Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Muskoka Landing in his 97th year. Charles was born on October 22, 1926, to parents Albert & Ester (nee Andrews) West in Detroit, Michigan. Chuck is the beloved husband of the late Mary (nee Davis) West. Proud father of Garry and his wife Gina, Judy and her husband Ed Rosenberg, Dean and his wife Kamala and predeceased by his daughter Dixie. Loving “Poppa” of Trina and David, Scott and Nancy, Danny, Michael, Jackson, and Owen. Great “Poppa” of Gabriel, Caleb, Eden, Liam, and Olivia. He is also predeceased by his brothers Edwin, Ray and sister Olive.
Chuck was a builder of many things. As a young man he was an apprentice carpenter under Norm Young. He soon formed his own successful building business, and for many years built numerous homes and businesses in the Huntsville area. The Stisted School House, the Dwight Post Office, the Muskoka Sports Centre (now Miss Lesters), to name just a few. In the 1970’s he was recruited to the Ministry of Natural Resources. He was given the not so small task of building many of our province’s fish hatcheries, water erosion barriers, boat locks and water control dams. His projects often took him deep into the backwoods of Algonquin Park, where he and his crew would build important structures that few people would ever see. His final project before retiring was fittingly, the complete rebuilding of the locks on Brunel Road, near his lifelong home on Brown’s Road.
He loved his family and his horses. He loved to share the food from his garden, apple tree, and his rhubarb patch. Chuck was an avid outdoorsman, cross-country skier, biker, canoeist, berry picker, lighter of fires-with-just-one-match, and a great storyteller. His stories would often grind to a halt because his laughter prevented him from saying the next word. Many of those stories were recounted around a hot fire as he made maple syrup in his sugar shack. Everyone who knew him will remember his beautiful spirit, his laughter and his smile. We miss him immensely and take with us great memories of this wonderful man – Rest in Peace Charlie West.
Cremation has taken place. A casual celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Billingsley Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A light luncheon will be served during the celebration of life. Interment to follow at Hutcheson Memorial Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be made at www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com
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