(Oranjestad)—Under the warm, cozy sunset, friends and family of Charles James “Charlie” Lobacz gathered at the lagoon at Renaissance Ocean Suites to remember their late friend. Charlie, fishing enthusiast, animal lover and a long-time friend of Aruba, was honored by his wife, Lorraine, with a donation to Aruba Animal shelter.
The short yet heart-felt memorial service included a moving sermon and some lovely words from friends at the Renaissance Ocean Suites. Lorraine herself is no stranger to Aruba Today; in the past we have written about her volunteerism at local animal shelters of Aruba.
When Charlie passed on March 23rd of this year, Lorraine asked friends and family to not give her flowers, but to donate instead to a local animal shelter. And many people did, with one person even adopting a dog that at the time was facing euthanasia. Today, as Lorraine says, pictures show a very happy and healthy dog.
Charlie’s dedication to local animal shelters in the US and Aruba has spanned years, and Lorraine recalls how his contribution has made a big impact over the years—one shelter was even able to renovate their surgical unit.
Each year, their “Aruba Group” goes to a local shelter and “every cat, dog, kitten, puppy gets hugs and treats,” Lorraine says. The Aruba Animal Shelter was also present at Charlie’s memorial, where they honored Charlie’s continuous annual support. Standing next to Lorraine, they accepted her generous donation to their organization.
Even though Charlie is no longer with us, his dedication and love for animals will continue to live on through Lorraine. Rest in peace, dear friend.
