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Tuesday, July 25, 2017
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The family of Charles Thomas uploaded a photo
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
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Dave & Angela Huether posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Bob, Dave, Dianne and extended families and relatives. It is with much sadness that we learn of the passing of your beloved father, father-in-law and grandfather, Charlie. Growing up in Brussels, ON I can vividly recall Charlie at my parents' egg-grading station in the early 1960's. He always had a good story and a multitude of jokes to tell. He loved life and laughter was his specialty. We always looked forward to his visitation to " put a chuckle " into our workday. Charlie had a way of livening up your day with his presence. He also regularly partied with my parents and their friends ..... always the life of the party and on the dance floor. Always fun to be around ! For that he will never be forgotten.
C
CHThomas posted a condolence
Monday, September 22, 2014
Remember him with a smile today.
He wasn't one for tears,
Reflect instead on memories,
Of all the happy years,
Recall his laugh, the way he spoke,
And the helpful things he did.
His strengh, the skills, the way he teased,
Remember those instead.
The good times that he shared with us.
His eyes that shone with fun,
So much of him that never died,
He left for everyone.
M
Marguerite posted a condolence
Saturday, September 20, 2014
A Good Bye to Grandpa Charlie
By Matthew Sidders
I'm glad you all could be here with us today.
Those of you who don't know me I'm, as grandpa would introduce me at the coffee shop, Dianne's oldest of the four boys, the ones that make the maple syrup. Our family all grew up in northern Ontario, 24 hours driving. For us the spring was a special time for us. It meant 3 things; long car rides, making maple syrup, and the coffee shop. Every morning we'd get up nice and early to hop in grandpa's old red truck and head down to the coffee shop.
We knew the routine. Go in. Go the fridge. And get a large chocolate milk, and meet grandpa at the table. Where he was having his coffee. We then learn all the local goings on, and when we are all done shooting the breeze and telling stories, we go to leave, but first we get to pick out a chocolate bar, normally a Reese or a kinder egg. My younger brother would out smart me and get Hubba Bubba bubble gum. Because the next day they'd have a chocolate bar and gum. Now it was time to pay. And every time at the cashier grandpa told the same joke "you boys emptied my wallet I'll have to go wash some dishes." Then he would take us home. And that was the coffee shop for us.
As you can see I decided to join the army. The night I was told I was going to basic, I got on the phone and called all my grandparents. Knowing grandpa was in the air force I decided to call him last. So I get him on the phone and I explain that I was going to be in the army, I can hear the excitement in his voice, he starts asking all the. And I knew NOTHING. I was no help to him. So I get Marguerite on the phone to tell her and she does the grandmother thing of making sure that I'll be safe. And as I'm reassuring her that everything is going to be fine, I can hear grandpa trying to ask more questions so he gets back on the phone and rattling off more questions, like could I be an officer or is the artic survival courses, and I really had zero answers. I said look grandpa all I know is I'm going basic, I was going to be to be PPCLI and I leave for basic July 5th. As I hung up the phone I had a big smile on, grandpa excitement meant I was in for a wild journey. At the time we both didn't know he would get to be a part of that journey.
What I didn't know is that he would get to be a part of that journey. After basic training I was shipped out east to Gagetown, New Brunswick. Where I did my battle school. Basically my infantry training. As the grad day got closer I told my family not to worry it's a long way to come for a 30min parade. Well my mom had a different plan. She decided to fly my grandpa out to see the parade. It give the quick back story, this parade meant we finally got to join our regiment. This by a cap badge ceremony, the one on my head is the PPCLI one. This was very special for me. So the parade begins and the dignitaries and family's enter the square while we are all at attention in front of them. Without looking, blinking or moving I could tell my grandpa and mom were in the middle. In my head, I said "don't mess this up". As drill and me weren't the best of friends. The parade went off without a hitch. Now it was all over and the dignitaries and family's leave to the other room while they brief us before we can go meet them. I head into the next room, and find my mom and grandpa… and my instructor. In my head I go "Oh, crap I'm going to have to do push up in my nicely polished dress boots."
Anyway, I get over there and grandpa is telling him how he was in the air force and a few other stories. And then the running joke begins, my grandpa says "you know I'm and officer right?" I feel like it's a trap and say "yes…" He replies with "don't you know you have to salute your superior officer?" and I laugh and we joke about how he isn't in uniform, and if he was in his uniform I'd gladly salute him. So every time I came to visit he'd say "you know I'm and officer right?" and I reply "well you get in uniform and I'll be glad to salute you". Grandpa this is a long time coming.
