Charles E. Hammar

1937-201

Suddenly, at home, at the age of 73.

Beloved husband of Rita (neé Henhoeffer), sharing together 51 ½ years of married life.

He was an inspiration to both of his children, Mark (Rebecca Horman) and Karen (Kevin Panchaud).

Deeply loved and sadly missed by his grandchildren Michaela Panchaud, Aislinn Panchaud, Rachel Hammar and Samuel Hammar, and his step-grandchildren Thomas Horman, Sofia Panchaud and Trevor Panchaud.

Pre-deceased by his parents, Philip (1980) and Elizabeth (1987).

Fondly remembered by his siblings Robert (Marion), Donald (D) (Linda), Jenny, Lucille (Walter), Ann (Peter (D)), Philip (D), Gerald (Virginia), Edward (Tai), Carol (George) and Michael.

Loving Godfather to Laurie, Annette, Kim, Marjorie, Colin, Kelly, Daphne, Sharon and Susan.

He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Charlie was a member of Scouting for 35 years, giving up “Raw Hide” (tv show) to become a leader for his own son's group and staying well beyond to later become the Akela for his grandchildren. He was a leader with 13th B Waterloo Cub Pack from 1976 – 1995, and then transferred to 9th Waterloo Cub Pack. He was a previous member of the Service Team for the area and Program Director for Camp Everton Summer Camp for two years. He was a Gilwellian, holding his beads in Colony, Pack and Service Team. He was awarded the Medal of Merit for his commitment to youth. In his 35 years, he worked with over 600 youth. He was key in setting up an exchange program with the Base Borden Cub Pack that will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

He was an avid baseball player, until his own knee put him behind the plate. He continued to enjoy his love for the game by umpiring for all division from T-ball on up, working with Waterloo Girls Minor Softball, as well as the rural ball leagues, men's hardball and ladies fast-pitch. One of his proudest accomplishments was being selected as runner-up as an umpire for the Women's National Fast-pitch Championships in Newfoundland.

Charlie was a long-time member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Waterloo since it opened in 1967. As a member of the Holy Name Society, he served in various positions, including president and past-president. He was also a member of the Serra Club for a number of years.

He is now resting at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W. Kitchener, ON N2G 1C7. Visitors will be received on Tuesday, November 22nd at 2-4 and 7-9pm. Prayers will be led at 8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 75 Bluevale St. N, Waterloo at 10am on Wednesday, November 23rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

“You touched us all in a very extraordinary way”