SIMMONDS, Charles William
May 25, 1920 ~ October 26, 2010
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Chuck, loving husband, father. grandfather and great-grandfather. Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Millicent Simmonds; brother’ Harry and youngest son Richard. Survived by his loving wife, Thelma of 65 years; son and daughter-in-law Douglas and Donna; grandchildren: Darla (Geoff), Delaine (Mark) and Darcie (Phil); and great grandchildren: Tyler, Carson, Jayah and Ella; sister-in-law Norma; nephews: David, Ken (Debbie), their daughter Darian and son Lindsay.
Chuck was born at Kings Daughters Hospital in Duncan May 25, 1920 and attended school in Crofton and Chemainus. Prior to the war he worked in Duncan for the Cowichan Creamery as well as Highmore Electric. Chuck joined the Army in September 1939. He served with the 62nd and 109th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery overseas in England, Italy and Germany rising from Private to Captain. He was awarded Belt of Honour at Royal Military College in Aldershot in 1945. Chuck married Thelma in Colchester, Essex England in 1945. When discharged in May 1946 he returned to Chemainus and worked at MacMillan Bloedel Chemainus Sawmill until 1980 when he retired. Many happy years of retirement were spent out in his boat cruising and fishing and trips to Hawaii. Chuck joined the Reserve Army in Duncan after the war and was in charge of the Duncan Army Cadets. He worked on the Chemainus Legion executive as treasurer for many years and became a life member in 1986 as well as receiving a Meritorious Service medal in 1993. He was the parade marshall for quite a number of years, called bingo and helped with the Legion Hall. He is a life member of the Chemainus Rod and Gun and helped out the Hospital Auxiliary and the Scouting Movement. Many thanks to Dr. Archdekin and the nurses on Ocean Point Chemainus Health Care for the wonderful care they provided.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens at 2347 Cedar Road. Reception to follow at the Chemainus Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chemainus Health Care.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
(250)753-2032