March 27, 2022

I’d like to start off in my thoughts about my father, Charles Edward Ditmer Jr, with a poem that so fits this occasion. It’s called “The Dash.”‘The Dash”by Linda EllisI read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.He referred to the dates on her casket from beginning to the end.He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earthAnd now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash,What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.So think about this long and hard; Are there things you would like to change?For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and realAnd always try to understand the way other people feel.And be less quick to anger and show appreciation moreAnd love the people in our lives like we have never loved before.If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash…Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash? I feel like that man standing to speak. My words, like his, are about the ‘dash’ that represents my father’s life. The dash is just a tiny mark but that dash stands for a life lived well and I am honored to talk about his life today.  My dad was the most giving person I’ve ever known. He gave of himself freely and generously. If he saw a need, he did whatever was necessary to help. Jokes, well he had tons of jokes, he like to see people have fun, he was lighthearted and happy-go-lucky. Charlie was the kind of person we all want to be.   My father was born on May 8, 1935, 86 years ago. He grew up with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. They weren’t rich by any means, but their family was filled with love.  
My father quit school in the 8th grade to help out with the family. He got a job working on automobiles at a local garage. He took to this like he did everything in his life. He did everything in his power to master his craft. He got a job at a local Volkswagen dealership, and was sent to there training center, only for him to be sent home being told they can’t teach him anything, why, because he was teaching the instructors. On September 16, 1956 he married Edith L Spence they were married for 64 years. They had three children Charlene Marie, Scott Alan, and Joseph Michael. My father was an MP in the Army, volunteer for Lititz fire police, and their ambulance. He was self-employed till he had health problems, then was employed with Lancaster Airport and High Companies of which he retired from He gave a lot of his time to others in the community. Even when life was hard on him, or people he thought he could depend on turned their back on him, he never gave up his faith in God and the good of people.
I remember when I was 5 years old, I was enrolled at Lititz Spring Pool for swim lessons, I refused to let go of the floating foam board. My dad was disappointed in this. So, one summer weekend we were at Lake Heritage just outside of Gettysburg, PA, I in my inflatable canoe paddling around the dock area. In comes my dad in the boat, pulled up next to me, and asked, “Let’s see how those lessons are paying off”, as he pulled the plug to the canoe. He pulled into the dock and tied off the boat. I swam about 20 yards with canoe and paddle in tow. Now to a 5-year-old I swam a mile. When I got out, I was naturally upset and walked over to my dad, who at this point was in his lawn chair. He looked up to me and said “I knew you could do it, you just needed to prove it to yourself.” He would push my brother and me to be the better parts that he saw, that we just unaware of.
I never had a close relationship with my father, but I can look at my life and the things I have done, the way I help others, and the want to master my craft. I know I have learned these things from a man that when he would give, he gave all.  
There is so much more about my father’s life that has not been said, people he helped, guided, mentored, made smile, or just befriended. His dash was an amazing ride, and I’m honored to be part of.

March 27, 2022

We attended a weekday Pray and Worship Home Service with Charlie & Edith for several years.  Charlie faithfully displayed throughout his Life, three outstanding God-inspired characteristics: Love of God, Jesus and His Spirit; an unbeliveable Work Ethic; and a life long, devoted care for his wife who suffer extended bad health. A Truly inspiring Friend!
 
 
 
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March 24, 2022

Charlie was a Great man who always brought a positive energy with him every time we met and interacted.  I had the pleaure of working with Charlie for several years, and he provided great quality fit-outs for our buildings on Butler avenue.  He was a great man and we appreciate all his hard work, and most importantly his kindness.  Our condolences to his family.  May you rest in Peace Charlie.
Wtih MAJOR Gratitude – Anthony Skiadas and the smilebuilderz team.

March 23, 2022

Condolences to the entire family! Charlie was very kind and quick to offer assistance. We at Community Options, Inc. Suite 101, will dearly miss his jovial smile, beautiful conversations and the positive energy he exuded as he provide his service.
Today, at our office, we light a candle in memory of our dear Charlie.
Rest In peace.

March 23, 2022

Charlie, you will be missed!  Your were such an inspiration to us with your amazing work ethic and stories about God!  We will miss seeing you.  May you rest in peace.  
Everyone here at the MaidPro Butler office