Charlie Butterfly 2002 Celebration of Life Memorial-Kris Kristofferson performs

Charlie Butterfly 2002 Celebration of Life Memorial at Camp Keanae site overlooking a beautiful Maui coast; Kris Kristofferson there and performs

Summary & Timestamped Transcripts Below…

Dechen speaks at Charlie Memorial event in a large tent, engaging community members in an outdoor gathering.

Kristofferson playing guitar and singing at Charlie Butterfly Celebration of Life event with floral decorations and colorful backdrop.

[00:29 → 11:45]
Opening Invocation and Musical Tribute
The event begins with a deeply spiritual and reflective atmosphere, marked by a soulful invocation and musical offerings. Kachina Palencia & the Unity Choir perform, accompanied by a violin solo from Judy. The speaker requests silence between performances to maintain the sacredness of the day. Attendees are invited to close their eyes in prayer, invoking blessings from God and the Holy Spirit to honor the late Charlie, referred to affectionately as “Char.” The initial prayer sets a tone of reverence, unity, and spiritual connection.

• [11:45 → 15:52]
  Honoring Jewish Tradition and Introduction to Charlie’s Life
  The ceremony honors Charlie’s Jewish heritage with a traditional chant from the Shema (“Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God is One”) sung three times, inviting those familiar to join in. The speaker reflects on the many facets of Charlie’s life and identity: from his childhood to his roles as a sailing captain, cook, breakfast chef at Sufi camp, Dharma Center participant, Santa Claus, and Hana resident. The emphasis is on inclusivity—everyone present is acknowledged as part of Charlie’s extended family. This segment establishes a broad and affectionate introduction to Charlie’s multifaceted personality and life journey.
• [15:52 → 19:45]
  Charlie’s Spiritual Path and Personal Characteristics
  This section delves into Charlie’s rich spiritual and personal life:
• Jewish birth and Sufi initiation: Charlie was born Jewish but deeply engaged in the Sufi path, receiving the name “Aanda,” meaning Bliss.
• Religious inclusivity: He honored all religions, integrating figures like Jesus and Mary into his personal altar, and took refuge in Buddhist teachings under the Tibetan master Kal Rishe.
• Belief in love as a universal thread: Charlie’s core philosophy was that love and kindness transcend religious boundaries—that love was his true religion.
• Generosity and hospitality: He was known for feeding people, planting fruit trees and gardens on his Hana pasture land, creating a personal paradise open to friends and strangers alike.
• Resilience and healing: Despite chronic back pain, Charlie seldom complained and studied healing arts, including homeopathy, meditated at sunrise, practiced Tai Chi, and participated in spiritual dances.
• Community service: He served on the board of the Art Barn in Hana, helped friends with taxes, was treasurer of the Hana Business Association, and performed marriages as a minister.
• Personality traits: Charlie was consistent, reliable, always smiling, affectionately calling others “darling” and “honey,” content with life, and deeply loving his family.
• [19:45 → 24:25]
  Family and Legacy
  This passage highlights Charlie’s family connections and lasting impact:
• Family members: His mother Jette (relocated from Michigan to Hana), brothers Fram and Merlin, daughters Stephanie and Victoria, former wives, and many beloved hanai (adopted) children.
• Grandchildren: Josh and Jordan adored him; Charlie created special moments for them, including taking them to Sufi camp and attending their games.
• Partnership with Ary: They were together for nine years, sharing a life of love and mutual respect on Maui.
• Legacy of love: Charlie’s life exemplified love illuminated in daily living, welcoming everyone as they were and forgiving shortcomings.
• Emotional reflections: The speaker expresses butterflies in the stomach—a metaphor for nervousness and the presence of Charlie’s spirit—and recalls how Charlie taught that “love is all that matters.” A poetic reflection on butterflies symbolizes Charlie’s enduring spiritual presence.
• [24:25 → 29:51]
  Final Moments and Spiritual Presence
  The narrative shifts to Charlie’s final days and spiritual passage:
• Peaceful surrender: Charlie’s passing was marked by peaceful surrender into Spirit and love, surrounded by loved ones, fresh flowers, and images of spiritual masters.
• Communication beyond words: Despite being unable to speak, Charlie conveyed understanding and peace through gestures and tears.
• Butterflies as spiritual symbols: Butterflies appear as messengers of Charlie’s presence, brushing cheeks and flying by windows, reinforcing the belief that he remains close and that love is the ultimate answer.
• Family dreams and visions: Vicky, Charlie’s daughter, shares a dream where Charlie reassures her about her well-being, emphasizing his ongoing watchfulness over the family.
• Emotional poetic tribute: Merlin, Charlie’s brother, reads a heartfelt poem expressing grief, love, and the belief that Charlie remains alive in spirit despite physical absence.

