July 8, 2005
Charles Williams
It is really great that the Michigan Boxer Club is dedicating this show in honor of Charlie Williams. Charlie, who recently turned 100 years of age, has been a member of the Michigan Boxer Club for 59 of its 60 years.
Charlie and Mae Williams joined the MBC soon after it was formed in 1945. Boxers were peaking in interest and entries in those early days. In the 1950’s the Boxer entries at most local shows were over 60 Boxers. Mae and Charlie bred their first litter, taking May-Will’s Miss Raheba to Mazelaine’s Kapellmeister. The litter produced four champions, which was sensational in those days of very few shows and only a few Boxers attaining their Championships. In a repeat breeding to Kapellmeister, Miss Raheba produced five more Champions.
These outstanding puppies put the Williams and Kapellmeister in the spotlight. Kapellmeister was a brindle with a very good body and poor head. Owned by Dr. Daniels in Michigan, he was unable to finish because of his head. After the first litter Kapellmeister became very popular and went on to sire 34 Champions, making him the top non-Champion sire in the Breed.
Charlie was President of the Michigan Boxer Club nine years on different occasions and served as Vice President seven or eight years. I met the Williamses in the early 1960’s. They were always very good to newcomers and we spent many good times visiting May-Will Kennels talking Boxers. They were mentors for many young people, including me. I was thrilled in those early days to be allowed to show the star of the first litter, Ch. Keppy-L of May-Will, in the Veterans class at the Michigan Boxer Club show. Keppy was a great dog; he was Best of Breed at the first Michigan Boxer Club Specialty and an all-breed Best in Show winner. Keppy always won the Veterans Class and stood in the ring waiting to challenge the young Champions as they entered the ring.
Charlie was always a great booster for the breed and the Club. I am happy that he is still well and enjoying life at 100. Thanks, Charlie, for the great memories from those early days.
~John Connolly