CHARLES JENS VIDDAL

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CHARLES JENS VIDDAL With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Charles Jens Viddal. On May 5, 2009 he left us to join his Lord after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Charlie leaves to mourn his wife of seven years, Ruth, his children Kirk (Laurie) Viddal, Rae-Ann Viddal and Brett Viddal, grandchildren Stephen Friesen, Dylan and Tyler Viddal and Brendan Dupuis, siblings Lori (Gary) Foy, Alita Meyer, Kris Viddal and Terry (Karen) Viddal, sister-in-law Betty (Chester) Rudd, brothers-in-law Ernie Davis, Allan Davis and Ray (Georgia) Davis Ruth's Children; Guy (Merial) Stromberg, Chris (Lorraine) Stromberg, Shelley (Jim) Hrynuk, Garth (Susan) Stromberg. Grandchildren; Adam, Serena, Carly, Rory, Kaleigh, Erin, Chase, Alex and Hanna. Charlie was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Audrey, parents John and Ellen Augusta (Ringius) Viddal and brother-in-law George Meyer and sister-in-law Gwen (Chaboyer) Davis. Charlie was born in Winnipeg on May 27, 1937, the first of five children to John and Ellen Viddal. He was raised in Sprague, MB. He attended school there and later attended teachers' college and the UofM, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. There he met and married Audrey Davis. Charlie began his teaching career in one-room schoolhouses in Rainy River, ON, and Sprague, MB. From 1958 to 1962, he and Audrey taught together at Britannia School in St. James then he taught at Lynwood School from 1962 to 1966. During those years, they started a family. Charlie accepted a position in Atikokan, ON in 1966. Charlie, Audrey and children travelled in their summers while he furthered his education at universities in New Brunswick, Waterloo and Thunder Bay. Charlie received many awards throughout his life and was involved in many organizations; some of his favourites include LAMP, Camp Aurora, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Church Canada's Nicaraguan mission. He was a certified Lay Leader, served on the board of directors, acted as church usher, attended hospital devotions, led Bible studies, confirmation, Sunday School and vacation Bible school for Faith Lutheran in Atikokan. He was a member of the Lions Club since 1978 and received their highest honour, the Melvin Jones Fellowship. At Atikokan high school, he managed and drove the bus for the hockey team, developed a curling team, acted as OSSTF president, participated in the Outers program and developed the co-operative education program before retiring in 1993. He won the Youth Leadership Award, Courage to Care Award and the Pete Beach Award for his work with youth athletics. He served as a town councilor in Atikokan from 1988 and was active with the Economic Development Corp. and 18 other committees. He also served on the Ontario Health Board, Future Incentives Corporation, Waterfront Development Committee, North Western ON Municipal League, Seine River Electric Corp, Mental Health Committee, Not-for-profit Housing, Minor Hockey, Little League Ball, Search and Rescue and helped institute the MOM'S Way tourist route from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay. Charlie was a devoted family man, and it showed in all he did. He once said you have a different kind of love for grandchildren, and it showed; he seldom missed a birthday and worked his schedule around their events even though they did not live close by. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying skiing, hockey, swimming, fishing, hunting and time at the cabin he built. Charlie spent a great part of his life travelling, mostly by car. He very seldom said no to an event especially if it brought him anywhere near family. His family and community were second only to his evangelism. Charlie lived his faith and showed it through his words and actions and did so with quiet generosity. He gave more than anyone will ever know and will be greatly missed by many. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a wonderful man to be a Dad, as his children we were blessed and honoured that he was ours. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Charlie Viddal Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Green Funeral Home Box 427 Fort Frances ON P9A 3M8 or to Faith Lutheran Church in Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at the Atikokan Pioneer Centre Friday, May 8, 2009 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009. 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Atikokan with interment to follow at Little Falls Cemetery. On-line condolences may be made in care of: www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2009