In Memory of Chuck Moan: Memorial

How Chuck Died

Chuck Moan died on July 5, 2000 at 9:10 pm of cardiac arrest caused by chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). His death was very sudden and unexpected. We had been on a camping trip and Chuck began complaining of a backache that worsened throughout the weekend. When we returned from camping on the Fourth of July, he was very weak and delirious. He collapsed at home and I called 911. Chuck was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital around 5:00 pm where they diagnosed him with CML, including a tumor in his abdomen that was pressing against his spleen and causing the pain in his back. During the night, he transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where they performed a blood-filtering procedure called leukapheresis several times throughout the day and administered chemotherapy and other treatments. But the disease was too advanced and his blood just couldn't keep his heart pumping.

Click here to read Chuck's death notice in the Baltimore Sun.

How We Remembered Him

                  Chuck was cremated with a Stephen King book and
                  his favorite guitar (this is the style of urn in which he
                  was buried, but not the actual one), and a memorial
                  service was held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 15, 2000,
                  at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Baltimore. It was a
gray, rainy day, and over 200 family members and friends attended the service. I would like to thank everyone who came to the service to support me and Chuck's family during this very difficult time.

During the service, many beautiful words were spoken, including this short eulogy by Chuck's friend and fellow band member Mark Shaw. In addition to the biography of Chuck that appeared in the memorial service program, I included in the program these very touching words that Chuck's sister Sharon wrote about him shortly after he died.

At the end of the service, a song was played from a Vince Gill CD that truly tells Chuck's story. It is called "Go Rest High On That Mountain." It is a beautiful song that Vince wrote in memory of his brother.

Where to Visit Him

Since Chuck served briefly in the U.S. Army, he qualified for full veteran's death benefits and was buried at Baltimore National Cemetery in Baltimore. His inurnment took place at 10:00 am on Monday, July 17, 2000, with his family in attendance. It was a simple, moving ceremony, complete with an honor guard and the playing of "Taps." I encourage you to visit Chuck's grave. The cemetery is very beautiful and peaceful. Click the link above for directions.