how things should be done. I was fine with that and just visited this spring for another short hunt 5 yrs later and had a great time with him, Jen, and Randy. All quality folks. Charlie was extremely intelligent and hard-headed as anyone, and I enjoyed every minute of visiting with him at his hunting ranch. It was a special place that I was in awe of both times I visited.

When I left he mentioned for me to hurry on back and don't wait another 5 years as he didn't think he'd make it that long... My condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace my friend.

Very very sad to hear Charlie is gone. I hunted his place for hogs a couple days last year and he was a little abrupt at times yet I felt very comfortable around him the time I visited. His sidekick at the ranch I had hunted - Randy was another good guy. Gato was cracking jokes the second day I hunted and I got my first hog there and I'll never forget Charlie Tuppen. Under that gruff exterior was "one of the good guys".

Rest in peace my friend. Godspeed to all his friends and family.


custombolt

Charlie's Obit. https://www.batesfamilyfuneral...369239#/obituaryInfo

There was a post from him back in May in the subforum.

I did not know him, but enjoyed his reports. My heart breaks for his wife. If anyone here knows them personally tell her she is being exalted.

We lost a good one. I learned a bit from him. Unfortunately never met him. Packy

Charlie has flown into the sunset - God Speed .

The world is more grey today.
I write these words with tears flowing,.
We never met in person but we had some exchanges on mail and phone, I had the privilege and the pleasure to be asked if I could take care of his loved ones in Paris minus Adam who could not accompany his mother and his sisters.
We all had a great time.
His friendship helped me go through my divorce some time later.
We had a last exchange by mail a few months go.
He was clearly a real man, husband, father and American.
We'll meet in the other world.
Rest in peace, Charlie.

That is really a great sentiment Edmond and it is appreciated.

Merci beaucoup, Edmond.