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statewide collaborabecause he was living tion of officials tasked it, and he was able to with implementing share his passion, share and improving the his strengths, share the program that proweaknesses and work vides in-home care to for change,” she says. those with disabilities, “He lived his life to the ultimately becoming fullest with passion the northern region’s and purpose, and he executive director. As cared about people its only paid employwith disabilities and ee, Bean served as the definitely made a point person in overchange in their lives.” seeing operations in Evidence of Bean’s more than 30 member work is everywhere counties every year. in the community, “He was so she says, pointing to organized and hyperthe lower help desk focused,” Calderon in the county human recalls. “He was the resources department, consummate advothe bus schedules cate. He related to posted just a bit lower Charlie Bean on one of his many people. That was one to the ground so advocacy trips to Sacramento. thing about him — he they’re readable for Submitted always tried to see those in wheelchairs, both sides, whereas I, the handrails installed as an advocate, was more bullheaded.” at the courthouse and the raised platform But while Bean was quick to build in the Humboldt County Board of Supervibridges and consensus where possible, sors chamber, which allows everyone — his focus never wavered from those he even those in wheelchairs — to approach advocated for, the people looking for help the podium, look their representatives navigating public spaces or staying in their in the eye and have their voices heard private homes. When the state’s IHHS because “everyone is equal, everyone has program came into political crosshairs right to participate.” in the early 2010s due to fraud allegaBut Leon says it was Bean’s passion for tions, prompting the state to introduce people that struck her the first day they unannounced home compliance checks, met at Tri-County Independent Living. Calderon says recipients were terrified. But “I just fell in love with him the day I met Bean was upfront and direct with them, him,” she says. “I loved him immediately. she says, and wrangled a high-ranking state He always has a smile on his face, always official onto a conference call with them has a positive attitude and is in good to make sure “they could actually ask spirits. Always willing to help. He just has a questions of people at the top.” huge heart.” Lisa Marie Leon, the transition coordiAnd those close to Bean have countless nator at Tri-County Independent Living, examples of that big heart in action — says Bean was simply the perfect person from the cookies he’d bring into the office for the role. to the gifts he’d give co-workers and their “He was the right person to do it kids; gifts for Christmas, birthdays and
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