Obituary of CHARLES EDWARD WILLMAN

CHARLES EDWARD WILLMAN

Charles Edward Willman peacefully passed away at the age of 87 on August 13, 2018 at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. 

Charles is survived by his loving wife Doreen; daughter Gae, son Jay (Kathi), daughter Brenda; grandchildren Nina (Mike) and Kelsey. Charles is also survived by his brother Gene (Cheryl), and brother-in-law Alvin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Charles was predeceased by his parents Josephine and Albert Willman, his daughter Crystal, seven brothers (Joseph, Leo, Thomas, Jules, Arthur, Casper and Jerry) and 4 sisters (Elizabeth, Alfie, Albertine and Louise).

Charles grew up in St. Vital and at a very young age started working delivering wood and water to help around the Willman home.  He left home at a young age to make his way in the world. Then as an adult, his own young family moved to Brooklands where they owned their own home and Charles started his company, Domestic Gas & Radiator Service. His shop on Logan Avenue was a popular meeting place for friends and family. Charles also earned his Gas Fitter ticket and worked at various local companies. Throughout his life, Charles was known for and maintained his love for country music; and he was a very good singer and guitar player. Charles was known to entertain at many family and community events. Charles could often be found singing his favourite country western songs to Gae, Chrissy, Jay and Brenda around the family living room. In mid-life, Charles met the love of his life Doreen. They married and lived happily together, welcoming their friends and family into their home. Family dinners with Jay, Kathi and the grandchildren Nina and Kelsey were always a lot of fun. Charles was also loved by his extended family, with many nieces and nephews saying Uncle Charlie was one of their favourites.  As Charles grew ill, Doreen retired early to help care for him. For the last several years of his life, Charles lived at Middlechurch Home, where he was a popular tenant. Doreen visited and helped look after Charles every day for over 5 years. Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep with Doreen at his side. Charlie was loved and will be greatly missed.

A special thank you to Wendy and Roy Zarachanski for their support through the years. Also, a special thank you to the staff of West 2 at Middlechurch Home for their care of Charles.

Cremation has taken place. As per Charles wishes, there will not be a funeral service; but a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Norbert Community Centre, 3450 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg.