To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people, and

the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics, and

endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better;

whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,

or a redeemed social condition;

To know that even on life has breathed easier because you lived.

This is to have succeeded.

you have left me.

suddenly.

i am sad to my core.

i am left with memories.

even now you can still make me smile.

you came into my life, left footprints on my soul, and i will never be the same.

my heart goes out to Jude and Danielle.

i will miss you terribly but i will carry your spirit with me.

Aside from his warm and delightful personality, what I remember most is that when I had a client with a problem that we placed in his capable hands, the issues suddenly seemed more manageable just because of his presence at the table. The same thing applied to any personal issues or difficulties discussed with him.

My wife, who also knew him, and I are now retired and living in Mexico, and so cannot join his family, friends and colleagues on Wednesday at Hart House - but we will be thinking of him, and all of them, that afternoon and for a long time to come. Goodbye my friend.

* the Edelman corporate intranet

Sandra Saias

Being in the Corporate and Public Affairs group, many of us worked with Charles on client issues. It would always be so fascinating as a junior employee to watch his mind at work...he would challenge you and was a teacher in every sense of the word.

I spent the summer of 2005 working on a golf tournament with Charles in support of raising money for Alzheimer’s research. I remember traveling to Perth, Ontario for the golf tournament which ended up raising over $40,000 - much of that stemming from the networking and relationships Charles had. Charles and Judith really made me a feel a part of their family that weekend - it was work, but it certainly didn’t feel like it. On the road trip back to Toronto, Charles took me to a small town that he insisted made the best butter tarts in all of Ontario - truly wonderful memories.

Danielle became engaged during my engagement and I remember all of the questions Charles had about the details surrounding a wedding. Charles’ enthusiasm and excitement for that day was so touching.

My thoughts and prayers are with Judith and Danielle during this difficult time.

Thank you Charles for being a mentor and friend. I respected you greatly and will miss you.

Jennifer

Somewhere in 2000/2001, I had just a couple of years under my belt as a Reporter for CBC Radio’s "Metro Morning" and "Here & Now" in Toronto. Unbeknownst to me, my voice connected with him. Mr. Fremes asked his friend who knew one of my colleagues at CBC Radio to inquire as to whether I would be interested in a meeting with him. I looked at the business card that was presented to me. I still have it. It says: Charles Fremes, President and C.E.O. Edelman Canada. I froze, I was terrified. I was meeting a President and C.E.O. of a major PR firm! Whoa! Was I ready for this? And what would it mean?

It turned out that what it meant was meeting a lovely and inspiring man. Mr. Fremes quickly put my nerves at ease. We chatted and he shared why he thought I could consider a career in Public Relations. He talked about the perks but was balanced in offering the drawbacks--most notably that I would have to give up my beloved journalism. Since I was just had a toe-hold in the industry, I was too scared then to take the leap. I didn’t end up going down the PR road at that time but not before thanking Mr. Fremes for what has now become a life changing meeting. In that moment I realized that while I often thought my voice wasn’t being noticed, it was indeed. I also learned that Mr. Fremes valued my youth, energy, and ideas enough to consider me for opportunities I hadn’t even yet dreamed about. That was a life changing experience that I will never forget.

Although I am not a part of the Fremes or Edelman family, I share in this loss just the same. Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope that these words offer just a little bit of comfort during this difficult time.

/dayo kefentse

Before I joined Edelman, Charles and I sat in his office and he exhibited such a warm, funny and confident personality. We talked about our love of gardening and his for hockey. Ever since that day it was clear to me that Charles was a tuned-in executive, never missing a beat. As a member of the Toronto team, I really appreciated these qualities about him as a leader. He also maintained high standards of work while not sacrificing the important qualities of life. When the Tsunami hit in December 2004, Charles quickly organized a team of people and we did whatever was needed to help raise funds, providing assistance to those in need in Indonesia and Thailand. Charles always saw the opportunity – especially if it was to help people.

Thank you to Charles, as well as the Toronto team and to Richard Edelman, for fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence in public relations. Charles’ memory will certainly live on.

Rebecca

Compared to many at Edelman, our acquaintance was slight, but you made a deep impression on me when we met.

You were, I thought, a great ambassador for Canada, epitomising in your own personality what I think of as the personality of your country - diplomatic, gentle, kind and so very witty.

I liked the way you represented the whole of Canada and suspect you would have been especially touched by the heart-felt tribute from Francois, your Montreal colleague.

My thoughts are with your family and with your day-to-day colleagues. Their loss and ours is profound.

Michael Burrell

I met Charles 10 years ago. He was the guiding light at my first manager’s meeting in his host city. He was my partner on a crazy quest for Esker water. He was my dapper tour guide (finding the best restaurants and even better locales for great shoes) in Canada, Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Paris. He was my hero when he invited me to join him to cheer Canada on in the 2004 World Cup Finals. He was my sounding board each time I debated ways to reinvent myself. Charles was a constant inspiration.

I emailed Charles at 10:30 on Monday morning, just moments before I learned the sad news. My heart goes out to "his girls" -- Judith and Danielle -- I feel as though I know you as a conversation never ended without Charles mentioning his time in the garden or the plans for the wedding.

As for you Charles, you made a permanent imprint on my life and you will live forever in my heart.

I’ve been looking unsuccessfully for a picture of Charles from the 2000 Leadership Meeting in New York that would have expressed a small, but quintessential Fremes moment. A description will have to do:

I was photographing people for the intranet during one of the Harvard Club events, with a camera set up on a tripod at the back of the room. Working without a flash, three or four photos of each person had to be taken to make sure there’d be at least one good image among them. Like everyone else, Charles supplied expressions that ranged from serious to smiling. Unlike everyone else, for the third shot he turned way toward profile and, keeping his eyes on the camera, arched his eyebrows, opened his mouth in a cross between surprise and glee, and crossed his hands up near his face, index fingers pointing up and away. It never made the cut, but it really made the job enjoyable.

