Tribute

Captain Charles Arnold Park CD, Ret.

Let it be known to all, that the earth has been changed forever with the passing of Charles Arnold Park, in Kimberley, BC.

Born 31 December 1930, in Montreal, Charlie, 'Buzz' to many, passed peacefully at home with Mary, his wife of 57 years holding his hand.  Often referring to himself as the herd sire, Charlie is survived by his beloved wife Mary, nee Haberl, and his nine children; David, Catherine, Thomas, Michael, Francis, Timothy, Johanna, Theresa and Stephen.  Also of note are the many spouses, grandchildren (26), great grandchildren (2) and the many cousins and friends.  And  Carl, a true kindred spirit, we thank you for all of your care, love and friendship.

Always the Scholar and mentor, Charlie's main occupation was teaching.

His love of First Nations people evident in the years he spent teaching on Reserve and in Residential Schools in Cluny, Standoff and Morley as well as Drumheller, AB.  Teaching did not interfere with a wide range of interests and pursuits, from the forest service to commercial rabbit raising to Trade Unionism and an undying interest in politics; local, national and international.  Poppa's passion for knowledge and politics was evident in the piles of research papers and books left behind to sort.

He moved his family between Alberta, British Columbia and the North West Territories providing rich experience, adventure and home life but always maintained a love of his home town, Point St. Charles, in Montreal, which he left as a newly wed in 1955.  Following university, he spent five years in the Canadian Armed Forces, a member of the Queens Own Rifltes, where he served as one, in the original peace keeping forces of the 1950's, a tribute that help to set the standard for all peace keepers to follow and a legacy he was very proud to have been a part of.

Charlie was also proudly, an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 30 years.

A service will be held on Friday, December 7 at 1:00 pm at the Sacred Heart Church, 502 Church Ave., Kimberley, BC.

Immediately following the service a Celebration of Life will be held in Charlie's honor at the Marysville pub in south Kimberley.

All, of course, are welcome.

For those wishing to donate in  Charlie's memory, the Food Bank was one of his favorite charities.

Thanks Pop – we will miss you dearly.

“Keep the Faith Brother”