J.W. Charles Charlie Thomas

Charlie was born on March 27, 1950 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Campbellton, New Brunswick. His parents were Joseph and Beatrice (née Robertson) Thomas. Charlie was raised in Campbellton and with few exceptions spent his life there.

“Anything is possible.” That is what J. W. Charles Thomas believed about life. He was a creative man who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile mind. Charlie was a person who was determined to achieve whatever he set out to do.

He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Charlie could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability. This same talent had a positive bearing on Charlie's family relationships. He was raised with four siblings. As the oldest he helped each of his family who were: Iris, then Peggy, Denis and Edward (Teddy) the youngest. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Charlie was always there to help figure out a solution and make things work. Charlie grew up in a loving family atmosphere.

Charlie liked to do things with his father and for many years, they worked hard at Christmas time, cutting trees and selling them roadside in front of their home on Matheson Street. Throughout his life this pattern of focus and hard work held true.

Joe and his oldest son Charles were true friends, and Charles would see his father every day, checking in to check how things were going. Joe would help Charles with the many projects that seemed to always be in progress and was very happy to be involved. Charlie would often admire that his dad was always “the first to pick up his tools and the last to put them down”.

Bob Cavanaugh tells the following family story:

As kids, Charlie and I were at his house studying for a scout badge. His Mom came in the room with a freshly baked ginger bread cake. She served us both a warm (and very tasty) slice but left the remainder on the table. We ate our served portion and then continued to devour the remaining cake. When his Mom returned she seemed somewhat shocked that the entire cake was gone but without reprimanding us, she returned to the kitchen and baked another for her family. 

While Charlie may have inherited his work ethic from his Dad, his ability to unemotionally adapt to unforeseen circumstances and positively move forward, may have emanated from his Mom.

As a young boy, Charlie took part in a variety of scouting activities, camping, fishing and he earned many scouting badges. Boy Scouts became a passion with Charles and he credited the leadership with helping him to become engaged in the many scouting activities. Lionel Parent was a respected leader who became Campbellton’s Lord Baden Powell to his scouts. He even looked the part. Charles, with Bob Cavanaugh, achieved Queen's Scout rank together, Bob later saying that Charlie was an important driver for that achievement.  That was a big and early achievement and Charles has always been a person who just did things. As an adult Charles returned to his earlier interest and became an active member of the Boy Scouts Association as a leader and mentor to youth.

A story that one of his scouting friends tells illustrates Charle’s inventiveness:

“Our boy scout troop was about to embark on a provincial jamboree. Each troop was asked to wear something on their uniform that was emblematic of the area from which they came. Charlie's idea was to design and wear a Restigouche salmon 'woggle' for our neck kerchief. Charlie manufactured a 'woggle' for all the St. Thomas Aquinas scout attendees. And as I recall they were sought after traders with the other troops. Charlie always had a love of the Restigouche and perhaps this was an early clue to what eventually evolved as Restigouche River Outfitters. 

Charles was the first among his friends to get a job. It was after school and on weekends at Gorham’s Drug Store. Charlie tremendously enjoyed being mentored by Hugh Gorham through all aspects of that business. Charles used to tell the story of delivering Gorham’s prescriptions to what turned out to be a vacant house. He opened the upper porch door, stepped in, and fell two stories to the basement. He said he always checked to see if there was a floor after that!

Endowed with an growing appetite for knowledge, Charlie enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved explanations of the way things worked.  He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers.  Math was one of his strongest subjects and he enjoyed the sciences.  He respected Mr. Houlton as a teacher and enjoyed the classes of Mr. Chaisson whose history lessons were adventures.  Charles will also be remembered for his creative snow sculpture skills and for helping friends to take the school bell on an adventurous tour of the city. He graduated from Campbellton High School in 1969.

At university Charlie continued on his quest for knowledge, initially following the path of his work mentor, Hugh Gorham, into Pharmacy. His favourite courses while at University of New Brunswick were once again the sciences and math. Charles was good at solving problems. He always wanted to understand rather than judge. He enjoyed the university experience as he undertook to study sciences but soon felt that he should pursue business and work interests and went west with friends for employment before returning home to settle down. 

Charlie was socially resourceful. He was an expressive person who truly enjoyed and respected his acquaintances. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him.  Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, Charlie was uncritical of their lives and choices. He was sought after by those who recognized his generosity with time and energy. These same friends found Charlie to be very stimulating company. His humor and curiosity were contagious. While growing up, some of his friends were Tom McBrearty, Bob Cavanaugh, Steven Savoie and John Van Horne.  He always stayed close friends with John, Bob and Tom but had a great number of friends in the community. Manon and Roger were very special close friends and he loved the long time store employees as family.

Charlie, together with Ida, were friends through thick and thin. Jane Van Horne writes, one time John and I were going to Mount Carleton, near Saint Quentin, for a photo session at the top of the mountain, for the tourism centre, at Sugarloaf Park. Enroute into the mountain we came up on a sharp turn to which we were blinded because of a cloud of dust from an oncoming truck. The car did not make the turn and we ended up in the middle of a field after two overturns. What to do? A call was made to Charlie and Ida who drove from Campbellton in their silver Mercedes and, with Ida’s calm demeanour and Charlie’s practicality, they collected us and climbed the mountain with us. Jennifer, our three month old daughter, one of Charlie and Ida’s godchildren, was tucked into a Snuggli-like carrier made from her little blanket, none the wiser. These dear friends were always “just there”, usually only a phone call away. We, with affection, referred to them as the “Godfather” and “Godmother” in the in the purest sense.

Charlie loved delivering unique toys. One Christmas we received a Santa Claus who rang his bell and walked across the floor. Santa graced our fireplace hearth for many many years until his joints gave out!

When Charles and Ida met they were sometimes referred to as Sonny and Cher, likely due to the length of Ida’s hair at the time. They were often seen together on his motorcycle, Ida’s hair trailing in the wind. Together, they have been the most generous and accepting partnership one could imagine.

They were married at the Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Campbellton, New Brunswick on August 1st, 1970. After the ceremony Charles was advised that, on the sole of his new shoes, was the bright florescent orange price sticker from McRae’s shoe store, and that it was quite visible throughout the church as he knelt at the altar!

Charlie was seldom a critical person, and together with Ida, was able to bring out the best in others. Charlie was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to feelings, especially Ida’s. He had a vibrant personality and enjoyed verbally sparring. In fact, those who knew him had many opportunities to observe his persuasiveness and ability to have logical discussions on many topics. Poor government, taxes and unnecessary rules and regulations were favourite topics.

Charlie was definitely in his element in his work place.  He could comfortably find answers that others had not even considered. His personal drive inspired those around him.  Charlie was involved as leader of the Community Futures Initiative for the region, where he triumphed in correcting difficult situations.  Community Futures is where Charles first teamed up with Manon Martin who worked with him through thick and thin since then. Referring to Manon, he would say that the work is always easier when you have the best working with you. He was manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken for many years before opening his retail business which evolved into Restigouche River Outfitters, a store selling fishing equipment and clothing, combined with an embroidery shop which has grown steadily over its 24 years.

Charlie's passion for finding a better way to do things became something of a hobby. He developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him casually, but most friends and family understood that Charlie simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas.  He grew to know, in depth, the nuances of clothing manufacture and the technical merits of the products he chose to market. He was deeply involved in real estate and was flipping houses long before television reality shows made it popular. Charlie not only bought and sold houses, he physically moved them from one community to another. He also became deeply knowledgeable about fishing, it’s local history and the fishing flies and gear used for the sport. He met many important river personalities and they would often drop into his store for stories and equipment. Charles, along with his friends, Tom McBrearty, Allan Mac Neish and John Van Horne, formed the Restigouche River Museum project which they promoted in the community. It resulted in the birth of the Restigouche River Interpretation Centre on the Campbellton Waterfront development. He loved to talk with his friends, go sailing, travel and he always had a great time playing with his canine family members.

Charlie was a lover of animals and cherished his family of dogs, the Bouviers des Flanders. One spectacularly great dog was River, a very intelligent and active fellow. Unfortunately he passed away suddenly and was greatly missed. Throughout his life Charles had several dogs but River, who was only with him for one and one half years, was a best friend. Even replacing him with two dogs fell short of the relationship that Charles, Ida and River enjoyed.  The subsequent boys were Smokey and Bear, and Katie, their first little girl, were all Bouvier des Flanders.  Before the Bouviers there was the German Shepherd, Pal, who was left with Charles and Ida for a short stay that extended into many years.

Charlie's calm demeanour and positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Charlie played floor hockey with enthusiasm and was a star member of the weight lifting club. Recreational activities included attaining progressive belt levels in Tae Kwon Do.  To obtain his brown belt training he set up and financed the club and flew the high level teacher in from Korea. Tops on his list for entertainment, were reality show adventures such as  “Survivor” which became a staple, with friends over to enjoy the time together. 

Charlie’s keen interest and strong values led him to become active in his community. His talents were well suited for being active in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life.  He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in almost any situation.  Charlie could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization. 

Charlie was continually concerned with the status of local, national and world affairs.  He was a big contributor to Campbellton, his hometown. He was a businessman who had initiative and class, the second quality being the more important of the two.

Charlie experienced frustration with elected and regulatory officials but was well able to make his points. He had a strong core of beliefs and did not hesitate to point out and tackle some of the failures of the system.

He served on the Waterfront Development committee for the City of Campbellton. He often, however, expressed his reluctance to serve on a committee that did not have the power to implement it’s decisions. Politically, Charlie was a strong supporter of common sense and less government. As a businessman, he found that the taxes involved and the regulations imposed were hurting his ability to grow his business. He didn't favour any particular political party. He just wanted politicians to get things done.  He appreciated Edmund Blanchard and Frank McKenna who were very helpful to him when he started his embroidery business.

