Charles Gardner

A Biography

Charles was a man who had a strong sense of duty & loyalty to his family. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals & work ethic, Charles was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Charles knew him as a well-respected man who presented stability to his family and work mates.

Charles was born on August 24, 1926 at #17 Loveday Street in West Bromwich, England. He was baptized as an infant at St. Philips Church in West Bromwich, on September 16, 1926. His parents were Harry Gardner and Florence Ivy (nee Price). Charles was raised in West Bromwich during the Depression. The hard times he experienced helped him to appreciate hard work and the important things in life such as family and friends. As a youngster, Charles learned to be objective and self reliant. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, he strived to work hard in order to help his family. He would collect scrap wood and coal to sell to help raise a little bit of money. His Dad worked as a tradesman, a Turner, which helped to guide Charles to pursue a trade as well. As a skilled worker his Dad was able to support the family to a greater extent than would have otherwise been possible.

Charles was raised with four siblings. He had two older sisters, Ivy and Cathy, one younger sister Doreen and one younger brother, Cyril. He loved his family very much, especially his little brother and passed on that love of family to his own children.

Charles' attitude about most things was developed during his childhood, being raised during the depression, then having to live through the Second World War during his teen years and early adulthood.

Charles was sociable and approachable with a very good sense of humour. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. He would often attend dances with his “gang” and loved the music of the Big Bands. Those close to Charles came to expect his high standards of loyalty and friendship. While growing up, some of his best friends were Billy Wakeman, Ernie Smith and Eric Saunders. He had numerous workmates during his long career as a painter. Later in life, he became friends with Nora and Stan Horridge, Jack and Ivy Schofield.

On December 18, 1948 Charles exchanged wedding vows with Bertha Green at the St. Paul's Church, Hampstead, County of Stafford.

As a young couple, they would take road trips throughout England on their motorcycle, often accompanied by Bertha’s brother Lawrence and his wife Joan or Charles childhood friend Eric Saunders and his wife Betty (Bertha’s sister).

Charles was blessed with two children, Christopher and Stephen. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Laura, David, Heather, Emily and Sarah and two great-grandchildren, Skyler and Jacob. His youngest son Stephen passed away in 1980 from cancer. This was a deep hurt which through the passage of time was tempered, but was something he had to deal with through the remainder of his life.

His primary occupation was as a painter. He was employed at Abbley's at age 14 where he started as an apprentice. He was “drafted” to work in the coal mines during World War II. After the war he again worked at Abbley's until he decided to immigrate to Canada in 1955. He worked for Donald M. Hawkins Painting and Decorating Ltd. until the owner’s sudden death around 1972 and then was employed at National Painting until his retirement.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency and skill, Charles was always striving to do the best job he could. Because of his attitude, he was usually placed in charge of jobs and worked as a foreman for a good portion of his career. He would estimate jobs as to the costs and materials required and was one of a small number of employees who could mix colours to perfection. The owner of National Painting, Elmer Farkas, his last employer, was amazed when he saw this accuracy when Charles painted the ceiling of Elmer’s synagogue. In both his personal and professional environments, Charles upheld his high standards.

Charles approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. His favourite pursuits were dancing (how he met his wife) and travelling. In retirement, he found pleasure in travelling to places such as Nova Scotia & P.E.I., Atlantic City, Las Vegas, visiting the Casinos in Ontario, and the occasional trip to England. Charles loved retirement as it provided him with the opportunity to finally relax and enjoy his family and other various activities.

He passed away peacefully after a brave battle with bone cancer. He is survived by his wife Bertha, son Chris (Dianne), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, niece Kimberly Saunders and two sisters. Services were held at Cresmount Funeral Home. Charles was laid to rest in Mt. Hamilton Cemetery.

All who knew him would agree that Charles had a strong work ethic, had a wonderful sense of humour and did the best he could to convey his love to his family, friends & loved ones.

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Gardner, Charles Harry

Peacefully at home on March 14, 2012 in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Bertha for 63 years. Loving father of Chris (Dianne). Predeceased by his son Stephen and his daughter in law Bonnie. Cherished Papa of Laura (Cory), David (Sarah), Heather (Joel), Emily (Ben) and Sarah. Great Papa of Skyler and Jacob. Dear brother of Doreen, Cathy both of England. Predeceased by his sister Ivy and brother Cyril. Sadly missed by his niece Kim and many other nieces and nephews in England. Chuck was a member of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators and Allied Trades Union, employed with National Painting for Many years. Heartfelt thanks to Bayshore Nurses, P.S.W's from CCAC, Nurses of Saint Elizabeth, Dr. Yu and his staff for all their compassion and care. Visitation will be held at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E., on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to be held in the Chapel on Monday at 11 a.m. Interment at Mt. Hamilton Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated by the family. On line tributes and condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com