Carl was a true Missionite. He was born and resided in Mission City his entire life.
Carl was a millwright. He retired early at the age of 57, after many doctors told him he wouldn't live past 50.
He enjoyed gardening and having a big garden, even growing grapes for his wine. Carl liked making beer and wine. He would be in the garden morning and in the evening with a bucket and a stick collecting the slugs. When people asked him what he did with the slugs, he told them he was making beer with them. He had labels made for his stubby beer bottles with Carl's Slug beer, "ask for Carl's Slug Beer". Carl actually gave the slugs to the neighbours ducks.
Carl was an avid square and ballroom dancer. He had many cowboy colourful shirts and pants from square dancing. One year he dressed in red pants and a lime coloured Western shirt at a Christmas dinner, it was red and green. He also reused these wild shirts by cutting off the sleeves, and wearing them in the garden with his denim cutoffs and rubber boots.
Carl enjoyed RVing in Yuma in the winter. He enjoyed gambling and frequently would take the bus from Mission to gamble across the border.
He was a prospector and beekeeper. He enjoyed taking care of his bees and was proud of the delicious honey they produced.
Carl and his brother Gene (RIP) would mushroom pick in the forests of Pemberton, camping and enjoying the outdoors.
He liked his sweets, always having pie, ice cream and/or cookies around. At Christmas he had fruitcake on the table and a cupboard with Pot of Gold chocolate boxes. He offered a box of chocolates at Christmas for visitors. He also liked the cheap chocolate bunnies at Easter. He wasn't fond of the more expensive chocolates. Despite his sweet tooth, he remained slim his entire life.
He was a Legion member, and participated in the dances, dinners and get togethers.
He was not a materialistic man, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Carl was a joker, he loved to make people laugh. He shone brightly, accepted everyone, making the world a better place.
Carl was loved and adored by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WoodlawnFH-Mission.com for the McLatchy family.
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