[31:07 → 36:04]

Vibrant outdoor gathering showcasing community engagement and cultural festivities.

Family Memories and Personal Stories
Merlin recounts a ceremony in Colorado where friends gather to honor Charlie, affirming his journey to a “wonderful place.” He reminisces on Charlie’s childhood and youth:

• Good student, active in school sports (football), scholarship recipient
• Protective big brother who took care of siblings
• Passion for Hana land and community life
• Remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend
  The segment ends with a toast to Charlie, celebrating his life and magical presence as a butterfly, assuring that his spirit will never say goodbye.
• [36:04 → 39:25]
  Reflections on Charlie’s Dual Nature (Tough Exterior, Sweet Heart)
  A close friend and sailing companion reflects on the contrast between Charlie’s tough exterior and his deeply tender heart, affirming that beneath the toughness was “the sweetest heart that’s ever beat.” The speaker expresses ongoing love and remembrance, emphasizing that Charlie would greet everyone with warmth and affection, calling them “sweethearts.” This segment highlights the enduring emotional impact Charlie had on those around him.
• [39:25 → 43:19]
  Song Tribute and Social Commentary
  Chris, a neighbor and musician, performs songs that reflect Charlie’s spirit. The lyrics quoted convey themes of:
• Community and human connection (“here comes that rainbow again”)
• Compassion and kindness amid life’s hardships
• Critique of societal division and prejudice (“some folks hate the whites who hate the blacks”)
• The necessity to stop harming each other and embrace love and unity
  The song’s message aligns with Charlie’s philosophy of love as the answer and life as both question and solution.
• [43:19 → 47:25]
  Philosophical and Spiritual Reflections
  The speaker reads a moving piece that situates life as a precious, interconnected phenomenon:
• The Earth as a “tiny blue marble” spinning in space, born from divine vision
• Humans as creatures of laughter, freedom, and dreams
• A warning against hatred and violence, urging humanity to learn quickly to live in harmony
• Reiterating that “life is the question and life is the answer,” and “love is the way.”
  The segment closes with a Native American blessing emphasizing the eternal nature of spirit and the enduring presence of love.
• [47:25 → 55:43]
  Community Sharing and Personal Testimonials
  Attendees are invited to share personal reflections on Charlie’s life and his impact. A friend, Michael Stillwater, sends a heartfelt message expressing:
• Grief at Charlie’s departure but gratitude for having known him
• Admiration of Charlie’s fearless, authentic way of living and leaving a legacy of love, humor, and kindness
• Confidence that Charlie’s spirit continues to support his loved ones in unseen ways
  The message encourages embracing love fully and trusting in the ongoing presence of those who have passed.
• [55:43 → 58:40]
  Letter from Shabda Khan and Closing Blessing
  A letter from Shabda Khan, a spiritual teacher and friend, is read aloud:
• Expresses deep sorrow at Charlie’s passing and missing his daily presence at Sufi camp
• Acknowledges Ary’s role and the spiritual lineage they share
• Affirms that Charlie’s next adventure is greater and that he is already benefiting those around him from beyond
• Offers love, prayers, and encouragement for the family to embrace grief and joy simultaneously
• Ends with a blessing for Charlie’s path to union and peace, reinforcing the theme of spiritual continuity and love’s eternal power.
  • • Summary of Key Insights
• Charlie Rosen (“Charlie Butterfly”) was a beloved figure whose life embodied spiritual inclusivity, love, and community service.
• His journey encompassed Jewish heritage, Sufi initiation, Buddhist practice, and universal reverence for all religions, reflecting a deeply pluralistic spirituality centered on love.
• Known for his generosity, kindness, resilience despite chronic pain, and dedication to healing arts, Charlie created a personal paradise in Hana, Hawaii, welcoming all.
• His family, community, and friends remember him as a consistent, loving presence, who called everyone “darling” and “honey” and lived with an ever-present smile.
• Butterflies serve as a recurring spiritual symbol, representing Charlie’s enduring presence and the message that love is the ultimate answer.
• The ceremony combined music, poetry, prayer, and personal testimonies to celebrate Charlie’s life and spiritual legacy.
• The event emphasized the importance of living fully in the present moment, surrendering fear, embracing love, and honoring the interconnectedness of all beings.
• Charlie’s legacy is one of joyful surrender, spiritual wisdom, and an invitation to carry forward his message of love and kindness.

This remembrance was a deeply moving and multi-dimensional celebration of a man who lived with heart, spirit, and generosity, leaving a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

00:29

you heart I am one with the heart of the mother I am one with the heart of I am one with the heart of the father I am one with you precous Lord take my hand the the pre Spirit precious take my my prous me me me leave me me me home s gra how sweet the I was I see PR and my heart to Soul through and amazing PR join us I’m done sh la oh oh I I think this is hard right Aloha and welcome how’s the sound can everyone hear I want to thank Kina Palencia and the unity choir for singing this morning

11:45

and Judy for her beautiful violin cons uh solo and um due to the sacredness of today uh I request that you not applaud the different musicians for just maintain a nice quiet silence in between uh the speakers and musicians that we’ll have later in the day so please close your eyes now and join me in a prayer and invocation dear God Holy Spirit we ask for your blessing upon this day and those gathered here to honor our beloved char May thy love and thy light pour upon us all and bless Char on start with this shal

13:00

to honor this Jewish tradition here o Israel the Lord Our God the Lord our God is one have a if you know it please sing along we’ll sing it three times honoring Charlie’s ancestral you Jal is do know father is I I is God of Charles Norman Rosen Charlie butterfly whether you knew him from childhood as some of you did or as a captain of a sailing ship in l or as a cook at a mua camp or as the breakfast chef at Sufi camp or from the Dharma Center or a Santa Claus or as a resident of Hana you are all part of Charlie’s

15:52

Family his heart was big enough for everyone Charlie was born Jewish he was initiated on the Sufi path and given the name aanda which means Bliss it was an appropriate name because Charlie was almost always smiling in the Sufi teachings all religions are honored and accepted as having truth and pictures of Jesus and Mary were on his personal altar Charlie took refuge in the Buddhist path with Kal rishe a great Tibetan teacher he was a devotee of Sababa he believed that love is the thread through all

16:49

religions and that love and kindness was Charlie’s religion he was a born again relax itarian he loved feeding people and his generosity is well known he took a pasture land in Hana and planted fruit trees Gardens and flowers and it became an extension of Charlie his own personal Paradise he welcomed friend and stranger he accepted people as they are and forgave the ones who didn’t keep agreements with him Charlie had a back that often caused him pain for Years yet he rarely complained and studied healing practices

17:48

and Homeopathy so he could help others he meditated at Sunrise and did Tai shei he sang zicker and danced in the Tara dance with women on a mai in a ritual to bring healing to the world he served on the board of directors for the art Barn in Hana helped his friends with their taxes and was treasurer of the Hana Business Association Charlie was a minister and he married many people Charlie was consistent you could count on his smile he called us all darling and honey stheart and sweetheart he was

18:47

content he enjoyed travel yet he was happy to stay on Maui in Hana with Ary he and Ary were together nine years Charlie has a loving family he built a home for his mother Jette and moved her from his birthplace in Michigan to live in Hana his brother Fram and Frey’s wife Sean live in Hana and they have a brother Merlin in Colorado his beautiful daughters Stephanie and Victoria and Vicki’s husband Jeff live on Maui as well as his former wives Misha and simati he had many hanai children Mercury kesa dubie and others

19:45

that he loved and cared for his grandchildren Josh and Jordan adored him and them he would drive into K to watch a so baseball game we were playing in and he created special times in Hana for them and brought them to Sufi Camp Charlie wanted everyone to have a good time he gave us the example of a Life illumined by love Charlie lived Aloha now we’re going to have some sharing from some of Charlie’s Family and some musical interludes in between those sharings I have butterflies in my stomach but I know that’s totally

20:46

appropriate please remind me to remember when I see a butterfly why love is all that matters though I often wonder why take me up gently on your beautiful gossamer Wings speak to me yet once again of Truth and simple things help me walk softly through life the way you always chose to smile and embrace each moment as it comes and as it goes brush me lightly with your smiles and Echoes of your words let me always hear your laughter in the songs of all the birds come be my Santa Claus for the Lifetime and forever help me to say yes

21:32

always never to say never oh king of butterflies and rainbows king of all the hearts thank you for being my own sweet angel right from the very start and sound check sound check remember when I see a butterfly why love is all that matters though I often wonder why and then I and then I wrote a letter to our precious little boys our sweetest grandchildren Joshua and Jordan say his pride and joy and to our Exquisite angel-like daughters Vicki and Stephanie who came through and you Charlie King of

22:30

butterflies and Magic trust in truth I had lived life for the most part worrying into the future or regretting the past and the gift that I found through Charlie’s passage is the gift of Life of being in the moment and truly living each and every particle of the play that we find ourselves a character my daughter Steph looked at me the other day and said Mom was there always so much love in the air I reflected a moment and I answered yes we just didn’t understand just how to open to that love and Trust in it Charlie’s

23:10

life in his passage truly showed us how the way he lived was the exact way he left for the angel grounds he was in he was in peace patience Charlie’s patience my daughter Stephanie looked at me the other day and asked Mom was there always so much love in the air I reflected a moment and answered yes we just didn’t understand how to open to that love and Trust in it but Charlie’s life in his passage truly showed us how the way he lived was the exact way he left for the angel grounds he was in peace soaking in

24:25

and acknowledging the aroma that engulfed his Hospital bed the sweetest Alchemy an orchestra of souls gathered around in different costumes all honoring the same tune a bethoven symphony of appreciation of sweet surrender surrender into Spirit into love the magic that happens when love is the answer and you finally get it before Charlie left we whispered to him all the things that perhaps we never said enough when he was well and A Tear would fall from the corner of his eye unable to speak he would show us in the ways that

25:05

he could that he understood and that he was at peace and there were people gathered around him fresh flowers framed him and pictures of the great Masters adorned him like an Angelic Shield we all sang to Him Softly and watched as his magnificent Spirit B us Aloha this passage left me was no fear of death it left me with a sense of great celebration for his spirit because he chose to go home and yet he’s all around us in the butterflies I called to him and a moment later a butterfly brushes my cheek or flies past my window

25:46

he is everywhere always reminding us that love is the answer and he is awaken my sleeping senses for that is why he came to Earth this time how blessed we are to have been touched by Charlie he left his spiritual glitter on each one of us and hopefully we can finally recognize it always in each other my daughter Vicky had a dream the other night and through tears on the phone she said that she had seen herself sit with Charlie on a picnic bench and that he turned to her and said darling tell your mom that she should

26:26

never worry about anything she is going to be fine I’ll always watch over her and in fact I know sweet children that he W watches over all of us all of his family everywhere and that is why he always greeted you with a smile but Charlie always told me that’s his job it’s on my heart my my here my grateful tear oh I am truly I am I am my heart you CL want my this P this pal was set this this poem was sent to me I’ll be that this is from our brother Merlin I originally known as Dicky Charlie buer

29:51

fluffy this is the hardest poem I ever had to write but it must be done to reach Charlie FL they came and took this beautiful butterfly away now he is scree to fly around all the day when I start to think of him tears come to my eyes I need more hands guys take that thank it’s okay it’s okay I guess in my heart I can’t start now he is free to fly around all the day when I start to think of him tears come to my eyes but yes in my heart and in my mind Charlie is still alive right now at this time on the

31:07

mainland Merlin is with about 15 friends having a ceremony in Colorado for Charlie we all know he has flown to a wonderful place wherever he goes He will always have a smile on his face he was a wonderful person nothing he wouldn’t do for you Charlie an Ary that made a perfect two he once was a Rosen that’s frozen in time born to Janette and Henry to them this little bundle was fine they called this boy Chucky and he loved to play they watched him grow big and strong day by day he was good in

31:50

school and always got good grades he liked to help his dad take his little brother to the Thanksgiving Day Parade he liked to sh scare his brothers he was the green ghost you know whether on a trip to South Haven or Florida or just a mystery ride he was always the big bro what a fine young man he turned out to be high school football team a scholarship to Wayne CPA son grandson brother friend lover husband father grandfather what a guy he was he loved his land in Hana Hawaii I know for sure Charlie Will Never Say

32:33

Goodbye he lives leaves behind lots and lots of loved ones and friends and for Charlie there will never be an end I could write about deay and sigma Alam mu Claremont appal and a 51 Chevy too I could go on and on but it’s time to say farewell yes there was was a Magik or butterfly born J 13th 1937 now that same magic butterfly is in Summerland Heaven let’s all make a toast to Charlie butterfly and raise our glasses High whoa good night sleep well Charlie butterfly goodbye we all love you little

33:23

blow for little bro Merlin I I didn’t write anything I tried about 61 years ago plus a day plus 9 months Chucky came to my mom and dad and said he wanted a little brother I imagine at that time I was somewhere where Charlie is right now saying to God I wanted a big brother so I was born Henry and Janette and Chucky was my brother so for 61 years he has been my brother my big bro and he’ll always he’ll always be my big bro he protected me he watched over me and I did the same with him we switch roles

34:41

sometimes I taught him and he taught me and the magic is that wherever he is right now will always always be teaching me and Ary gave me a birthday card last night that Charlie picked out a couple months ago and it said you owe me sign there is no mic there it is hear youo hi so for those of you who have known Charlie for many years there’s a few of us in here they knew him as a tough guy believe it or not and I sailed with him before and I’ll sail with him again and underneath the tough guy was

36:04

the sweetest heart that’s ever beat and I just want to say Charlie I never want to stop loving you thinking about you or feeling you people say you’ll never stop thinking about them and I say I don’t ever want to and it hurts and it feels good and thank you all and I love you all and if Charlie were here you would just smile and say hi sweethearts I love you all is Chris here Chris offers are you here right here would you like to sing your song now Chris has been Charlie’s a neighbor

37:28

in Hana and he asked to honor us with a song or two today it’s very wonderful and some of the songs that um have been sung and a couple of songs that are going to be sung and a prayer are in the paper that you were given when you came in so if you want to join in just look at that paper and you’ll find words too a song that Kar will sing and a prayer that we’ll say a little later okay I just I’m not sure what you’ll be able to hear it’s uh but it’s nice to be part of honoring

38:14

you guys share Charlie’s life and memory you know yeah we got to share well I thought it would be great you just St to listen to it I got a few songs that I think for I think about Charlie whenever I uh sing them and I think they’re uh reflective of his of his spirit I was thinking it would be it’s going to be hard to to uh think to think about Hana without thinking about Charlie and uh and then I realized all of a sudden that uh that that’ll never happen you know because because he’s

39:25

he’s like the sun time uh and in hona the rain this is go here comes that rainbow again the scene was a small Roadside Cafe the waitress was sweeping the floor two truck drivers drinking their coffee two oy kids by the door how much are them candies they asked her how much have you got she replied we’ve only a penny between us them to for a penny she lied and the daylight grew heavy with Thunder with the smell of the rain on the Wind ain’t it just like a human here comes that rainbow

40:48

again one truck driver called to the waitress after the kids went outside them candies ain’t too for a penny so what’s it to you she replied in silence they finished their coffee got up and Ned goodbye she called hey you left too much money so was it to you be and a daylight was heavy with thunder I love the rain on the wind and then just like a human here comes that rainbow again Jesus was a Capricorn he ate organic food he believed in love and peace and never wore no shoe long hair beard and

42:09

sandals and he Funk a bunch of friends re we just nail him up if he come down again cuz everybody’s got to have somebody to look down on who they can feel better than at anytime someone doing something dirty decent folks can frown on you can’t find nobody else then help yourself to me Eggheads curing rednecks curing hippies far hair others laugh at streets who laugh at Freaks who laugh at squar some folks hate the whites who hate the blacks who hate the Clans most of us hate anything that we

43:19

don’t understand CU everybody’s got to have somebody to look down on who they can feel better than at any time they please someone doing something dirty decent folks can frown on you can’t find nobody else that help yourself to Charlie one more deep in the heart of the infinite Darkness the tiny Blue Marble is spinning through space born in the Splendor of God’s holy vision and sliding away like a tear down his face closer you see the whole wide holy Wonder oceans and mountains and rivers

