Charlie died on May 14, 2024, in Victoria, a few months short of his 99th birthday. Charlie was born and spent most of his adult life in Dunbar/Point Grey. He was a proud Alum of Lord Byng High School and UBC. He attended St Phillip’s Dunbar, a church that meant a great deal to him, for most of his life.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife Peggy in 2021. They were married for 69 years. He and Peggy moved to Victoria in 2017 to be nearer to family. Charlie is survived by his children: Charlie Jr (Marie), Jane (Nigel), and Marianne (Paul). Adrian, Alex, Robbie, Megan, Alison and Erica all benefitted from their relationships with their “Poppa”. Pops was infinitely patient with the grandkids: playing, telling captivating stories, leading fishing trips at the cottage, cooking breakfast eggs or pancakes to order, lending a non- judgemental ear to hear of plans and dreams. Charlie was also delighted to welcome three great grandchildren into the family, with two more on the way.
Charlie spent his working years as an admired schoolteacher, administrator and Assistant Superintendent for the Vancouver School Board. In his younger years, Charlie spent his summers at Camp Artaban as camper, kitchen boy, mischief maker and Camp Director. He and Peggy met at Artaban. Charlie was also a WW2 RCAF veteran, enlisting after he finished High School in 1943. He trained as a pilot in Manitoba and Alberta, fortunately the war ended before he was deployed.
Charlie worked quietly and consistently to make his community a better place. He was a lifelong volunteer and a loyal and appreciated friend to many. Until his early 90s, you could find Charlie skiing with friends at Hollyburn, or enjoying time with family and friends at the cottage he built on the Sunshine Coast. Charlie and Peggy valued, and their lives were enriched, by their many close friendships – a lot of laughs were shared – particularly at Brooks Cove. Charlie was a “great guy”. His calm, kind, and warm presence, gentle laugh and appreciation for a good latte and a bit of chocolate will be missed.
Thank you to the staff of Sunrise Victoria for the wonderful care they provided Charlie over the last year.
A Celebration of Life for Charlie will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:00pm at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 3737 W. 27th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
Flowers respectfully declined.
Donations to Camp Artaban Society through Canadahelps.org
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
13 Responses
From the VGH School of Nursing Alumnae Association
Charlie was an Honourary member of our Association and we have so many wonderful memories of his help with our Archives Committee along with his wife Peggy, a Life Member. His support and sense of humour were greatly appreciated. He will be missed.
Kathy Murphy
President
Warm, gentle, and kind are also how we would describe Charlie. We moved to Brooks Cove in 2014 and it was an honour that Charlie, despite being in his nineties, would walk up the hill and then up our very long steep driveway to just come for a chat. He was always positive and had something interesting to say. We particularly enjoyed his stories about the early simpler days in both Vancouver and at Brooks Cove. We are very sad to lose him! Our condolences to all his family.
One beautiful life celebrated today, remembered always and loved forever.
Charlie will be sadly missed; his friends Barbara and Mark, Brooks Cove