Charles was known and loved for his "1000-watt" smile.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL HERO

Charles McGlashan was a dear friend and an inspiring leader.  He represented the environmental movement as ably as anyone in county government, and was a tireless advocate of causes as diverse as energy conservation, zero waste, animal rights, respect for workers, bicycling, and mass transit.

Anyone who spent time with him was impressed by his wide-ranging knowledge and his ability to accomplish lofty goals.  Among many achievements, he established the Marin Clean Energy authority, led the campaign for the SMART train, and reduced waste both within county operations and in two county ordinances banning single-use plastics.  Charles spearheaded the Muir Woods shuttle service, reducing strain on the roads, parking lot, and visitors to this cherished national monument.  He spoke forcefully on behalf of County workers and was instrumental in recent efforts to improve security and build community in Marin City.

On November 29, 2010, Charles signed the petition to get a state ban of plastic take-out bags.

The spirit that underlay this work was what made Charles such a great colleague and leader.  He was kind, generous, and energetic.  He was an eloquent speaker and an avid listener.  Meetings run by Charles were always a pleasure to attend.  He could hold the floor with a compelling review of facts and overarching principles, then open the floor to an engaging and productive conversation among all attending.   Through several such meetings on zero waste and plastics reduction, he built a constituency around two plastics ordinances that the Board of Supervisors passed in November 2009 and January 2011.

Charles gave full credit to all around him. At the beginning of more than one hearing on plastics, he took time to acknowledge the various environmental organizations and business leaders who had worked with him on the project.  His smile made everyone’s heart glow.

To honor  Charles’s memory, let us each re-dedicate ourselves to stewardship of this precious planet as we all take care of ourselves.

Charles worked closely with so many groups to accomplish big things for the environment. Here he is seen with Emily Packer of Teens Turning Green, Amelia Spilger of the Marin Farmers' Market, and Stuart Moody of Green Sangha on the first BYOBag Day in Marin, December 17, 2009.