Obituary
On his favourite day of the week, and his favourite time of the year, Charlie peacefully passed from this world. He was holding the hand of his wife Lucie and surrounded by the love of his children Anne-Marie (Dean Summach), Patrick (Hilary Gibson-Wood), and Helene (Kevin Love).
Charlie was the youngest of seven children born to Angela (née Fraser) and Patrick Joseph Wheeler, and the last to join his siblings in heaven: Teresa R.N., John Garrett (Alice), Sr. Margaret, Mildred, Willis and Mark. In addition to his wife and children, Charlie’s memory will live on in his grandchildren Lucie and Charlie Love, Gabriel and Elyse Wheeler and Theo Summach, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie lived a long and storied life. He grew up in the house he was born in, on a farm in St. Andrew’s West, Ontario. Charlie was educated in a one-room schoolhouse by nuns who fostered his interest in math and science (and somehow managed to fund his first year of University, knowing that once there, he would receive academic scholarships for the rest). He attended the University of Toronto, studying English with Marshall McLuhan and attending concerts by Glenn Gould. Charlie boxed, played hockey, and graduated in 1955 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. This led to a career he was passionate about for the next five decades.
While working at the Montreal East Refinery, he met Lucie – the first woman refinery engineer to be hired by Shell (another story). They married on October 6th, 1973. Charlie played hokey, flew airplanes, and curled, and the couple had their three children between moves from Toronto to Calgary to Winnipeg and back again. The family settled in Calgary in 1980, where their home was a “beehive of activity” for their kids and all their friends.
Charlie loved cats, music, and tending to his vegetable garden. He absolutely loved the fall: a golden season for reaping the rewards of labour in the fields. For Charlie, back-to-school meant relief from the heat and “hard” work. He could rest and let the secrets of the universe reveal themselves to him, and this is what we wish for him now.
The Wheelers wish to thank the staff at the Newport Harbour where Charles received excellent care these last five years. Thanks also to Unit 64 and the Palliative Care team at the Foothills Hospital for their compassion in Charlie’s final week. Our gratitude goes to Beth Ann Mahan and the Schuster family for their kindness and friendship, and particularly to Steven Schuster for his loving care.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Dr. NW) on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 1:00 pm. Interment to take place at a later date in Saint Andrews West Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Pet Access League Society or the Alagille Syndrome Alliance.
Charlie’s memory can also be honoured by having dessert, and finding a kitty to talk to.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Charles Joseph Wheeler, please visit our Tree Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Charles Joseph Wheeler July 28 1931 September 11 2022 (age 91)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta