Charles F. (Charlie) Gear

Charlie Gear passed away in his sleep in Bethune Beach, Fl, at the age of 64.  His heart that held so much love gave out unexpectedly, leaving a huge void in all who knew and loved him.

 Born in Kissimmee, Charlie grew up in Orlando with his beloved siblings:  Barry, Molly, James, Sally, Joseph and Amy.   He attended Bishop Moore High School and graduated from Florida State University in 1987.

 Between high school and college, Charlie and brother Jimmy traveled across the United States for several years, working various jobs and pursuing adventures in San Francisco, New Orleans and Tallahassee.  They owned and operated The Horseshoe Bar in Tallahassee for several years.  Jimmy gave him his first violin and encouraged his dream of becoming a Celtic violinist.   Charlie traveled extensively with his violin in Central and South America before returning to FSU for his degree.
  
Charlie then taught Spanish at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach for five years before dedicating the next 27 years to the Treasury Department.

He loved playing his violin on the side and released two albums of his music, “The Burning Man” and "Ode to the Laurel Lass”, both of which are still available online.  Charlie holds awards from the Songwriters Showcases of America for Best Instrumental Composer (2003 & 2005) and Musician of the Year in 2012.  He was the “Fiddler on the Roof” for Tayton O'Brian's Irish pub in New Smyrna Beach and a frequent performer at The Om Bar in New Smyrna, and Dublin Station and the Artisan Inn in DeLand.

He composed and played the theme song for the event formerly known as the DeLand Burning Man Festival and later became the embodiment of its successor event when a fiery crash on an epic motorcycle trip left him with 3rd and 4th degree burns and many months of recuperation.  He and his music continue to be part of the spirit of that celebration.

Charlie left behind his beloved mother Charlotte Mae, his son Barry Thomas Gear, his brothers Barry Patrick Gear and Joseph Gear, sisters Amy Brewer, Molly Roberts, Sally Gear Varela and honorary sister Nancy Gear.  He was preceded in death by his father Barry, his brother Jimmy and his nephew Joe.

Alyson, Bonnie, Candace, Chris, David, Jackie, Jenni, Jon, Michael, Nick, Robin and Sam were his nieces and nephews who all loved their "Uncle Fartly" and have many memories of an uncle who loved them dearly.

Charlie enjoyed kayaking, sailing, diving, flying planes, hashing, riding bicycles, full moons, card games and the next new adventure.  He loved being father to Barry,  stepfather to Jason and Kathryn  and grandfather to their children; but mostly he loved being the husband of Loretta, his “Laurel Lass”.