Back then there were relatively few of my fellow students with an equal interest in science and technology, and so I spent a good deal of time hanging out at the physics department of my high school. It was there that I developed my appreciation for the 'nuts and bolts' side of scientific research, and noticed how the computer was becoming a critical tool in the gathering and analysis of data. In my last year of high school, while taking a first-year university Chemistry course at U.N.B. (I was an 'advanced student' {grin}), I visited their computer department and was fascinated by the capabilities of this new technology. I quickly found new friends on the U.N.B. Intranet (though they didn't call it that back then) connecting the two campuses, and when it came time to enroll in the Geology programme the following year, I made sure to include computer courses in my curriculum.

Not surprisingly, while I got only B's in my geology courses, I was making A's in my computer studies. Outside of course work, I had 'fun' programming a number of small applications for the university community, including a text editor for APL which was still in use by faculty and staff several years later.....

I never lost my interest in science-fiction, and even took a turn at writing a bit of it, running an amateur press association for a small group of science-fiction and fantasy fans. My recreational interests "rounded out" when I moved to Ontario and a good friend of mine introduced me to a Medieval Recreation group, called the 'Society for Creative Anachronism' (a name that literally means 'creating things not from this time' - I still laugh when someone misreads 'Anachronism' as 'anarchism'). While medieval history and space age technology may not at first seem like compatible pursuits, it turns out that each age has its own 'technological revolution'. It's fascinating to see how people's lives all through history are transformed by the advances in technology and communications.

I've lived in Hamilton for nearly 18 years now. The first eleven of those years were spent helping a wonderful woman, Krystyl, raise her two beautiful children, Amber and Andrew, who I came to consider my own (smile). Krystyl moved to Ottawa in the summer of 2003, to pursue her career, while mine kept me in Hamilton. We've stayed in touch, and I regularly visit her and Andrew in Ottawa. Amber is attending university in Waterloo, and spends the summers with me here in Hamilton (yay!).

It was Andrew's three year long fight with Leukaemia (a successful one!) that took me out of my 'place' in the computer programming marketplace. A decision I don't regret, but which put me in the odd position of being excellently qualified, but not 'fresh' enough to suit most employers. So I decided to 'start over', applying my experience to the newly emerging field of Internet Services. I began volunteering with the Hamilton CommunityNet (which started as the Hamilton-Wentworth Freenet) as their webmaster, and acquired a whole new set of technical skills to go with the years of business experience. As time went on, my position became a paid one - I am now their 'Membership Coordinator', which includes primary responsibility for managing the server systems, and member support. I have also had the chance to use my skills to help the Toronto Freenet and the Hamilton Falcon Watch.

I am fairly content where I am right now, but always keeping an eye open for my next career move. If by chance you are (or know) someone who is looking for a special kind of computer professional, one who treats his work as an art and answers the challenge of making programs and systems (and ultimately the businesses that use them) as efficient as possible, then perhaps you would like to take a look at my professional qualifications. Please feel free to read (and print) Charles' Resume.