44:25

and trees and strangest creation of many human creature of laughter and freedom and dreams now the Warriors are waving their old rusty Sabers and preachers are preaching the gospel of Hate by their behavior determined to teach us a lesson we’re soon to be learning too late look closer my brother we’re killing each other we better stop and get started today life is the question and life is the answer God is the reason love is the way life is the question and life is the answer is the reason love is the way one

45:40

more time God bless you we’re going to uh take five minutes the sound system is uh needing a little adjustment so for 5 minutes I’d like you just to turn to someone you’re sitting next to and um just share something that you would like to say about Charlie about your experience with Charlie or how he affected your life or why you’re here today and just take this minute to share with someone close to you if you always going thank you thank you this poem and it’s from a Native American

47:25

teacher never the spirit was born the spirit shall cease to be never never was time it was not end and beginning our dreams birthless deathless and changeless Remains the spirit forever death has not touched it at all all dead though the house of it seems may the Lord time sun shine upon you all you and the Pure Life within you God your way on made the long time sun shine upon you oh suround and the pure shine upon and the you with you we love you sh surround you and oh are I’m going to read something that came to

51:41

us to the magic of email from Michael Stillwater who was a friend of many of us for many years on Maui he writes I’m saddened by the news of the departure Flight of the Soul we know as Charli butterfly yet at the same time so grateful to have had the joy and blessing to meet him on my path what a reminder he is of living dreams drawing Outside the Lines following your heart whatever the consequence whatever others opinions he always knew the way to live life to the fullest leaving a legacy of love humor

52:27

and kindness my heart is with you Ary a partnership of such depth continues on in a different way now though nothing can take the place of his being in this world I trust knowing Charlie he will find Myriad ways both sweet and silly of letting you know he’s with you and feeling his comforting presence our last here our last day here on Earth will begin for us like any other it’s a day we haven’t marked on our calendars it’s a day we’re thinking that we’ll have tomorrow and next month to

53:10

get things done on the day we walk through that doorway we may we remember with gratitude all those who have touched our lives and gone before us and if it is true that we will be met by loving beings at that moment we shall not be surprised if Charlie is there with a twinkle in his eye motioning us over to his favorite spot unlimited by worldly Vision unded by anxiety Untouched by fear I miss you Charlie and look forward to seeing you again love Michael St Marie le la would you like to lead another song I Won’t Le it but I’ll

54:05

follow along all living a of each other all living and God eyes and you open my eyes with your loveing heart and you open my heart with your love eyes and you are a dear friend of Chuckies is shaba Khan he comes here frequently to lead along with Leila our supy camps both sometimes in the spring and or the fall and he sent a letter that he would like to have shared with the family and uh with all of us the extended family and I’ll read it as soon as thaton finds it how many are here from other

55:43

Islands did you hear what for asked no how many are from other planets the majority so this is a letter from shabda my dearest brother and teacher Charlie Ananda butterfly my dear sister and Mita Ary Charlie’s family and dear Ohana tears flow down my cheeks missing you and your beautiful smile my dear brother who will greet me early in the morning in the kitchen at Camp canai before anyone else arises and ask how I am and what about our oatmeal and beautifully sliced papayas and pineapples and who will I speak to in

56:49

the temple at can I without you and Aries sitting cross-legged in the front row showering me with love and blessings so something of use could flow from this vessel we miss you dearly but know your next adventure is even greater I know where you are now you are already Irreplaceable and being of much benefit to All Around listening to and being showered by the music of guidance and blessing flowing toward you not only that but I know now that when my turn comes to walk in your footsteps you will have planted flowers

57:37

along the path for all of us my dear sister Ary who gives who gives the greatest names in the lineage of I from your P wet I will take your advice with all the names you have given me by embracing current conditions working on boy and C remaining in the sound current and flowing as sea natural with all our heart we are here for you to Charlie’s family and dear Ohana I feel your love and prayers always surrounding me and extend all my love and prayers to you all that your hearts can both grieve

58:40

the loss of our dear brother and swell with joy and Ananda knowing our dear brother Charlie is on the beautiful path to Union and encounter with all my love shabda s came to me