Charles Frederick Laver

It is with sadness we announce the death of Charles Frederick Laver of Toronto on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Sunnybrook Hospital Palliative Care. Charles was born in Parry Sound, ON on October 30, 1937. He was the son of the late Fred and Doris Laver of Powassan. The last years of his life have been difficult health wise.

He is survived by his brother Paul Laver and his wife Frances of Dalrymple, Cathy, Chris, Tessa and Kieran Laver-Wright of Winnipeg and Scott Laver, Tawnya Hallman, James and Adam Laver of Toronto. He was truly proud of his nieces, nephews and the "greats". He was predeceased by his brother Barry.

Charles went to elementary and high school in Powassan, ON and grade 13 and teachers' college in North Bay, ON.

Charles started his teaching career in Barrie, ON at Oakley Park School and moved to Toronto where he first taught at King Edward Public School. Most of his career was spent at Huron Street Public School.

On Charles' retirement, John Fraser wrote about him is his column in the Globe and Mail entitled Many, Many Thanks to a Great Teacher, saying," His devotion to teaching was always 150 per cent and the quiet care and inspiration he provided for the hundreds of Grade 5 and 6 children who came under his charge always left me awestruck." The Frasers had 3 children taught by Charles. Also in that column Charles had written to each of his students with 3 pieces of advice: Never change who you are as a person, choose a career that you love, be loyal and true to your friends. He lived his life this way.

He was active in his St. Thomas Anglican Church life and a great supporter and worker in the Friends of the Library, Trinity College of U of T. The Arbor Award for outstanding work was given to him because of his years of sorting and selling books there. He enjoyed singing in the Annex Choir for many years.

He will be missed by his family of friends in Toronto, many of whom knew him as Chuck Laver. Charles will be buried in Powassan Union Cemetery with his parents and brother.

Lastly our family would like to acknowledge all the help and care Tawnya Hallman gave him these last difficult years and how Scott supported both of them. There were constant calls, flowers and letters from Cathy Laver-Wright in Winnipeg and she, Chris and Tessa made special trips to visit him.