We are so sorry for your families loss.

I remember your father at Gay's locker. Such a nice man.

Charlie Gay was my host dad when I came to Iowa City as an AFS exchange student in 1968.

He made me feel at home ,and was always gentle and kind.

When I left after my year, he sent me a card on my birthday for years and years : luckily I returned twice : once in 1993 and once in 2009 , ato visit him and the family ---and he was always the same constant man.

So it was a sad day for me to hear that he was gone.

But never ever forgotten!

Love

Lyn

There was no better man than Charlie Gay. He was always happy to see you and invariably remembered something recent about you or your family, even in his 90's! The way he took Dottie everywhere no matter how advanced her infirmity was such a vivid example of true love and honoring one's wedding vows. I'm positive it enhanced her quality of life as it declined, which was selfless and generous on Charlie's part. How he loved and revered his ever-growing family, accepting and including each new member unconditionally was impressive as well. And if you were a friend of any member of his family, Charle becme your friend, too, in short order.

It is impossible not to have been positively impacted by Charlie Gay, and his presence in our hearts will never fade or lose it's power. But if one finds a reminder of his goodness is needed, simply be in contact with any one of his children and their spouses for a quick and complete refresher. Charlie, you will be deeply missed! Our hearts go out to each and every one of your family. With love and sympathy, Betsy and Bill

A surge of memories came back when reading Charlie's obituary. He truly was a wonderful human being. He was present in so many venues of my life; swim club, the meat locker, the "potluck" group, AFS, boating and more. I know that Moe was very fond of him. His generosity and charm have sent ripples around the world! He will live long in the memories of many.

Charlie was one of the nicest men I knew. Loved seeing him at church every Sunday, always with that radiant smile! He was a true gentleman! We'll miss him. Ruth Dane

With our deepest sympathy. Charlie was a special man. Dave and LuAnn

Was sad to see yet another beloved former Iowa City business icon pass away today.

I remember as a child growing up here in Iowa City going down to Gay's Meat Locker with my parents to pick up their packages of meat and having the most wonderful ground beef that my mom would then make into the best meatloaf I have ever had! My parents loved the people at Gay's and my dad always had a joke for Charlie too, Charlie's family and friends will be in our family's prayers.

To Charlie's family, I will miss his smile at Church and great attitude,

I was deeply saddened to hear about Charlie. My deepest condolences to his family and friends - he was loved by everyone!

We are sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great man, always had a smile and a pleasant greeting. We remember him well from Gay’s Locker and most recently we often visited with him at Oaknoll. He was one of a kind!

What a great guy! One of a kind.

Bill,

Sorry about losing your, he was a good man. A dad takes a little of you with him when he goes.

Ed and I are so very sorry to hear about Charlie, he is the last of my uncles and will be missed. I have such very special memories of the great times we shared growing up, the laughter and fun times at your house in town and on the "lake" - he taught me how to water ski and what a hoot that was. Your family is very strong due to how your parents raised you and that will carry on to how you raise your children and grandchildren. The "Gay" clan will never die - but will live on forever. Take care of each other and share the good times.

God Bless you all!

Barb and Ed

I have known Charlie as long as I can remember. He was a fine gentleman and a supporter of our church/community in many ways. I really enjoyed my conversations with him over the years and will miss seeing him at church this week and into the future. Bruce