Charlie lived a long and good life, well loved by family and highly regarded by friends and business associates. Born on October 31, 1918, Charlie died peacefully on August 26, 2009, in Victoria, B.C. Predeceased by his wife, Willa Moorhouse, his brothers, Norm and Ron, and his sister in-law Lois. Charlie leaves a loving and grateful family, his children, Ken (Catherine Renwick), Ruth (Steve Barber), Lois Paterson (Dennis) and his grandchildren, Sarah, Ian, Eleanor, Jeffrey, David and Laura.
Charlie’s sisters -in-law Madge Bushell and Dorothy Moorhouse and brother-in-law Ken Moorhouse also mourn his passing. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews fondly remember Charlie with great affection.
A member of the 1942 University of British Columbia Chemical Engineering Class accelerated for early graduation to contribute to World War II efforts, Charlie was posted to Cominco, in Trail B.C. Charlie was steadfast. He remained at his post and was a life-long Cominco employee, responsible for the development of numerous patented processes which are still in use today.
A modest man, Charlie blessed everyone he met with a kind smile, a curious nature and impeccable manners. His keen intellect and piercing wit, balanced by a sense of fairness, resulted in a unique and charming man. Charlie lived past his 90th birthday, yet his departure seems far too early.
Charlie’s family is very grateful to the staff of Grace House, Mount St. Mary Hospital, Victoria, for their wonderful care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Mount St. Mary Foundation, Victoria, 250-480-3138, www.msmfoundation.ca.
A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held at McCall Bros. Family Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC on Friday, September 4, 2009 at 3:00 pm.
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Rita Gilbert
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Yvette Bird Dear Ruth and family
We just arrived home from Indonesia– this time to stay!! We were so sorry to read that your dad had died. I always will remember the wonderful stories that you would tell me of your father and how much you learned from him. Know that David and I are thinking of you and your family at this time. Blessings to you all.
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Sandy Webster-Worthy Dear Ruth and Steve,
Carol said it best – “What a beautiful tribute to Charlie.”
It’s so hard to lose a parent ,and we send our heartfelt sympathy to you, and to Lois and Ken and their families.
… and to our dear Laura and Jeff, we know how hard it is for you to lose a grandfather who was such a big part of your lives. Know how much joy you brought to him – just by being you.
How lucky you all were to have such a wonderful dad and grandfather in your lives for so many years. Charlie’s was a gracious life, well-lived. He’ll be missed.
With love,
Sandy, David and Calum
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Susan, Jeff, Sarah and Kate Clark Dear Ken, Lois and Ruth,
I remember meeting Charlie the first time at Ken and Catherine’s wedding and what I remember is how much of a “gentle”man he was. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time and I hope that you find comfort in the fact that Charlie led a very fulfilling life surrounded by his family.
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Rob and Violet Taylor Dear Ruth and Family,
Frances forwarded your Dad’s obituary to me. So sorry to hear about your Dad…what a lovely tribute to him. You are in our thoughts and prayers…Violet and Rob
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Frances and Larry Crowley To Ruth, Lois and Ken,
Larry and I send our sympathies on the passing of your Dad. How blessed you were to have him in your lives and the lives of your children for so long. I think he was lucky too and very proud of you all. It is a hard time, but your memories will always be with you to help when sadness comes. All our love, Frances Crowley
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Monica Pickerell Dear Ruth, Lois and Ken,
Our sincere message of sympathy from all the Staff who knew your Father at Gilmore Gardens.
He was a wonderful gentleman and we have very fond memories of him.
We enjoyed your visits to Gilmore Gardens and often commented on what a wonderful family you were.
Wishing you love and peace at this difficult time,
The Staff at Gilmore Gardens
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Norma Ruth, Lois and Ken
Your father was a very special man and I feel honoured to have known him. I loved the visits that we had with him and your Mom over the years. His interest in my life, as Ruth’s friend, always surprised and touched me. I loved his continued curiousity towards life and it is likely that it was that curiousity that kept him in good health and spirits for so many years. There is never a good time to lose a parent but I hope the great memories of Charlie will keep him alive in your hearts for years to come.
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Irene Bird My Heartfelt condolences to you all… especially to Ruth. I am privileged to have known Charlie. What a wonderful man he was. No matter what age our parents are, we can never be prepared for their departure. I am thinking of you all at this difficult time. May Charlie rest in peace.
Much Love,
Irene Bird
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Carol Olson My dear Ruth, what a beautiful tribute to Charlie !
He was a very special person to me, and I feel blessed to have know him. Dan send his love, and we hold you in our hearts.
Love to all,
Carol and Dan
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Heather McGill Hi Ruth,
I saw your dad’s obituary in the TC this morning. I may have met him if I’m thinking of the right person, buying a condo in Richmond years ago. Sounds like a long life, well lived 🙂
Thinking of you,
Heather McGill
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Marilyn Lyons Ruth
Heather McGill forwarded your Dad’s obituary on to me and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies. I remember visiting your Mom and Dad with you shortly after they had moved into their house in Surrey. The loss of a parent is difficult to bear, take comfort in your memories.
Lois,
I was in Trail visiting my mom and read of your dad’s passing. I just wanted to send my sincere condolences to you and your family and let you know I’m thinking of you.
Rita