Name: Schoen Funeral Home
Address: New Orleans, LA

I met Charlie for only a few minutes in 1993 when I was in New Orleans on business.  He was a street poet and I bought copy No. 333 of 1,000 of his book "Still Waiting for Last Call." I loved listening to him talk about his life.  His poetry touched my heart.

Wonderful poet, fun loving friend, nobody like Charlie.  He will be sorely missed by all who new him.  My heart goes out to Donna and his family.

In 1993, while I was the Publicity Director for the New Orleans Opera Association, the State of Louisiana cut total arts funding from, to the best of my recollection, about $650,000 to zero. Through the Arts Council of New Orleans, the city's major arts organizations pooled their resources and came up with $10,000 to pay Charlie to lobby for us. It turned out to be the best $10,000 we could ever have spent. Charlie convinced enough legislators that the arts were important revenue producers for the state, as well as employers of thousands of people. From absolute zero in 1993, Charlie got our funding up to $4.2 million the following year - $1 for every citizen living in Louisiana at the time. AS HE PROMISED TO DO! When he broke the news to us at a meeting in the old ACNO office, he got a standing ovation. He certainly earned his money on that occasion and he will definitely be missed by those of us who remember what he did for us. He will be missed, also, by everyone who knew him for the wonderful New Orleans character he was.

I met Charlie early in  his career as a lobbyist and followed him over the years in his poetry times and as a  "defender of lost causes." He was a unique individual from the beginning and he never changed.  He will be missed by his family and his friends from all those years. I am proud to have been one of them.

just heard of Bubba's death.(chas, Smith) haven't heard from family in years.(ist cousin :Shirley Beck Browning Mobile,Al

Mr. Charlie was a kind soul, a true artist and so witty.  My prayers are with his family and friends.

When I was a very young news reporter starting out covering Louisiana politics 30 years ago, I remember my introduction to Charlie. After Edwin Edwards, he was the most interesting political character I met back then. Like all of us, Charlie faced challenges, and like anyone in the public arena, his were well known. Over the years, to me, Charlie became much more than an "interesting political character". With his huge heart, endless sense of fun, and deep caring for this state, he became someone I admired. Tracy, my friend,  you also have so much to offer us, and as someone who has seen both parents pass on to the next life, I assure you the eternal love between you and your dad will comfort you the rest of your life.

One of the most intelligent and witty people I have ever met-very,very good at whatever he wanted to do!

While we probably toss out the phrase "they broke the mold when they made him" too often these days, it's certainly appropriate for our dear friend Charlie.  Neither the Capitol nor the Quarter will be the same without him and I will miss him and think of him often.  My deepest sympathy to Donna, Tracy and the rest of the family.

Tracy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family in this most difficult time.
Tommy Williams

We send our love to all of Charlie's family during this sad time.  You are in our hearts and our thoughts.
Love always,
Steve and Claudia Glass

Tracy, I am sorry to hear of your and our loss. I will miss Charlie at the capitol at jazziest and just in life. He and I shared a lot and I always enjoyed the stories and poetry, what a Louisiana renaissance guy. God bless and may the Lord hold the family close.  
          Bob Broadus (Madisonville ,La)

A poet, a friend, a father, an advocate for the arts and a gentleman. We love you, Charlie!

I met Charlie in 1968 when he came to BR as "understudy" to Sidney Grey, Exec. Dir. of the LMA.  While on opposite sides of issues from time to time we remained good friends.   He was a remarkable man, did yeomen's work on important issues and in particular "The Arts" and helped libraries, crafts, and all sorts of 'artsy' things.   Surely God will reward my good friend.  Armand Brinkhaus,, Legislator 1968-1996.

Dear Kimberly, Sorry to hear about your dad. Our sincerest condolences. Jerry Achee and Family

My condolences to you and your family.  Charlie will be missed each and every day.  I had the honor to work with Charlie many years through the Louisiana Charter Boat Association, where he guided me through the Legislature and Jeff and I guided him on many duck hunting and fishing adventures.  We always had a great time.  We will not be able to make the funeral but just wanted all of you to know how much he affected all Charter Boat Captains in the state.  He was always there when we needed him.  He will be miss but never forgotten!

I will always remember Charlie for his poetry as well as for his candor and poignance about his life experience and then certainly for how colorful of a character he was at Jazz Fest time.

What a loss! Charlie was a gentleman with a lot of life and energy and will be missed dearly...

Tracy:. Sorry to hear the news about your dad. He was a great American and he will be missed by all who knew him and his work. I am on travel and not able to attend services. However, I will be there in spirit. Jerene and I send our prayers to you and your family.

charlie, dear friend. you will be sorely missed. rereading "MY DOG CAN FLY" brings pure joy to my heart.
my condolences to Donna and the family

My condolences to Donna and the rest of Charlie's family.  I didn't know Charlie well and only met him and Donna once,  but when he and Donna first moved into their home in Southdowns in Baton Rouge, I happened to walk by. They enthusiastically invited me into their colorful home, showed me around and shared themselves and their dreams so openly and easily. I was honored to be their guest.  I am so sorry for the family's (including pets')  loss.   Charlie's contributions to the less fortunate,  especially for me,  the animals,  will never be forgotten.  Thank you, Mr. Smith!

I am out of state, and we will not be back by the time of the funeral. Charlie was a great friend, and I am so sorry he is gone.

My wonderful friend Charlie has been lost to me and many, many others. Charlie saved my life and directed me in a way that no one else could have done and for that I am truly grateful to Charlie and my Higher Power. Thank you Charlie and God Bless you on your new journey. I hope some day to join you.
Patrick Brougham or 
as Charlie would say:
 "Paddy the Kanuk"

Charlie will certainly be missed at the Capitol and in the French Quarter. Both he loved dearly. One always felt better after visiting with Charlie. 
May you rest in peace our friend. Thanks for all the memories. We will miss you always.
Bonnie and Tommy Williams

Charlie -  Defender of the creative spirit - lover of the imaginative - best storyteller in a state of storytellers. .. tireless.  Our friend.  Your legacy is laughter - admiration for your achievements. Our love,our tears.  We are the better for knowing you.

Orlin and Shirley Trusty Corey (New Orleans, LA)

It's a real shock to hear about the passing of Charlie Smith. He was always so full of life and willing to set new goals.
I have come to appreciate his daring at times when others were satisfied with complacency. When he first told me of his desire to write poetry I really couldn't fathom his desire for change but I still loved Charlie.
Rest in peace Charlie you were well loved and respected by many, in the legislature and elsewhere.
Murray Hebert
murrayjh@yahoo.com

When you mention Charlie's name to anyone at the Capitol there is two things come to mind.  First, an man with a deep history that changed some much in legislation.  Finally, more important, a man who caused one to smile with his wit and humor.  It goes without saying that Charlie would be missed.

What a great tribute to Charlie!  It captures his spirit so well.  He will be sorely missed. Jazz Fest won't be the same without him, to be sure. He was a good friend to all of us and the world was a better place with him in it.  My thoughts are with his family as they mourn and celebrate his life.  - Laura Maloney

Charlie will be missed by everyone involved in Louisiana politics. He was not only hard working but also funny and talented. The Capitol will not be the same without him nor will his many friends who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Charlie was a good friend of mine for many years, I first met him in the Gill Nets and Redfish Wars, and he stood by my side when I was fighting to allow Stem Cell Research as I have two Diabetic Children, he was an inspiration to me, a good man who was loved by so many and loved so many, Gone by Never EVER Forgotten   Henry Mouton

OBITUARY

Charles Charlie Leslie Smith

9 September, 1942 – 1 March, 2012

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