Charles T. “Charlie” Wilson, 70, a man of patience and wisdom, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie had open heart surgery in July to replace a faulty heart valve. He was just finishing his cardiac rehab program when he had a stroke. Charlie was born on August 20th, 1947, in Bellows Falls, VT to Charles Wilson and Mildred Faulkner who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Jane Kitonis Wilson; his daughter, Jessica Wilson; his son, Benjamin Wilson, and granddaughters Evenjalina and Kahlyn Wilson. Charlie lived with his wife and family in St. George, VT, for over thirty years. Charlie graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Castleton State College in 1969, and a Master’s in Education from the University of Vermont. Charlie taught at Williston Central School for 35 years, first as a mathematics teacher and then as the first technology director at the school. He saw the importance of computer technology in the classroom early on, building a TRS 80 computer to use with his students. Then he introduced the students to the Commodore 64 tape driven system, then the Apple computers with disc drives, and finally he implemented a school wide network of PC computers. Charlie kept his students in step with the ever-changing technology, and was a pioneer in integrating computer technology into the school’s curriculum. Charlie was one of the founders of VITA-Learn (Vermont Information Technology Association for Learning), an association dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of information technology to transform Vermont Education. No one was as passionate about learning, or as excited to talk about educational pedagogy, than Charlie. At the 2012 VITA-Learn Vermont Fest conference Charlie was awarded the “Frank Watson Technology Award” for his “Dedication and Service” to the integration of technology into the educational program of Vermont students. Charlie was proud and honored to receive this award. After his retirement Charlie continued to work with VITA-Learn. He worked with educators around the state on the pedagogy and the need to address technology and learning with students. Charlie was a presenter at many technology conferences, taught graduate courses for St. Michaels College, and doctorial courses on technology uses in the classroom for Nova University. Charlie and his wife Jane, both educators, had a passion for traveling, using school vacations to visit international destinations. Upon retirement, they had the opportunity to travel more extensively. Charlie continued to share his educational philosophy with the people he met on these trips. On a 10 week trip to India he had the opportunity to visit a college where he had the honor of addressing the faculty and students about his educational philosophy of student directed learning in a project centered learning environment. Charlie and Jane spent their summers at their cottage on Lake Champlain where Charlie was always happy to take his granddaughters tubing and waterskiing. Charlie had his recreational pilot’s license. He enjoyed flying up and down Lake Champlain, often buzzing his lake home in the process. In quieter times, he loved playing his guitar. Charlie loved spending time with Benjamin and Jessica, helping them with various projects around their houses. He always stayed true to his teaching way, and taught them many lifelongskills. Charlie was a man with knowledge of many things. He built his house in St. George and his Lake House, doing most of the work with a friend and Jane. Charlie was a great problem solver. He once used his rototiller to de-ice the driveway during one of the ice storms, when the snow blower wouldn’t cut it. He challenged himself every morning with a daily Sudoku puzzle while sipping on a cup of coffee. Charlie was a very friendly, easy going man. He maintained many friendships from his childhood, collage years, his career in education, and people he met traveling. He was personable, easy to talk with, and always brightened a room with his infectious smile. Charlie’s quiet intelligence and calming presence will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. The familyheld a private family celebration in January. Please join us on Saturday, May 19 from 1:00-5:00PM in an afternoon of remembrance of Charlie and the impact he had on all our lives. We will be gathering at the Isham Family Farm, 3515 Oak Hill Rd. Williston, VT, to share peoples' stories and photos of Charlie. We will have music, light refreshments and drinks. BYOB. If you have photos you would like to add to our slide show please send the digital files to Jessica at jwvt77@gmail.com If you would like to share stories and photos of Charlie please do so on this site. (www.awrfh.com) A poem that the family would like to share. To Those I Love and Those who Love Me When I am gone, release me. Let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears Be happy, we had so many years. I gave you my love and you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. But now it’s time I traveled alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part So bless those memories in your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near With all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome You Home”. Author Unknown