The other was on the ride back from the beach party on the bus, where we shot the breeze about famous Philadelphia Flyers players, gardening and a host of other things. But the topic that stuck with me the most was when you talked about your daughter and meeting every year to go to a Montreal Canadians game. In our business they say the camera never lies and it was apparent by your face and the tone of your voice that you deeply loved this young lady. I had just become a father at the time (a daughter as well) and I thought man that’s what this fatherhood thing is all about.

I will never forget that moment nor you. I’ll catch up with you later.

It is clear from my fortunate experiences from the moment I first met him in Toronto and the warmth of responses from everyone that this was a very special person who has graced and enriched the lives of all those around him. We shall miss him immensely and our thoughts and condolences are with all his family at this sad and difficult time - thank you for lending us this exceptional person.

David McCarthy

I cut my media relations teeth pitching Molson’s "Take Care" responsible-use initiatives at another Toronto agency - initiatives that were Charles’ brainchild.

It must have taken five years after leaving Molson for Charles to empty all the contraband Molson/Take Care/Dancers For Life swag (or tchotckes(sp?)) from his tickle trunk. He always came up with something “Molson” for gifts and rewards.

In 1997 Charles recruited me to join his growing merry band (Freda, Ted, Shellie, Yomi) as he rebuilt One Edelman Canada based on a commitment from Richard for new people, new offices ad new technology. It worked. Office of the year three times in four years.

I learned and loved Charles’ consultant’s mantra: "See the job, do the job, avoid the bullshit".

I learned the power and weight of truly caring for your own people on 9/11 when Charles’ counsel to his team was quick, sensitive and comforting. “This is our generation’s Pearl Harbour and we will never forget where we were and what we were doing on this day.” He told us whatever we were feeling was right. That we would all react differently and in our own times. He told us to reach out to each other to provide and receive comfort. He told us to go home but advised the stalwarts to stay only if they felt they could give our clients the high level of service they had come to expect from us. He then helped us reach out to clients who were in need of our counsel in managing their own responses. It was raw, mythic leadership, the kind you hear about generals from famous battles long gone. My proudest moment on the Edelman bus.

When I became engaged, Charles convened and hosted the short-lived Edel-men’s club for a swank bachelor dinner. He was always the impeccable host and had a wonderful sense of occasion.

And loyal. Charles didn’t demand loyalty because he knew its value came only when it was given willingly. So, after seven years with Edelman, I advised Charles that Holly and I would begin making plans to move back to the East Coast to raise our daughter by the ocean and our families. He understood and appreciated the advance notice. Charles then insisted I go into business for myself and his suggested name stuck: “Open Dunn & Associates or whatever Michael, work for yourself. We’ll be your first client.” That generosity helped us land a lot more softly in Halifax.

Charles, your family and friends will reap much comfort from the seeds of love you sowed and tended during your time in this garden. You’re in the loveliest Garden now, enjoy the rest…and turn off the Blackberry.

Save us a seat by the pond for when we meet again.

Shalom.

With deepest sympathy

Susan

We used to travel between pure joyfull friendly moments and business and political arguments ... all in a very special franco-english lingo and with lots of laughter.

I will miss you so much.

My heart goes out to you wife and daughter.

marie

You loved Montréal, as you said everytime you visited us. It showed in your voice when you called, so says Sylvie, our receptionist. You not only loved the Habs ... also the air, the atmosphere. You studied here, right in front, at McGill, spoke excellent French, were always curious about politics, the culture and business scenes. And you loved Paris, where you once lived. I am so lucky to have spent a summer afternoon at Jardin du Luxembourg with you.

You were an everyday, unwavering champion of Montréal and OEC - One Edelman Canada. You loved architecture and you gave us a beautiful office, paying attention to every single detail. You also gave us the spectacular view of Mont-Royal. I am told you wanted a good view on McGill, too. You asked a photographer to take black and white photos of Montreal. We are naming our conference room ’La salle de Charles’ - Charles’ Room. The photos are there, we will add yours.

When we first met, I was seduced. By your culture and refinement. By your intensity. By your desire to know. By your accomplishments. I was proud to join your team. I still am proud, I still am part of your team. We will build on your heritage.

François

for the Montreal team

you inspired me,

to be a better person,

to be a better father,

to be a better friend,

O how you inspired me.

Thank you Charles.

I feel like I have lost my older brother. Charles was a wonderful friend, with a unique ability to offer advice without prejudice. He had a marvelously impish smile and twinkle in his eye. He was perpetually curious about the world, always reading and learning from those around him. He was a wonderful family man, deeply in love with his wife “Jude” and constantly talking about his daughter, Danielle. He carried his Canadian heritage proudly, from his life-long allegiance to the hockey team of his youth (the Canadians) to his recognition that his country (and he) played a special role as diplomat. He took his gardening so seriously that he wore a lapel pin in the shape of a trowel.

Charles helped to shape modern public relations in Canada. His work at Molson, where he served as VP of Corporate Affairs, on prevention of drunk driving and then in support of HIV AIDS research was first of its kind in the country. When he came to Edelman over a decade ago, he wondered whether he could make the transition from the corporate side. Charles, my boy, you did us proud. Your work on behalf of the Province of Ontario during the SARS crisis helped restore confidence of tourists and business alike. Your counsel to major Canadian companies such as Hudson Bay, Tory’s and Canadian Broadcasting was best in class. You have built a three office enterprise in Edelman Canada staffed by outstanding professionals committed to the same high standards as your own.

...more on Richard’s blog