Passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of his late wife Cenia (Cecilia) for 67 years. Loving father of Michael (Gail) and Christine (Stuart). Much loved grandfather of Matthew and Timothy. Survived by his sister Alice. Predeceased by his siblings George and Margaret.
Charlie was born in Portsmouth, England in 1933 to an English father and Maltese mother. As a very young child, the family moved to Malta where they remained throughout World War II. Charlie worked for the harbour police there before emigrating to Canada in the 1950s. He lived in Toronto with his brother, George, before meeting the love of his life, Cenia, at a dance hall. Charlie and Cenia married in 1955 and subsequently moved to Windermere Avenue near High Park. In 1978, they moved to a new home in Mississauga where they lived together for over 40 years.
Charlie spent most of his working life at National Starch and Chemical Company, later known as Nacan Products. The plant produced glues and adhesives. He went to night school to become a stationary engineer and worked in maintenance. He was very dedicated to the company, working six days a week for many years and was also active in the local union, eventually serving as president. Charlie worked the day shift and then came home to look after Michael, Christine and their dog, Hobo while Cenia worked the evening shift at Canada Post. He worked hard to give Michael and Christine the best life he could.
Charlie and Cenia became even more attached to each other after they retired. For many years, they spent several weeks each fall on the Gulf coast of Florida near St. Petersburg.
Charlie was a mover and a shaker. He was independent, strong-willed and liked to joke with people. He was very handy and did most home maintenance work himself. He was always on the go during the day. He enjoyed spending time outside looking after their numerous fruit trees and large vegetable garden. He made his own wine. He enjoyed travelling, dancing and spending time with family.
After Cenia’s death in 2022, Charlie moved to the Walden Circle Retirement Community in southwest Mississauga. He was hesitant to move to a retirement home but he adjusted surprisingly well. He participated in a variety of activities, went on multiple walks each day and enjoyed having meals made for him. He was rarely in his suite during the day before settling down to watch hockey, baseball, soccer or basketball in the evening. Charlie enjoyed talking to people one-on-one and greeted them with a smile, making him well-known and popular among the residents.
Charlie was a kind man who was extremely devoted to his family: a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was generous with his time and always willing to help family and friends in any way he could. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Walden Circle who welcomed him and made him feel at home and thank you to the compassionate caregivers who looked after him over the last few months of his life. Charlie will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Neweduk Chapel, 1981 Dundas Street West, Mississauga on Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 4 to 6pm. A service will be held at the same location on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 11am with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Ian Anderson House Foundation.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
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Sunday, 7 Jul 2024 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Funeral
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
Get Directions