The Passing of Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Charles Tildon
Charles Tildon was well known to those involved in educational, political, christian, or true community and social action activities. Many of our members have been touched by Mr. Tildon’s service in some way or another through his involvement in various organizations. Personally over the past 45 years I have known him as a long time fellow church parishioner, friend, mentor, motivator, supporter, and a great human being. His challenges to me have made me a better person and for that I am forever grateful.
We have all heard the poem “Live Your Creed” (if not google it). Mr. Tildon was truly a person who exemplified the words of this poem. His candor and insight were far greater than some could comprehend or were willing to implement. However that did not deter him from continuing to do what was right in the eyes of man. Even during his illness he stayed involved in the political and social concerns of the city and state. While his walk became slower and he relied on assistance more and more, one could gather strength from his spirit as he always smiled and “one day at a time” became his mantra. Even to the end he was sharp of mind and mustered up the energy to rally people to vote and be involved in the last two elections. Mr. Tildon was a quiet giant among men. You never knew who he was connected to until you went to him with an issue or concern. If he did not have an immediate answer he would have something whenever he promised it. It is an honor to
have known him and Louise and Chuck.
As members of BGLOs we should look to his life as an example of how we should be conducting ourselves. He was willing to work with others regardless of class or status. He did not always follow the status quo. He was ready, willing, and able to reach across the line and extend a hand. As long as he was working with others towards the common good, then half the battle was won. He will be missed more than we can imagine. I just wonder who will be there to pick up where he left off?
A funeral mass for Mr. Tildon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 21, 2007 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen 5200 North Charles Street. Family hour will take place starting at 10:00 a.m. Expressions of sympathy can be forwarded to:
Mrs. Louise Tildon
3404 Rosedale Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215
John Berkley
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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College educator sought equality
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Retired BCCC chief active in community, known as a mentor
By Tyeesha Dixon, Sun reporter
December 16 2007
Charles G. Tildon Jr., the civic activist whose vision of racial equality and educational opportunity carried him to the presidency of Baltimore City Community College and beyond, died yesterday at Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care in Towson after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 81.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bal-md.ob.tildon16dec16,0,4026696.story
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Services
Kappa Service 10:00 Friday, December 21, 2007
Funeral 11:00 Friday, December 21, 2007
Cathedral of Mary our Queen Church
5200 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21210
There will be a reception after the funeral TBD.