Obituaries

Charles Wales

December 18, 1914 - May 11, 2016

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Obituary For Charles Wales

Another pioneer of the Grande Prairie area has passed away. Charles Edmund Wales died peacefully in his sleep last Wednesday afternoon on the 11th of May 2016.

Charles was born in a log house on his parents’ homestead in Glen Leslie, AB. The second child of Ross and Ann (Moon) Wales, Charles spent his entire long life in the Grande Prairie area. He married Jennett Laura Andersen in 1938. Together they had five daughters: Marilyn of Edmonton, Joan (Michael) Demaine of Sherwood Park, Joyce of Grande Prairie, Sharon (John) Christie of Trochu, and Debbie (Trever Sekulich) of High Prairie. Following the death of Jennett in 1965, Charles married Alta (Andersen) [Peterson].

Charles had a varied career as a farmer, sawmill sawyer, cat skinner, carpenter, mechanic, welder, wood worker, gardener, and volunteer extraordinaire. He had many interests, including travel, family and friends, history, collecting old tools, and telling tall tales and jokes. He loved golf and was a fervent fan of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Left to mourn his loss are his sister Elizabeth McLaughlin, his daughters, his step-son Terrance Peterson and his wife Mina, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, friends, and neighbours.

Charles was predeceased by his parents; his brothers: Alfred and John “Jack” Wales; Jennett and Alta Wales; his step-son Wayne Peterson and his son in-law, Michael Demaine.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at 2:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.), followed by a luncheon. Charles’s ashes will be buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (#229, 9804 100 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 0T8), or to a charity of your choice.

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Condolences

  • June 24, 2021

    Charlie was a well-respected and talented man who grace our earth for over a century. My grandmother and parents always spoke very highly of him. I marveled at his ingenuity and tenacity to complete projects at an elderly age that I would not attempt in my 40s! I continue to use the wooden trivets he made me to this day. I was truly honoured to know him and was very pleased to be able to visit with him last September. Sending condolences and wishes for a peaceful heart to all the family to treasure the happy years spent with your father and grandfather.

  • June 24, 2021

    Uncle Charlie was a great inspiration to many. He will be sadly missed. There are places in your hearts that will forever treasure his love and strength. There are places in your memory that will forever remember his stories and traditions, his humor and generosity. Memories will always hold an important place in your life. The love you shared will keep him close forever. So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • June 24, 2021

    We would like to send a message to Charlieâ??s family from the Andersen family; Jim, Barbara, Perry & Laura Lee. There are many fond memories. Jim was always very grateful for the help his brother-in-law Charlie showed him at various times in their lives. One year before Jim was married, Jim worked for Charlie in Glen Leslie helping with the harvest. There was lots of work to do stooking and pitching bundles. Jim always enjoyed his time with Charlie, even when they were working hard! Jim fondly remembers the Christmas when Joyce got the Lone Ranger record! Boy, did they hear that song over and over! Our family always enjoyed Charlieâ??s visits to Blackie. Sometimes he would bring Alta, and sometimes he would come by himself to help us build our home in Blackie. He also helped with landscaping the new yard. In recent years and because of the distance, we kept in contact with Charlie on the telephone and always found him in good spirits. He would mention that he was still doing his woodworking in the garage and when Jim asked him how he knew the saw was running, he said â??I test it with my fingers!â?? Our family would love to gather in Grande Prairie for Charlieâ??s funeral, but we are not able to make the journey. We do, however, send our deepest condolences to all the family as we pay honor to Charlie. During these difficult times, lean on each other, and maybe share a story or two. Love from the Andersenâ??s Jim and Barbara Laura Lee (and Doug) Perry (and Terri) xoxoxoxo

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