Charles Miya Gitagia “Charlo”

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE LATE CHARLES MIYA GITAGIA

We celebrate the life of the late Charles Gitagia Miya, born on the 13th of August 1987, to Bruce Miya and Mary Wanjiku. His siblings are Carol Miya and Oliver Omuka. Charles and his siblings were raised in Thika (Kenya). As a young boy, he exhibited qualities that manifested throughout his life, particularly things mechanical automated, which he picked from his dad, Charles was a natural and had a knack for things automobile. At the age of 8 years on his way from school, he would pass by the jua-kali auto repair sheds to keenly watch and learn something about how cars were being repaired. These talents and interests manifested at an early age. Charles could easily dismantle a carburettor and set tappets timings on his father’s car like a seasoned mechanic.

Charles attended Goodwish Primary School in Thika and proceeded to Maseno School for his first form and transferred to Komothai Boys for second form, since he wanted to be closer to his family back in Thika. Charles initially had a high desire to attend Mangu High School to pursue its aviation course instead of Maseno School, Charlo was an intelligent child who needed on minimum effort to learn any subject or technology.

Young Charles came to the USA in 2004 where he attended Franklin Heights high school for grade eleven and twelve respectively. He later joined Lincoln Collage, Indiana to pursue Auto Collision Repair Technician course, to fulfill his childhood interest in automotive engineering. After graduation, he opened a collision repair shop in Columbus Ohio. He fixed anything auto and loved mentoring and training his fellow young entrepreneurs venturing into the industry. He operated the business for some years expanding and eventually transitioned to unchartered waters among his peers of Heavy-Duty Diesel repairs. Going by his nature, it was an instant success: He loved his work and worked with incredible zeal and passion. His easy-going nature and charisma endeared him to many, cutting across age, class, and gender.

The Covid pandemic did not augur well for business. In 2021 Charles’ health started showing a downturn and in November 2022 he became very sickish and was hospitalized for about a month and later discharged. After five weeks during a doctor’s follow up visit, Charles was sent to the Emergency Room where several tests were conducted to determine treatment plan. Charles was hospitalized at the OSU Medical Centre where he was getting treatment. Three times during this period he had to be taken to the ICU and put on a ventilator.

Charles suffered multiple organ failures of the liver and kidneys due to his health complications. He had to be placed on continuous dialysis. His body became very weak and was on medical support until he took his last breath at around 3:45am. Charles fought a good fight and is with the Angels. Charles will be remembered for his love for people and especially children. His humour, generosity and outgoing personality was nostalgic.

“GOD GIVES, AND GOD TAKES AWAY MAY HIS NAME BE GLORIFIED “

Rev 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away

Charles was beloved son to Bruce and Mary Miya and sibling to Oliver and Caroline. A funeral service will be held in his honor on February 11th, 2023, 10am Wake and 12 noon Funeral at Jesus Jesus Power Assembly of God 5215 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43231. Burial will be on February 18th, 2023, in Itumbu, Vihiga County, Kenya.