CHARLES (CHARLIE) SALADIN -

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CHARLES (CHARLIE) SALADIN 1933 - 2010 With profound sadness our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Charlie Saladin passed away on September 11, 2010 at the Riverview Health Centre surrounded by family. Charlie was predeceased by June, the mother of their five children. He is survived by his wife Diane, of 23 years, and her family, and his children Chuck, Cindy Hogan, Mike (Lisa), Russ (Joan), Jody (Tim) Thomas; sister Terry Comfort and her family. Charlie and Diane had 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Charlie was born on December 20, 1933 in Canora, SK. He was raised in Winnipeg, and was the founder of St. James Volkswagen Audi. Charlie never had a job he didn't love even in the beginning when he found himself covered in soot fixing boilers. Years later he was in sales and owned two billiard halls, Toppers and Imperial. Finally he found his true passion when he became an accidental Volkswagen salesman. In 1971 he put everything on the line to start St. James Volkswagen and ran it successfully for 21 years, retiring in the fall of 1992. It saddened him to leave the business due to illness, because he was so proud and passionate about the product and how the business had flourished. At a young age he was an avid stock car racer and found a love for golf in his early 20s. Charlie was a well respected long time member of Niakwa Golf and Country Club. For 25 years he was a supporter of the Will-to-Win Golf Classic and worked tirelessly volunteering with numerous other charities. What defined Charlie, was his ability to maintain friendships and outstretch a hand to anyone in need. One of Dad's many Charlie-isms was: Remember... life's journey is not to arrive at the graveside safely in a well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out shouting, Holey moley, what a ride! Charlie's family would like to thank the wonderful, compassionate staff at Riverview Health Centre for their amazing care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. The funeral will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home at 455 Lagimodiere on Thursday, September 16 at 2:00 p.m. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2010