**Salutes Grandpa**
Soft Landings Grandpa
M
Marguerite posted a condolence
Friday, September 19, 2014
Charlie Thomas Eulogy
By Roy Sidders
Terrific seeing everyone here today - thanks so much for being with us.
I'd like to talk today about the many dimensions of Charlie - focusing on the fun times through stories by his 12 grandchildren, but also walking through his life and his character strengths.
To start off Charlie was a man that had many careers - farmer, businessman, Royal Canadian Armed Forces pilot, politician, land developer, chinchilla rancher, dog whisperer, stock broker and an apprentice weatherman.
Charlie was brought up in the Brussels area in the 30's and 40's living here until he joined the Royal Canadian Air Forces in 1951. He was in the forces for about 6 years as a pilot, officer and flight trainer - having the opportunity to fly the 1st jet that flew faster than the speed of sound - a "Sabre".
The 50's are when 2 sons and 1 darling daughter (Bob in Winnipeg, and Dave and Dianne in Brussels) joined the scene and when Charlie returned to Brussels to become a hog, grain and egg farmer. Charlie always expressed to me, an incredible pride in the lives and achievements of his children.
Through retirement Charlie kept active as a business man trying his hand as a Chinchilla rancher, stock trader, dog breeder and trainer. Never a dull moment with Charlie - he led an active and varied life.
Have I mentioned Charlie….The-Father-in-Law was always right. Amy and Jamie recounted a tale where Charlie almost drove through a stop sign on the road to Kitchener, not skipping a beat didn't let on anything was wrong.
Favourite pass times were - you guessed it; telling tales at the coffee shop, travelling, flying his twin engine Apache, getting guidance and direction from Marguerite, and events with his grandchildren. Troy loved playing a card game named Wizard with Charlie and Marguerite where Charlie who would win a lot always paused with a theatrical " aaauuuhhhhhhhha" with a laugh before he'd make a decision.
Flying and aircraft were very important to Charlie and a big part of his life. Sean recalls Charlie being his 1st passenger when he learned to fly. He paid a lot of attention to all Sean did on that trip. Neil and Matthew flew with Charlie at the controls on his 80th birthday leaving Goderich with Dave and his plane - an exciting day for everyone.
When I think of Charlie's character strengths - I think of 3 things:
his drive for continual learning - he embraced technology
his support and commitment to the Brussels area
joy and love he had for grandchildren, family, and Marguerite
Charlie was a self-taught learner, he never stopping learning….highlights of achievement would be flying jets, successful entrepreneur in several businesses, computer technology (recently learning brain Lumosity on the computer plus his earlier learning to program in Borland Paradox), stock trading and recently began learning French.
Charlie was a strong supporter for all things local in the Brussels area. He had a round in politics being a board member for Children's Aid, councillor for Grey Township and County Reeve. He ran in a federal election in 1972 - there is a great picture of Charlie with Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau at a local rally. In recent years Charlie still took all opportunities to support local events and activities.
I always enjoyed engaging in Charlie in a debate about politics….he was a crazy Liberal red colour!!
In Charlie's own way he showed his joy and love of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always looked for opportunities to see and be with them. Dave and Maureen's daughters Laura, Lisa and Ashley talked about a sleep over years ago where they video-taped a movie with Grandpa Charlie….something like the Zuckerman's Christmas special…..we all need to see that video. Scott talks about his trips to the coffee shop and post office where they met all kinds of friendly people on the street. Charlie always told Scott to pick the walking pace but every time Charlie would zoom away with Scott running beside. Vicki and Marks son, Joey was always impressed with Charlie having a Swiss Army knife on him at family event….available at a moments notice….for gift opening, or whatever we need a knife for at a family gathering(Marguerite is having that knife buried with Charlie). When Nicole arrived at Charlie and Marguerite's house….no visiting was possible….Charlie would whisk Nicole into the TV room to watch the latest version of Dog Whisperer - Ceasar Milan!! A special highlight for Nicole was her recent graduation as a biomedical engineer. Grandpa Charlie was so proud to be there and totally comfortable with being there in an electric wheelchair.
Charlie and Marguerite had a very full and deep life together. They enjoyed all kinds of travel in North America and the world (Spain, seeing Mike and Marilyn in Australia). We always enjoyed their visits to Red Lake….they brought a 5th wheel trailer, which gave us more room in our small house where they would entertain our kids. From what I saw they totally loved their daily routine together. His daily routine was check the opening of the stock market, walk the dog with scooter down to the coffee shop, stories and tales with the coffee shop boy's - Bill, Murray, Don, Jack, Lorne, George, Chris, Bob, trip home that may involve a race with Emily and Sophie on a tricycle, Charlie loved to see them and he always lost the race….every time, 11:00 gazebo happy hour with dogs, Marguerite and friends like Pete, lunch by Marguerite, a solid nap, more stock market…..supper by Marguerite, guy shows, jointly watching the news and bedtime snack. They were a couple that showed a constant and affectionate deep love for each other.
