January 4, 2005

Dear Conner Family,

The California Escrow Association pays tribute to Charles Palmer Conner who served as our state association president in 1966.

Mr. Conner is most admired and will be remembered for his dedication to education and the growth of the escrow practitioner, the escrow industry and the escrow organizations in which he was actively involved.  In Mr. Conner’s first President’s Message, “The New Year Outlook” printed in the California Escrow Magazine, January 1966, he stated:  “With all of us working together, we can have a successful and progressive 1966 which should, 12 months from now, bring us all a little closer and with a better understanding of our fellow man, the escrow business and the opportunities that are afforded us in our profession.” 

Mr. Conner was very active in the California Escrow Association and several regional associations up until his death in December, 2004.  Escrow was his life and the knowledge, the drive and the work ethic that he shared will benefit many for years to come.  Chuck offered many “Tips of the Month” which were printed in the CEA News, in regional newsletters and in the CEA President’s Manual.  If you ever had a question about the escrow profession or about the California Escrow Association, Chuck always had the answer.  Chuck was always eager to “work” by teaching, speaking, participating and even selling raffle tickets.  Who could resist that beautiful smile, tall stature and that great “Raffle King Hat”!

So that we may continue his legacy and honor an individual who has had an enormous impact on the escrow industry, The California Escrow Association is proud to announce that the CEA Perpetual Education Award has been renamed the Charles P. Conner Memorial Education Award effective with the 2005 program year.

The following poem is reprinted from the February, 1966 California Escrow Magazine on the page reserved for President Conner’s Message:

 

Take Time

Take time to think

  It is the source of power

Take time to play

  It is the secret of perpetual youth

Take time to read

  It is the fountain of wisdom

Take time to pray

  It is the greatest power on earth

Take time to love and be loved

  It is the God-given privilege

Take time to be friendly

  It is the road to happiness

Take time to laugh

  It is the music of the soul

Take time to give

  It is too short a day to be selfish

Take time to work

  It is the price of success


Chuck’s passing will leave a huge hole in our world, but for those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him, we will always remember him as a truly remarkable person who taught us about our profession and also about life.

May you find comfort knowing that Chuck was greatly loved and will be missed tremendously by the California Escrow Association.

Respectfully,
Jill Mushaney, CSEO
President