The funeral service for the late Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles commenced at his former residence in Block X Hyde Park, Timehri, where both the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Chief of Staff paid their respects.
President Irfaan Ali honored the late Mike Charles as a legend and an extraordinary Guyanese during the funeral service.
The President expressed that Charles’s legacy will endure through those he instructed in the air corps, emphasizing the impact he had on the aviation community.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Ali reflected on the fallen hero’s commitment to duty and great love for people and his country.
He shared a personal connection with Charles, considering him a brother and acknowledging the wise counsel he received.
President Ali also spoke of Charles’s skill in photography, creating spectacular images that left a lasting impression.
President Ali reminisced about his favorite bird, a macaw, and how Mike Charles convinced him that his favorite bird was, in fact, a flamingo.
This small yet impactful influence highlighted the depth of Charles’s connection with those around him.
Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, also paid tribute to Charles.
He praised Charles’s passion for aviation and his willingness to share his knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation community.
Beyond his military role, Brigadier Khan emphasized Charles’s humility, compassion, and dedication to family and friends.
The funeral procession then proceeded to Mike Charles’s mother Rosie Charles’ residence in Soesdyke, Timehri, and later to the Soesdyke Church of Nazarene.
The nation bids farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles, remembering him not only for his contributions to the Guyana Defence Force but also for his extraordinary character and enduring impact on the people he served and inspired.