CHARLES MCGHIE LINDSAY

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CHARLES MCGHIE LINDSAY Our beloved father, Charlie Lindsay, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2009. After a lonely year of missing Mom, he is reunited with his pal , Betty, his wife of 57 years. He will be sorely missed by his children, Jim and Sharon; their spouses, Susan Lindsay and Bernie van Kemenade; grandsons: Bryn, Torrey and Drake Lindsay, Rhys (Jenn), Lane, and Burke van Kemenade; and great-grandson, Madden van Kemenade. Charlie is survived by his sisters, Christina Paul and Kathleen Lindsay; in-laws: Art (Audrey) McFee, Irene (Gerald) Coleman, Pat Appleyard, Murray Stewart, Shirley King, Ron (Edith) McFee, Keith (Alberta) McFee; and many nephews and nieces. Dad was born October 4, 1924, and grew up on a farm in Rosser, part of a multigenerational family with strong Scottish roots. His strong bonds with Uncle Sandy and Grandfather Lindsay were forged during the many hours they spent together on the farm. In 1945, the Lindsay family moved to Grosse Isle, and there Charlie farmed with his father and uncle eventually taking over the family farm in 1969. After his marriage to Betty McFee in 1951, he took on a second career - driving the school bus. For 44 years, Dad delighted in friendly banter with his riders, delivering two generations of families, and finally, his grandsons, safely to school. Sports were a big part of Dad's life, as a participant in hockey, baseball, curling and bowling; as a baseball and hockey coach; and then as a vocal spectator for his grandsons. Grandpa and Grandma attended many events, travelling from Denmark to dirt tracks to cheer on their boys. Charlie thrived on many lively exchanges that took place behind the net or glass. Dad had strong community ties, and while more comfortable behind the scenes making ice or taking tickets, served on the boards of the Grosse Isle Recreation Club and United Church. He always pretended to balk at Betty's ideas, but spent hours helping her with her pies at the Prairie Dog train. Charlie was a staunch Conservative and participated in several Provincial Leadership Conventions. A true free-enterpriser, he loved a heated debate. Their travels led them on great adventures with family and friends through Canada, Europe, Australia, and many parts of the US including Alaska. Dad enjoyed our last family camping trip to Moosamin where he whipped everybody in the Beanbag Toss tournament. Lively card games and especially dressing up for Halloween were part of Dad's playful spirit. In celebration of Charlie's life, a memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall with the Reverend Don McIntyre officiating and his six grandsons as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grosse Isle Recreation Centre or the charity of one's choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2009