July 2, 1914 – July 30, 2015
After a life well lived, Dick passed away peacefully shortly after his 101st birthday on a warm summer’s evening under the soft glow of a full moon.
Born to George and Alice Charie in London, UK at the start of WWI, Dick was the second youngest of five lively brothers who remained close throughout their lives. He left school at age 14 and began work at The London Evening Standard where he worked for 52 years, finishing his career as a librarian in the newspaper’s library. In December 1939 he married Joan Channer, the love of his life, and enjoyed 63 years of a very happy marriage until Joan’s passing in 2003. Shortly after their wedding, Dick was called up to serve in WWII and was away for over 5 years, but within two weeks of his return he was back at work at the Standard. He attributed his good health to his daily walk to and from work over the bridges of London, and walking was a pleasure he enjoyed throughout his life. In 1991 Dick and Joan left the busy streets of London and joined family in Canada. They settled happily in Comox and Dick continued to be fascinated by the beauty of his west coast home; he would often ask “who planted all these trees?” In his later years, he would like nothing better than to go for a drive to enjoy the variety of blooming bushes and trees. At heart he was never happier than when in the company of family. A true Englishman, he enjoyed a good cup of tea, and a glass of sherry before dinner, and in a salute to his adopted Canadian home he loved “coffee two-two” (double-double) with a couple Timbits mid-morning. Dick will be remembered by his family as a loving, peaceful, contented man with a charming sense of humour who quietly showed us that family and loved ones are important; the pursuit of things and wealth are not. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Dick is survived by his son, Alan, daughter Linda (Don), grandchildren Andrew (Mel), Hayley (Ae) and Jillian, and great-granddaughters Bella & Molly. He would have been overjoyed to welcome a new great-grandson expected imminently. While mourning his passing, we are comforted and at peace in the knowledge that Dick is now safely in the arms of God, and reunited with his darling Joan, and his brothers.
A heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Oceanview for the kindness, warmth and dignified care Dick received, and for your caring support for our family during Dick’s last hours. We are also grateful to the many members of our St. Peter’s Church family, and others near and far, who prayed for us. We felt comforted and supported by you all.
A memorial service and celebration of Dick’s life will be planned for some time in the mid-October, notices to follow.