With all of his talents, and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Charlie received public recognition for his competence. Charlie accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. While with Kentucky Fried Chicken, Charles met Colonel Harland Sanders and was proud to receive the Diamond Management Excellence pin awarded to him by the Colonel. In 1998 he was honoured as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Restigouche Economic Development Commission, (REDC).

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Charlie.  Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Charlie to expand his ever growing inventory of knowledge.  Favourite vacations included the annual trip that he and Ida would take to Florida, often taking the same route to visit favourite restaurants and locations along the way. The trip usually occurred in March and Charles used to say that it gave him perspective to spend his birthday lying on the beach in Florida.  He more recently traveled with Ida to different locations including Las Vagas where he loved the shows.  His last highlight, however, was a 2014 sailing cruise in Camden, Maine that they enjoyed together.

Charlie passed away on February 4, 2015 in Campbellton in the home he and Ida built together, surrounded by those who shared the memories he and Ida had collected throughout his life. Charles was realistic about the state of his health and managed the constant discomfort and stress with remarkable calm and acceptance. "It is what it is”, he would say. Charlie’s greatest comfort through life and particularly through the extended time of his cancer treatments was Ida who is an exceptional partner, nurse and chef (He chose wisely). He mentioned several times that one of the most comforting things was to have Ida shave him in the mornings, with hot towels and tender care. It speaks to the quality of their relationship that he would allow his wife near his neck with a razor!

Ida lovingly attended and shared with him the difficulties of the illness which was taking his energy and eventually his life. The families of both Charles and Ida were lovingly supportive through this difficult time. Services were held at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Campbellton, where Charles was baptized, received the sacraments, became an Altar Boy, a Boy Scout, and Queen Scout and married Ida and where he was in the end, honoured in death.

Charles’ inspiration will live on:

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible for Charlie.  He met the words “It can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of his “wanna bet” attitude.  He was able to recognize the possibilities that a new idea held, even when those around him could not. The traditional way of doing things often fell short of his expectations so he was constantly looking for original and innovative methods to handle a challenge. 

He taught us that the fun of living life could be found in the challenges tackled.

The main themes of his time with us were:

• Work hard

• Treat people fairly

• Be responsible for yourself

• Support your community.

It is with a great sense of loss, that we think of Charles. His completed back deck was to be the place where we were all to gather in our senior years to relax and reminisce with a view of the setting sun on the Restigouche River. However, as Charles said, ”It is what it is,” and though that deck sharing will not happen, the happy thought of his planning for it reminds us of the time when he was with us and cared for us.

There are so many more stories about Charles and the many special moments each of us shared with him. In each of those stories will be glimpses of his humour, love, and his helpfulness to others. We are certainly better people having known Charles.

* * * * * * * * * *

Passed away at his residence in Campbellton on February 4, 2015 at the age of 64, Charles Thomas, husband of Ida Chouinard. Born and raised in Campbellton, on March 27, 1950, son of Beatrice Robertson and the late Joseph Thomas.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Ida (Chouinard) Thomas; his mother, Beatrice Thomas of the Campbellton Nursing Home; his sisters, Iris Doucet of Glen Levit and Peggy Thomas (Doug) of Campbellton; his brothers, Dennis Thomas of Fredericton and Edward Thomas of Moncton; his many nieces and nephews, Jeff Doucet (Nancy), Laura Doucet, Sara Weber (Theo), Isaac Anderson, Autumn, Amelia and Merrick Thomas; grand nieces and nephews, Audrey, Lacey, William, Gabrielle, Jeremy, Joe and Andrew. He also leaves to mourn many supportive friends and colleagues.

The funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Campbellton, on Saturday at 11:00 am.

Visitation at Maher’s Funeral Home, 33 Lansdowne Street, Campbellton, Friday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturday from 9:30am until time of funeral.

Donations to the Tree of Hope or Friends of the Healthcare Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Maher’s Funeral Home, Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 or toll free (855) 404-1699 email: [email protected]

Est décédé à sa résidence à Campbellton, le 4 février 2015 à l’âge de 64 ans, Charles Thomas, époux d’Ida Chouinard.

Les funérailles auront lieu à l’Église St-Thomas d’Aquin, Campbellton, samedi à 11h00.

Visite au salon funéraire Maher, 33 rue Lansdowne Campbellton, vendredi de 19h00 à 21h00 et samedi de 9h30 jusqu’à l’heure des funérailles.

Des dons à l’arbre de l’espoir ou Aux amis de la santé seraient appréciés par la famille.

Les arrangements funéraires ont été confiés aux soins du Salon Funéraire Maher de Campbellton.

(506)789-1699 ou sans frais (855) 404-1699 courriel: [email protected]

Sea Fever

BY JOHN MASEFIELD

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking,

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.