It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Charles Coe—acclaimed poet, author, musician, colleague, and cherished friend. Charles was a singular presence in every community he touched: a gifted writer whose voice carried wisdom, humor, compassion, and an unwavering sense of humanity. His work and his spirit reminded us to pay close attention to the small but meaningful details of ordinary life, as well as to the urgent calls for justice and peace in the world around us.
Charles was a person who moved through life with deep neighborliness. Whether speaking with a shopkeeper on the corner, mentoring emerging writers, sharing a poem that illuminated a difficult truth, or lifting spirits with his music, he made people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. His generosity of heart was constant, and his ability to bring people together—across backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences—was one of his greatest gifts.
For those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend, his loss feels immeasurable. It is difficult to imagine this world without his steady, thoughtful presence: the voice that urged us to notice the beauty in small moments, the humor that softened hard days, the moral clarity that challenged us to stop the wars, lift each other up, and never lose sight of our shared humanity. Charles offered all of this not through grand gestures but through the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and insight that defined his life.
He was also a valued colleague and union brother—someone whose integrity guided his work and whose camaraderie strengthened every community he served. His music, his poetry, and his friendship enriched our days, and the warmth he extended so effortlessly will be remembered by all who knew him.
The accompanying photograph, borrowed with gratitude from Richard Hoffman, captures only a fraction of the spirit we now grieve. If its use is not permissible, I will remove it, though only after drying my eyes and reflecting once more on how lucky we were to share time and space with someone so extraordinary.
May Charles’s memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by carrying forward the kindness, curiosity, and sense of purpose he embodied so fully.