CHARLES E. COLYER

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CHARLES E. COLYER Karen Castelein announces with deepest sorrow the passing of her husband Charles E. Colyer. On March 26, 2010, while holding his hand, Charles peacefully passed away at Lions Manor. Charles attended Earl Grey School, Kelvin, St. John's College and the U. of M. He worked at C.P.R., E.H. Price and Howes Waldon. Charles had been a member of the Winnipeg Boys' Choir and played piano and several other instruments. In 1969 he became music director of Sing Out Winnipeg and in 1972 he formed his own group Something New and when he and Karen first became friends. When Charles read of the death of Karen's father in 1989, he contacted her and renewed their friendship, which soon developed into a permanent relationship. They also became a musical duo entertaining at Care Homes, Senior Centres, private and business functions. They, along with Vic Pinchin were the terrific trio at Breakfast with Santa. Charles had a vast repertoire, which he played from memory, and his talent as composer, melody and lyrics was recognized at Regents Park Church and at Riverview Church Services, led by Joyce Allen with Karen singing the anthems he had written. His other interests were his vegetable garden and photography. He was a member of Manitoba Naturalists, St. Vital Agricultural Society, an honourary Sister of Rosh Pina and an honourary Lion. In April 2006 Charles suffered a severe stroke which paralyzed his left side, but he still had a good right hand and he was soon playing piano again. Karen and Charles performed several shows from 2006 to 2008. Charles made many friends and treasured them all, writing letters and sending his personally designed Xmas cards. He was predeceased by his parents, Eric and Eileen, aunt Verona Neal and brother-in-law Gary Coulman. He leaves to mourn his wife Karen, brother Bob (Teri), sister Daphne, his lifelong friend Arthur Parker whose support through all was limitless and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by Georgie, Joey and Frankie, his beloved cats, Irene, Rick and Phyllis Castelein, Myra, Terry, Kelly and Heather Kuhl. Thanks to those who visited and called Charles through his many moves and a very special thanks to my Mom, Vic and Gwen Pinchin, Iona and Bill Varey, Dennis and Amy Butcher who were there for Charles and Karen through the good and bad days, and good neighbours Bill, Karen, Kiana and Robbie Massier. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Charles' life will take place Knox United Church, 300 Edmonton St. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2010. In his memory donations can be made at a no-kill-shelter, musical program for youth or children's charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2010