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Charley was a true pioneer, and being remembered on the Wall of Honor at the Air and Space Museum is the perfect tribute to a one-of-a-kind man. Charley inspired so many with his courage and willingness to try anything and everything, despite the obstacles.

Charley was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. When he was just 18 years old, he was injured in a motorcycle accident. Confined to a wheelchair, his disability never stopped him, from anything. Charley received his pilots license with his 1946 Ercoupe that he modified with hand controls. He was also passionate about model and RC airplanes. Building them from scratch and flying them was his greatest joy.

Charley loved all things with motors, and he was never able to settle on just one favorite pastime. After his injury, he developed his own hand control and clutch system using spare parts to drive his manual transmission VW bug. In 1985, Charley was the first paraplegic to receive a national car racing license from the Sports Car Club of America, going on to finish third at the National Runoffs held at the Road Atlanta sports car track. At home, Charley modified lawn mowers and tractors and all types of equipment so he could use them.

In the same pioneer spirit, in 1993 when the ADA laws were new, Charley opened his own business selling wheelchair accessible vans and installing adaptive equipment in vehicles of all types for other disabled individuals. Almost 25 years later, the business is still growing and more successful than ever. A true legacy that lives on.

The first time Charley visited the Air and Space Museum on the national mall he stayed the entire day and went back for a second visit the next day! Charley would have cherished a visit to the Udvar-Hazy center, and he would have been humbled and honored to have his name memorialized there.



Submitted by his wife Darla

Charley is always loved and forever able.