Charles Edward Pearce

To Charles Edward Pearce, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Charles, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Charles really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Charles was born on September 9, 1933 at Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie, Ontario. His parents were Margaret & John Pearce. Charles was raised in Fort Erie, Ontario. Even as a child, Charles had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, Charles was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Charles managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Charles was raised with 2 brothers. He had older brother Jack and younger brother Robert.

All of Charles's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Charles experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. In his spare time he liked comic books and fishing. Charles' memorable achievements included buying his first bicycle with a part-time job - packing groceries.

Charles never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Charles to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Charles delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Charles was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Charles utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. Charles loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Charles very easy to approach. On October 1, 1955 Charles exchanged wedding vows with Madeline Agnes Forde at St. Michael's Church of Fort Erie, Ontario. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason Charles related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Charles was blessed with five children, two daughters - Carol and Londa & three sons - Edward, George and Charles. They were also blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Lorilea, Edward, Crystal, Thomas, Christopher, Ryan, Johnathon, Nickolas, Nelson, Kathleen and Braydon. Charles had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with his kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. He spent hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. Charles strict disciplinarian prepared his children for what the future had to offer and make them accountable for their actions.

At work, as in life, Charles was a real “people person". He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Charles liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Charles was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Charles's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Charles as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was Hammer Forging Press Operator. He was employed for Massey Ferguson in Brantford, Ontario.

Charles enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Charles liked creating and making things. Playing cards was a enjoyable pass time with family and friends. His favorite pursuits were fishing and hunting. Charles was content to enjoy his hobbies with his wife and family but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Charles felt excited and challenged by the sport of fishing. Even if he wasn’t the best, Charles loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Charles relished the opportunities where he could to make an impact in this sport. Charles enjoyed watching his favorite fishing shows whenever he got the opportunity.

Charles had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Charles's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. Throughout his later years, Charles was an active member of the Scouts Canada and participated in fund raising and trips with his sons.

A generous person who often wore his heart on his sleeve, Charles often found himself involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Politically, Charles was a strong supporter of NDP.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Charles recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Cambridge.

Charles loved to travel to different locations to fish and camp. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Exploring all the Ports along Lake Erie, Ontario, to catch the prize of a life time. Favorite vacations included Lily Cup Camp in Huntsville, Ontario & Pickerel Lake in Burk Falls, Ontario.

Charles was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Charles's favorites was a Cavalier Spaniel named Mickey. They were best friends for 16 years. Shortly after Charles wife passed in 2006 he seek companionship with a little Jack Russell named Mady. They spent many hours together enjoying each other’s company.

Charles believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. His new life involved being with family. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Charles remained busy with people and projects. Even in retirement, Charles continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Charles passed away on February 9, 2018 at his home, 15 Francis Street, Cambridge ON. He had congestive heart failure. He is survived by his children - Carol, Edward, George, Charles, Londa; his grandchildren - Jason, Joshua, Lorilea, Christopher, Ryan, Edward, Crystal, Thomas, Nickolas, Johnathon, Nelson, Kathleen, Braydon and his brother, Robert Pearce. Services were held at T. Little Funeral Home in Cambridge ON. Charles was laid to rest in Mountview Cemetery in Cambridge - St. Andrew's Park, Columbarium 33.

Charles brought joy to all of those around him. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Charles Edward Pearce lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

Passed away February 9, 2018 at the age of 84, peacefully at home. Beloved husband of the late Madeline Pearce (nee Forde)(2006). Loving father of 5 children; Carol Cole (Doug), Edward, George, Charles and Londa Pearce (Sandra). Proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his brother Robert Pearce (Heather), nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his brother Jack Pearce. He was a great outdoorsman who had a passion for fishing and hunting. Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation at the T. Little Funeral Home, on Thursday, February 22nd from 7 - 9 p.m. The Celebration of Life Service will take place in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10 a.m. A reception and time of fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke and Cancer Society would be much appreciated by the family.

God's Garden

God looked around His garden

And He found an empty place.

He then looked down upon this earth

And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you

And lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful,

He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering.

He knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never

Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough

And the hills are hard to climb.

So, He closed your weary eyelids

And whispered, “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you didn’t go alone,

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

* * * * * * * * * *

Pearce, Charles Edward

Passed away February 9, 2018 at the age of 84, peacefully at home.

Beloved husband of the late Madeline Pearce (nee Forde)(2006). Loving father of 5 children; Carol Cole (Doug), Edward, George, Charles and Londa Pearce (Sandra). Proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his brother Robert Pearce (Heather), nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his brother Jack Pearce.

He was a great outdoorsman who had a passion for fishing and hunting. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke and Cancer Society would be much appreciated by the family.