Charles William
July 13, 1915 — Feb. 15, 2005
Charles William Fussey, in his 90th year, passed away peacefully at the Menno Home in Abbotsford, B.C. on February 15, 2005. Charles was born in Hull, England, the first son of William and Gertrude Fussey. As an infant, he moved with his family to Morden, then to Chalway, Manitoba, where he spent his youth tending to farm duties, hunting and accompanying his father to horse shows. In 1937, he joined a trio of young local men who were on their way to B.C. to find work. Charles was employed by Cominco, in Trail, B.C. as a guard. He returned to Manitoba in 1938, to marry his childhood sweetheart, Olive Thompson. They made their first home in Trail. He enlisted in British Columbia’s own regiment, the Duke of Connaught’s, tank division, in August, 1940 and was shipped overseas in 1942. He was an outstanding marksman. Because of his distinguished stature, he was often assigned to accompany military Dignitaries on parade. He returned to Canada in February of 1944 on the “hospital” ship and spent the next few years in Shaughnessy Hospital and Tranquille Tuberculosis Sanitarium. After his recovery, Charles re-united with his family in Abbotsford. He worked as a steward for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 15 for 28 years, retiring in 1973. Many friendships were forged at the club. Charles treated each and every one always with the utmost loyalty and respect. He was a Legion member for 62 years. After retirement, Charles took on small jobs as a faller and hewer of trees. In addition, he mentored many a young lad in the art of the hunt and took great delight in sharing his vast knowledge of forest and fauna. He was very fond of and interested in young people, especially his cherished grandchildren. Sadly, dementia overtook him and he spent the last years of his life at Menno home. The family thanks Dr. Doug Henderson, the staff on 2 East and Pastor David Dick for their compassion and kindness. Charles was predeceased by his parents and younger brothers, Frank, Stan and Albert. He is survived by Olive, his beloved wife of 66 years; two children, son Tom and his wife Laura, of Meadow Creek and daughter Barbara and her husband David Gazso of Bradner; six grandchildren, Leanne (John) Mantha, of Toronto, Tomas Fussey of New York, Lee (Christine) Gazso of Chilliwack, Amber Gazso and Mike Windle of Abbotsford and Megan and Lindsay Fussey of Meadow Creek; three great grandchildren. Lauren Rossrow of Toronto and Sydney and Courtney Gazso of Chilliwack.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, Feb. 21, in the chapel of Menno Home, 32910 Brundige Ave., in Abbotsford. Pastor David Dick will officiate. Following the service, we will share fellowship and refreshments in the hall next to the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Charles’ memory may be made to the BC Wildlife Federation, #303 — 19292 — 60th Ave., Surrey, BC, V3S 3M2, or a charity of your choice.
"Onward, Christian Soldier…"
First Memorial — Aldergrove
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