Charles ‘Chuck’ Coll
1936-2021
Charles Hector Archibald “Chuck” Coll
– June 22, 1936 – August 8, 2021
Chuckie-Baby has left the building. Charles Hector Archibald
“Chuck” Coll passed away on August
8th at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow.
All those who experienced his humour and great cheer over his 85 years
are tremendously grateful for his life and the love that he so
generously shared.
He is mourned and will be forever missed by his loving wife
of 62 years, Heather, children, Charles (Kathryn), Cathie (BJ Ross),
and Ian (Paulina) and his cherished grandchildren, Charlie and Hailee,
Heather-Alexa and Brian, and Kaspian and Selena. Chuck will also be
greatly missed by his cousins from across Canada and many dear friends
near and far. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Hector
“Charlie” and Ethel (Archibald) Coll, his
mother-in-law, Alice Logan Hall MacKinnon (the Barracuda), and his
brother, Henry Edward “Harry” Coll.
Chuck was born June 22, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario, and
immediately got the heck out of there to grow up in Timmins. The
family moved to New Glasgow when he was very young, and he always
considered himself a proud Pictou County boy and Bluenoser! After his
childhood in New Glasgow, which included the formation of life-long
friendships through involvement in bands, Student Council, Allied
Youth, and Scouts (he was a King’s Scout), Chuck moved to
Halifax for a little bit of university and a lot of work. There he
met, courted, and finally married the love of his life, Heather
(MacKinnon). After the birth of their first child, they moved to Truro
which was home to the family for many years.
Chuck worked for Canada Life as Sales Manager in Truro and
eventually turned his head and hand to growing Muskol Limited, an
insect repellent business started by his father. Chuck had a
successful career, but what drove him was his passion for community
development and service to others. He was involved with numerous
organizations over the years, including the Truro Concert Band, and
executive positions with the Colchester East Hants School Board, the
Truro Kinsmen, and the Truro Music Festival. Chuck led the fundraising
drive for the Truro Centennial Pool and was a founding member of the
Truro Sports Hall of Fame along with his dear friend and then in-law,
Brian Ross. And he was an Elder and Sunday School teacher at First
United Church in Truro for many years, laying credibility to his grace
at the dinner table which always began quite sincerely with,
“Dear God, it’s Chuckie-Baby here from Black
Point…”.
He loved to travel, especially if sun and warm water was
involved, but there was never anywhere he wanted to be more than his
beloved family homestead at Black Point, where he eventually settled
in retirement with Heather. An avid gardener, he got joy from growing
vegetables and flowers, especially his coveted sweet peas which he
consistently delivered to the ladies in neighbouring cottages. Chuck
continued to serve in leadership and fundraising roles in Pictou
County, notably the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the
Alzheimer’s Society.
Chuck and Heather opened their home to family, friends, and
neighbours, where Chuck was famously welcoming, always eager to put a
drink in your hand and ready to chat. He had an intrinsic and truly
unique ability to make everyone feel comfortable and completely at
home. The reunions, spontaneous gatherings and annual parties at Black
Point were legendary. He loved to bring people together, make
connections, and enjoy true fellowship. He may have occasionally run
out of ice, but he never ran out of laughter.
Even after the ravages of Alzheimer’s took hold,
Chuck was always present in the moment. He was an excellent
communicator, an active listener, and a mentor to many. Most
importantly he was deeply kind and encouraged kindness in others.
“Throw your bread upon the water, and it will come back
peanut butter (and mustard) sandwiches”, his
favourite.
While we already miss him, he leaves us feeling wholly and
completely loved, and better people for having had his
“FANTASTIC” force in our lives!
Lord Jesus, Chuck is coming home. Please put the kettle on
and have a beer ready in the fridge. And make sure you have lots of
ice.
Chuck’s family is deeply appreciative of the care
and concern shown by so many over the past few years. Special thanks
to Dr. Dr. Emmanuel Rivera, Dr. Anne Kwasnik, Dr. Steve Beed, Dr. Maia
von Maltzahn, Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst and the Nova Scotia Cancer
Centre, Rachel MacDonald and the wonderful VON staff, and the
Palliative Care Unit at Aberdeen Hospital.
With thanks to Brian Hiscott, arrangements are entrusted to
RH Porter Funeral Home in New Glasgow. Offerings of remembrance in
Chuck’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer Society of
Nova Scotia, the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, or an organization
of your choice. A family service and internment will take place at
Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, with a grand celebration of life
to follow at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles ‘Chuck’ Coll 19362021..
Death notice for the town of: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia