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.
Memorial to be held at a later date. Flowers respectfully declined.
Donations to Camp Artaban Society through Canadahelps.org
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kathy Murphy
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Gillian Foster and Rick Guiton 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.
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Barbara Creaney and Mark Turnbull One beautiful life celebrated today, remembered always and loved forever.
Charlie will be sadly missed; his friends Barbara and Mark, Brooks Cove
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Brian & Lynne Hood Charlie and Peggy were our neighbours in Brooks Cove (across the cove) and we always enjoyed their easy company, interesting stories.
Our sincere condolences to all Charlie & Peggy,s family and well loved friends.
A loss in our little community.
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Kathy Murphy To the Family of Charlie Etchell,
May it comfort you to know that our sympathy and caring thoughts are with you.
May you always cherish your beautiful memories of Charlie.
The Board of Directors of the Heather Heritage Society
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Derek Robinson Condolences to the family on the loss of Mr. Etchell. The few times I met him I was struck by his ability to make you feel listened to and his calm and gentle manner. Never easy to lose a parent, but what a long and positive life he had. How lucky his family and friends were to share him for just short of a century.
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Kim and Nadine Luteijn Charlie and Marie – Our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Take care.
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Steve Cardwell As a former Superintendent of the VSB, I was fortunate to get to know Charlie through Charlie Jr. at our annual VSB retiree luncheons along with the BCSSA Christmas luncheons. Charlie made a difference in the lives of many students and staff in Vancouver. My sincere condolences – cherish the memories.
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Mauri Clemons-Braund Sending my deepest condolences to all of your family. Your dad and your mom both were such amazing friends and neighbours to us when we moved to west 14th. Their kindness, encouragement, and practical support was always so very much appreciated. Remembering them both with fondness.
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Lorraine Peg and Charlie were two of my favourite people. I loved my stay with them many years ago. My sincere condolences to all the family. With much love, Lorraine and Al
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Jim McPherson Bev and I send our deepest sympathy to the Etchell family. Charlie was an outstanding educator and I was so fortunate to be his Vice Principal at MacCorkindale Elementary in the school year 1970-71. Under Charlie’s leadership the school was a lighthouse across the province. Please know we share your grief at the loss of a very dear friend.
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Gail Fosbrooke I had the pleasure of collaborating with your dad while working in Secondary Staffing at the Vancouver School Board. He was a fine gentleman and a credit to his profession. My condolences to all the family.
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Bob Vidoni My heartfelt condolences, Jane, and your brother and sister. Still remember your dad fondly from our time at Byng and at church some 50-plus years ago. Take care always.
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