Touching Gently

The story begins with Charles Hargrove's childhood in the city of Redlands, California during the Great Depression. He paints vivid, moving portraits of the people who influenced his life: his wise father, his strong and loving mother, and his talented Uncle Jack. His personal story conveys a larger picture of the time and place, and the culture, from which he sprang.


Charles tells of his coming of age, his delight in becoming an Eagle Scout, his relationship (and continuing obsession) with the game of golf, and the hardships of life on a destroyer during the Korean War. And he writes most lovingly of his wife, Joan Van Euer, sharing their story from their youthful courtship to her heartbreaking death from Alzheimer's. Charles writes plainly and truthfully of life’s twists and turns, paths considered but not taken, the precious victories and bitter losses, the pain and dark places, and the simple but exquisite joy of being human.


"A great book about a fine gentleman and what it takes to be successful in life and business. Charles writes about his life experiences and lessons learned playing the game of golf. To be a good golfer, you must have commitment, dedication, patience, competitive attitude, and willingness to practice, practice, practice. Charles learned and practiced all these things, which made him a good friend, accomplished golfer, and a successful businessman." ~ James R. Hughes, Jr., President & CEO, Hughes Retirement Advisory Group


"Touching Gently is more than a personal memoir; it is the autobiography of a time that may seem ancient history to many. His simple, direct style establishes a voice still audible to his contemporaries. The trials and tribulations of daily life are depicted in a tone that is indeed gentle – made more so by hope, humor, and acceptance of love, life and death without complaint. As Charles’ fellow-‘swabbie’ in the United States Navy, I read with great delight his descriptions of his ship, USS Halsey Powell DD 686. As a Quartermaster, Charles sent signals – as a Gunner’s Mate, I fired guns. This is my twenty-one-gun salute of respect for his book."~ Michael Fuller, PhD., Author of Legacy


"A story of love and courage. The author engages the reader with his personal journey of life’s great joys woven in everyday challenges of being a caregiver for his wife. It chronicles the painful reality of watching the essence of his beautiful wife slowly disappear before his eyes. It also illuminates the plight of many primary caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s: what to do when the care giving burden becomes overwhelming." ~ Patricia Lungren Partridge, RN, BSN, MSG