Charlie Manuel Van Vorst

Most of you know Charlie from his 20+ years in the refinery business. Charlie V started fresh and green in the plants in 2001. I met him a few years later in 2004. He loved his work. It was his greatest source of joy in life besides his children. Arthur and Shelby were his everything. But the plants. His people. The life. He thrived for it. Going into those plants with all of you, being Captain Safety as the kids called him, well, he walked tall for it.   Charlie did his best to give his all and walk the fine line between family man and company man. It wasn't always easy. But there is a camaraderie and a family that exists in this line of work. And it was one of my greatest blessings in this life to watch you all hold each other up over all these years. The love and support from all over the country for the kids has been incredibly moving and I thank all of you.   And some of you reading this never knew Charlie V the safety man. You knew Charlie at home. You spent time with him around our dinner table, or a campfire. You knew him as that silly dad that ran around with ALL the kids at the park. He was your friend and neighbor who loved the Broncos, sushi, and telling awful dad jokes. He spoke in sarcasm and bumper sticker in equal parts. He always wanted to plan an adventure around the world, have an exotic whiskey collection in a hidden room behind a swinging bookcase, and someday wear a tie to his own office every day. He loved building traditions and creating something from nothing for the sole purpose of giving his children everything. He was a man who loved to hear the laughter of others.   And some of you knew Charlie before he became a part of my life. And some of you knew Charlie in these last few years since we went our separate ways.   And I know every single one of us. Regardless of how or when Charlie came into our life. Well, I know we will all agree on two things. The world is a little less bright without his light. And the best way we can honor his light is to shine ours on the kids. They were his everything. And they are lost right now. Some boo boos mama just can't fix. But I can do my best to keep the wolves at bay. We all can.   Every little bit helps provide the kids with some extra time and space and support to get through these next few months. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And please know support comes in all forms. Please please please be sure to go to Charlies Keeper memorial page and leave your stories and pictures. We have paid for the site to stay up permanently. The kids will have it forever as a touchpoint for memories of their father.   Thank you for your place in Charlie's life. His friends were his family. And he loved each one of you.