Charles Robert Riess

He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Leona, on September 6th 1992, at the age of 65, and his sister Marjorie (Bob). He is survived by his sons Rob (Barbara) and Rick (Jean) and grandchildren, Britt (Matt), Michael (Kim), Sarah (Kevin), Christopher, Daniel, Jack as well as great granddaughters Claire, Charlotte, Olivia and Alice, and nieces and nephews Wendy, Cathy, Gary, Sandy, Donald and Bruce

Charlie was born in Winnipeg, August 30, 1925 and resided there his entire life. He graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and went on to get his Bachelors of Arts degree from United College. Following his service in the Royal Canadian Navy, Charlie returned home. Soon thereafter, Charlie met the love of his life and on October 15, 1949 married Leona Young, daughter of Agnes and Don Young.

In 1950, Charlie began a career working for his father-in-law at the small family business, George H Young Co. (GHY) and it was there where he found his calling and became its President in 1967. Charlie was a natural leader and was the perfect person to guide the future of third generation ownership of GHY.

Building relationships came easy to him. His character, warmth and engaging personality were traits that endeared him to so many friends and associates. Charlie was respected as a principled leader by all those that knew him within the customs brokerage industry as well as by those with whom he worked. He was especially admired for his business acumen, integrity, fairness, common sense, and his genuine care for all of those that were part of his GHY family over more than five decades of his work life.

Charlie loved to connect with people and that was reciprocated and reflected in the connections he made with people throughout his life. His charismatic personality, elegance, infectious smile, humor, and extraordinary charm, endeared him to all those to whom he came into contact.

A member of numerous boards, charities and business organizations, of particular import, were his years as a Director and Board Chair of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB), President of Kiwanis and years as director and VP of the Winnipeg Football Club. Charlie was a dedicated leader and brought great enthusiasm, energy and creativity to every community role wherever he served.

Charlie was an energetic and competitive personality who loved all forms of gamesmanship and had a passion for sports including golf, tennis, squash and snooker.

In his college days, he excelled in snooker. That prowess was later demonstrated at the Manitoba Club years later where he garnered several Club Championships. It was perennially one of his favorite business haunts and his longtime participation in the Saturday morning leagues and competitions were a source of great fun and camaraderie.

Charlie’s passion for golf was the perfect vehicle to connect with family and friends. For close to fifty years, St. Charles was his home of golf. He loved to play and compete, but at the heart of it, was the joy of time spent with his buddies. One of Charlie’s greatest golf memories was his trip to St Andrews in Scotland with his two sons. Golf also influenced his winter home choice in Naples FL. at Bears Paw CC. Charlie said it was the best decision he ever made.

Charlie and Leona had many happy years together and a very active life while building family legacies and traditions. Christmas Eve parties at the Riess’ were legendary and were the focal point in celebrating the return home of so many friends from distant lands as they reunited with their families at Christmas.

Christmas Day was often followed with a family road trip with a collection of families to ski or snowmobile destinations and to bring in the new year.

Countless summers were spent at their beloved Victoria Beach where Charlie and Leona created a lasting legacy with deep rooted family experiences and connections that will hopefully endure into future generations.

Papa Charlie was devoted and proud of each of his grandchildren. He was blessed to have had grandchildren in all the locales that he lived. He loved every moment to engage with each one of them and made a priority of being there for every event, activity, hockey game, tennis lesson, concert, or his favorite, Grandparents Day at school.

He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, caring personality and as a loving son, father, grandfather, great grandfather and devoted friend. We carry Charlie’s memory in our hearts and cherish the love and support he gave to us and to all those whose heart he touched. We will miss him!

Special Gratitude to Mei Ling and Chuck, Teresa, Toni, Elvira and Tony for their devotion and care over the last 10 years. We are forever grateful that Charlie could live a dignified life because of your love, patience and kindness.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held in the summer of 2019.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the In Memory of Charles Riess Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Tel 204-944-9474. www.wpgfdn.org