CHARLES JOSEPH MCDONALD

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CHARLES JOSEPH MCDONALD March 24, 1908 - April 30, 2008 It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Charles Joseph McDonald following a brief battle with cancer. Charles was predeceased by his wife Ida; his son Bill; and his daughter Gertie. Left to mourn are his sons James, Jack and Wayne, and his daughters Victoria and Mary, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At the tender age of 15, Charles began working on a farm and ranching near Fort Pelly, Saskatchewan. As a logger in lumber camps throughout Canada, Charles was among a group of tough settlers trying to make a living in the rugged West. He worked as a log rider guiding huge timber to mills downstream. When Charles and Ida married, they settled in the Métis community of Camperville, MB where he trapped and fished to support his family. A Veteran, Charles served with the Canadian Forestry Engineers during the Second World War in Scotland before being discharged in 1944. Following the war, Charles moved his family to Birch River and established the largest trap line in Manitoba, in Porcupine Hills. He continued to work the trap line until into his retirement years. He also worked for many years as a Ranger for Manitoba Forestry. Charles recently celebrated his 100th birthday with many friends and family on hand to mark the occasion. Charles' unique flare for telling stories and his sense of humour were second to none. He loved playing cribbage til the wee hours of the morning against whoever was willing to take him on. A veteran, a trapper, a fisher, a logger, a rancher, a father Charles will be missed. Cremation was held at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Swan River. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Birch River, Manitoba, with Reverend Nigel Packwood officiating. The urnbearer was grandson, Robert McDonald. The interment will be held at the Crandell Cemetery, Birch River, following the service. Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Honoured to serve the Family, Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium 506 2nd Street North, Swan River, 734-4556

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2008