My personal favorite Charlie stories are:
Charlie had an incredible ability to rationalize he was right when he was proven clearly wrong….it was all in good fun.
We all know how Charlie loved to debate. When I first started seeing Dianne, I came to Brussels and got into an argument with Charlie until 3:00 am about whether we were in an argument or a having a discussion…..until 3:00 am !!
When Charlie was in his dog phase, I would come to visit after a full day outside all day at the sugar bush and like Nicole, Charlie would have me watch a dog whisperer show --- you know I fell asleep every time….never ever saw a full show.
I am near my end…….There is no question Charlie loved all life had to offer. The evidence is in the slide show and pictures showing adventures and fun times with family. He pursued activities he enjoyed constantly - there was no ending, always new beginnings. We will all miss our time with Charlie.
S
Sandy ( Orien) Macleod posted a condolence
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Dianne and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.Thinking of you and sending a big hug.
M
Marguerite posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Charlie sure shocked us all by leaving so quickly. Our consolation is that he died doing what he loved. He had a JR's breakfast of bacon and eggs and a visit with the coffee shop "boys" just before a massive stroke stole him from us. It was a miracle how we pulled the family together and how even those from a distance were already mostly in the area. It was a blessing that by mid-afternoon he appeared to be very peaceful and not in distress. Most of the family was able to be there to say good bye and daughter Dianne and I were there when he passed at 0250 on Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Of course, we are devastated, shocked and sad. In the meantime, there has been an outpouring of affection for Charlie and for us. Friends and family are saying how they will miss their chats with him. We will all miss his laugh as he loved a great chuckle. Charlie was described as having a strong vigour for life and being such an interesting and intelligent person Yes, he was. He was also a gentle and accepting person who truly saw the best in others.
As part of the preparation for the visitation, we have been working on a slide show of photos. This has been so helpful and it really brings home that Charlie enjoyed a rich and full life and that he was greatly loved. There are many photos of his celebrations, his travels and his dogs.
Charlie had a routine which included the coffee shop in the morning followed by a happy hour with the dogs in the gazebo. This was a year round activity as there is a Dysan heater in the gazebo and "dog time" was important. I joined him quite often and we did speak about what would happen when one of us died. Charlie always said that he has had a good life and that he is contented. He said every phase of his life was good and he is grateful for all the people who were with him on his journey. In a way, he was ready to go. In another way, he just loved life the way it was and he was enjoying and finding pleasure in every day.
Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to have the children and grandchildren visit and to have a rousing game of WIZARD. We always shared the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved them all. They were always so welcome and he took such delight in Christmas gatherings. One of the early things that really attracted me to Charlie when we met was how fondly he spoke of his children and grandchildren. I considered it a blessing that I got the extended family when I married him.
We really were a love story. We met almost 25 years ago and decided to get married the weekend we met. We were engaged within a couple of weeks. After a trip to Spain, we were married May 1, 1990. He was always so grateful that he met me and had me in his life. His pet name for me was "Mawgie" - he even bought my license plate with that name. I always called him "My Charlie". He never stopped telling me that I was the most beautiful woman in the world and how the coffee shop "boys" were all jealous of him.
Our earlier marriage had ventures such as chinchilla raising and RV travel. We travelled as far as Vancouver Island and the Yukon plus the east coast including Newfoundland. We also spent a month in Australia. Charlie loved adventure and whatever he did; he did it with 110% passion, including computer skills, raising huskies and more recently, his companion dog, Kasy.
In more recent years, my caregiving role increased. Charlie was always grateful and he embraced all the technology that allowed him to live life to the maximum. He was quick to get a mobility scooter and then to update it. In the past year, we got a transport wheelchair and an electric wheelchair. We just finished putting in accessibility ramps near the gazebo and back patio.
In the past year Charlie also enrolled in Lumosity brain training and Rosetta Stone French language skills. We had to get ear phones to do those lessons and the price of technology never stopped him. He always wanted the newest and best of whatever caught his interest, whether it was computer-related, high tech hearing aids or a CPAP machine.
