On December 3, 2006, Charles Powell passed way.  Suddenly, unexpectedly and way too soon.  Charles was USLMRA VP of Operations, President of the Lone Star LMRA, Winner of the 2005 Pain in the Butt Award and simply, Mr. Mowjangles.

Charles was a tireless and MOWtivated racer, staff member, Chapter President, Chief Steward and key leader of the USLMRA.

Implementing the Local Chapter system, designing our new membership database, providing guidance for new Chapters, updating and the annual Rulebook and graciously accepting the Pain in the Butt Award at the 2006 STA-BIL Nationals Weekend were just some of his accomplishments.

CP was buried in his Chief Steward shirt, with a signed hat from the Lone Star LMRA and a Mr. Mowjangles sticker on the casket.  He had his usual grin on his face, like he just won an argument, and was reveling in his customary self-satisfaction.  We had a few laughs about that.

Tuesday night, some of us went to see the TajMowHall, also known as Charles and Cheryl’s place.  His AP mower was still on the blocks, wires still connected to some diagnostic machine, tools at the ready.  We went to the kitchen, and toasted a shot of whiskey to the Texan. 

I was honored to be a pall bearer and speaker at Charles’ funeral.  John Nelson, Lone Star LMRA Vice President, and one of CP’s best friends along with Bobby Cleveland, veteran racer were also pall bearers.  John Nelson also was honored to speak at the service, and he did so most eloquently. 

Looking out at many familiar faces of the Lone Star Lawn Mower Racing Association, I told the folks I was there representing the 550 USLMRA members coast to coast. 

I read remarks from my daughter Zoe, son Ari, Joe Gillians, founder of the Florida Lawn Racing Association, Don Gienger, founder of the North Dakota LMRA, veteran racer Kevin Penne and old friend and racer Michael Bonville, founder of the Arizona LMRA.  Thanks, guys. 

Charles, remember: the grass may be greener on the other side, but it still has to be mowed.

Bruce Kaufman
USLMRA President
December 11, 2006
Northbrook, Illinois, Yankee Land, Somewhere North of Texas

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