Char Sommers RIP

spider4me · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2012, 07:24 PM

A sad passing.

All AROO members will be saddened to learn that Char Sommers has passed away. Char was a long-time member and leader of AROO, contributing immensely to our club’s existence and success. A McGill Award recipient, she worked tirelessly on the Monte Shelton NW Classic Rally, on AROC conventions, and as a club officer and volunteer. She was spirited and passionate in her love of Alfas and AROO, never shy with an opinion, and never one to stand by while others worked. She jumped in and did whatever was needed and we have a fine club to show for her many efforts. Char will be greatly missed by AROO and everyone who knew her. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dan and Diane Sommers and all their family.

Roger Dilts, President
Alfa Romeo Owners of Oregon

**Alfisto Steve** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2012, 07:33 PM

Roger please pass my condolences on to the family.

**bshorey** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2012, 08:02 PM

I'm really sorry to hear that, thanks for passing it along. My sincere condolences. I always liked Char, she certainly had a ton of passion for the club, and all things Alfa.

bs

**Nicola** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2012, 05:27 AM

Doug Zaitz passed along the sad news while several of us were (are) on the PreConvention Tour leading to the (Inter)National Convention in Toronto.
Of course all of AROC is saddening by Char's passing, as her enthusiasm and efforts for the marque and club went beyond her contributions at the local chapter level. She was a National board member for several years, and continued, seemingly untiringly, working for AROC even after she was no longer an AROC board member.
She will be missed. . .

Pat Braden · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2012, 07:14 AM

I first met Char in the 80's when Pat was working on his Abarth book. I don't remember where we were but it was some kind of gathering in a "parking lot" of various kinds of foreign Italian cars, not in California.

I always found her over the top with enthusiasm, pleasant, and a true Alfisti beyond her work with the local and National clubs. After Pat's death she would always seek me out at conventions to give a hug and wish me well.

My condolences to her family and friends.

**earlytimer** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2012, 09:34 AM

My daughter, Stacy and I are deeply saddened by Char's passing. We met Char at the 2000 Convention in Portland and have spent time with her at every convention since. My wife, Judy is attending her first convention in Toronto and from the stories from previous conventions she was looking forward to meeting Char. During the past few months I have had several conversations with Char concerning both the Alfa Canadese Convention and our own Alfa California Convention. Her help and input will be greatly missed. We are leaving for Toronto in a few hours, but for us, Char's passing will certainly put a damper on the Convention. Our codolences to Dan and Diane.
--Harly

JoeCab · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2012, 08:02 PM

This is truly saddening. Char was a gem and always made me smile!

I usually shudder when advertising reps call me during a busy day, but Char was welcome to call anytime. She would always refer to Centerline as the "Centerfold Boys" which was just one example of the humor she was famous for. At the end of the day she always got the job done and made everyone happy.

She did an huge amount for AROO/AROC and for Alfas in general. A truly amazing woman who will be missed.

jerry Quinlisk · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2012, 06:12 AM

You know I had been thinking of Char and wanted to call her last month, as over the past 6 months she had finally filled in all ads on the business card size page of alfa owner.

Goes to show you that you regret the things in life you do not act upon.

She was always competent, kind, and quite a hoot .... My best to her family