I love sharing stories from my family tree and it is always such a joy when someone reaches out to me having recognised someone from their family. When I started researching I had no idea that as well as finding out more about my roots that I would make some lovely friends along the way.

One such connection was with Charlie Keeler who got in touch with me to share stories about the Brawley family. I was particularly excited to hear from Charlie because he knew Patrick Brawley who is one of my favourites on the tree. Patrick was my great grandfather’s much younger brother who left Scotland for America and eventually settled in New York City. I’ve always been fascinated by Patrick’s story and here was someone who actually knew him well getting in touch with me.

Charlie’s mum was Patrick’s stepdaughter and he and Patrick were pretty close. Charlie could tell me about the times they spent together and gave me much more of an insight into the man. He knew the other Brawley family members who were in Wyoming and he gave me information about their lives that I would never have found on my own. Charlie was also able to confirm the story of Mary Brawley singing at Carnegie Hall because he actually saw her perform there. All of the stories he told me I will post in the coming months.

Charlie told me he wasn’t in the best of health and typing could be difficult for him. I suggested we FaceTime but we had to cancel our arranged date as he wasn’t feeling well. I hoped we could rearrange and I contacted him to set a date. The reply came from his partner Fred letting me know that Charlie had passed. I was so shocked. I hadn’t realised quite how ill he was. He was so funny and full of life in his messages to me. Even though we are not blood relatives he called me “cuz” and that always made me smile. He told me about his life in New York (one of my favourite cities) and his lovely family.

I’d like to share with you Charlie’s obituary.

Charlie enjoyed traveling to new places where he relished finding antique shops and yard sales. His love of collecting and antiques led him to help run the churches antique shop, The Cottage. His involvement with the church ran deep and he often spoke lovingly about his church family at St. Andrews in Richmondtown.

His ear-to-ear smile and jovial laugh were contagious. His unparalleled sense of humor could bring you to tears of laughter in any given situation and his kind words and soothing soul were able to provide prospective when things just did not seem to go as planned. This contrast made Charles a remarkable man who will be missed by all who knew him

Charles is survived by his beloved spouse Fred Heinemann, daughter Mary Martino, son-in-law Christopher Martino and his 2 grandchildren Alexis Martino and Christopher Martino Jr.

Charlie’s family were also kind enough to share some photos of Charlie with me. He’s pictured with his mother, grandmother and step grandfather, Patrick Brawley.

The family have also given permission to share some treasured family photos which were originally shared on his memorial page.

Thank you Charlie for the stories. I’m so glad I got to know you.

Your wee cuz

Paula