He enjoyed seeing the yard work done well and it was always very important that the lawn was mowed when company was coming. He took great pleasure in telling me what to do with my garden despite my statement that the yard was his and the garden was mine. In a twist of nature, after several years of growing cucumbers unsuccessfully, this year we had a bountiful harvest. We had so many cucumbers that I was giving them away after making many, many pickles. Charlie loved those pickles and it tickled him that he had such a good supply for the upcoming year. Some of those pickles were donated for the funeral dinner and I can't help but think that Charlie would find that very humourous and have a great laugh.
We will all miss him so much and I will miss him every day. Farewell my sweetheart.
H
Helene Gagne posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Dear Marguerite and Family, I wish I could be there with you today and tomorrow as you accompany Charlie to his resting place. Marguerite, you are in my thoughts and heart and I am sending you my best thoughts, hugs and support during this difficult time. With love.
R
Rosemary Beange posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Dear Marguerite & family, Sorry to read that Charlie has passed away. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Cherish the memories that you had as a family. Sincerely, Al & Rosemary Beange
R
Rosemary Beange posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Dear Marguerite & family, Sorry to read that Charlie has passed away. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Cherish the memories that you had as a family. Sincerely, Al & Rosemary Beange
J
Jo-Anne Shaw posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
What a time Charlie had driving his 5th wheel out to Van- couver Island! He loved every moment of it. What a zest for life he had! My condolences for the family.
M
Maureen (Skip) Wood posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Joan, So very sorry to hear of Charlie's Death. Thinking of you in Friendship, Skip
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Dianne Gerstenkorn Weber posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Marguerite, my thoughts and prayers are with. Your good memories of Charles will help you though the rough times and he will remain in your heart forever. Dianne
T
The Walthams of Whitby posted a condolence
Monday, September 15, 2014
The Walthams send their deepest condolences to Thomas and related families. Charlie was a very special man of many interests and expertise. Our fondest memories are of our visits to Sauble Beach with the Martels when Marguerite and Charlie would stop by to prepare a feast of feast at "The Cottage!" All our love, The Walthams of Whitby.
L
Louise Schenk posted a condolence
Monday, September 15, 2014
Margurite The Walkerton Office staff were all informed this minute about the passing of dear Charlie. This is very sad news for us all as we know how very special and important he was to you and you to him. I would just love to see you and give you a very big hug!! My sincere sympathy to you and Charlie's family. We know that he was a very special guy and that you will all miss him very much. I am thinking about you at this very difficult time. Love and hugs Louise Schenk
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Denis & Linda Martel posted a condolence
Monday, September 15, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Marguerite and family. Our deepest sympathy to Vicki, Marc, Nicole and Joey. You are in our thoughts at this sad time. Denis & Linda
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Dennis Schiestel posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Dennis Schiestel made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
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The Thompsons posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
The Thompsons made a donation to Brussels United Church
You are in our thoughts and prayers for peace and serenity and in thanks for Charlie's long and fascinating life.
G
Gerry posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Gerry made a donation to Brussels United Church
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.
F
Frank & Dorothy Procter posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Frank & Dorothy Procter made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
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John and Colleen posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
John and Colleen made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
Charlie will live on in our good memories of him.
K
Kate Kieffer posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Kate Kieffer made a donation to Brussels United Church
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Sallianne and Dale posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Sallianne and Dale made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
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Larry Biason & Vicki McArthur posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Larry Biason & Vicki McArthur made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
Marguerite, Vicki, Mike - May your warm memories provide you and your family some comfort at such a sad time. Our deepest sympathies -
N
New Concept Quality Doors posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
New Concept Quality Doors made a donation to Brussels United Church
During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies.
T
Tatum and Ron Taylor posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Tatum and Ron Taylor made a donation to Brussels United Church
We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies. Although we are far away, we are thinking of you Sean, Toni and the rest of the Thomas' family.
L
Lisa and Sonya posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Lisa and Sonya made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lisa and Sonya
I
Irene Tihanyi posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Irene Tihanyi made a donation to Brussels United Church
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies.
P
Peter and Linda Durst posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Peter and Linda Durst made a donation to Brussels Legion No. 218 RCL
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We'll never forget his laugh and how you could always tell when he was near by. I'll always remember my first airplane ride was with him up at Goderich. And of course, we'll never forget his love of dogs (St Bernard's to huskies). Rest in Peace Uncle Charlie.
A
Alan Salmoni posted a condolence
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Alan Salmoni made a donation to Brussels United Church
Pam and I wish to express our heart felt sympathy to Marguerite and her family.
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