ItrEI newsandYievs

by BOB lYtcBRlEN execulive vice president of the Lumber Merchonts Associoiion of Northern Colifornio 4546 El Gomino Rcol, Suifc 0 lor Aflor, Calil. 91022 l1r5l ?11-1617

A S WE GO through life, each of us sooner or later has an z r opportunity to work closely with someone who has a great influence on many persons. Such a man was Charlie Cross, who died March 2.

My associations with Charlie over the past four or five years have been many and in each, I left him with an everincreasing amount of respect for the job he did and what he stood for. He was a most able man and a most loved man. He was a sound man and his judgments and advice were nothins short of best.

In all his dealings with the Lumber Al{ eloquer.t tribute lo Merchants Associatioir, both as committee [l,t rlf sg::[';"tr?ttt; chairman or officer, he never attempted many who knew and to push himself ahead of others. He was loved him' always content to sit back, Iisten to the opinions of others, sift the facts and come up with the best for all concerned. This was Charlie's way of doing business.

Few people in our industry realized how close we came to losing Charlie a few years back when he suffered a terrible auto accident. He mystified the doctors by overcoming numerous injuries to return to a most active and worthwhile life. His speech wasn't the same as before the accident, but to Charlie it never made a bit of difference. He was pleased to have the second chance and hc made the best o[ it.

As detailed in last month's Merchant, Charlie was looking forward with extreme pride to being host to the Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California at the upcoming annual convention. He helped in every plan. He made necessary arrangements. He took glee knowing he could show o'his country" in its sparkling beauty to his friends.

Charlie will be at this year's convention in many ways. In fact, to those of us who worked with him and enjoyed his company, he'll always be with us. as the guiding light, brighter than ever in our minds and hearts. We've lost a true friend. but his principles remain for all to study and emulate.

Sove $ $ on Phone Bills

A periodic audit of telephone bills may turn up substantial savings. Large-volume users report that errors and possible overcharges can creep into the billing, according to Purchasing Magazine.

Since individual items are small, the errors are often overlooked. Routine audits can turn up discrepancies, resulting in credits. Keep an especially sharp eye on changes in telephone installations.

Phones with buttons or small attachments may have been discontinued and the monthly service charges may still be on the bill.