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CHARLES JOSEPH NABESS
Born: Jun 11, 1946
Date of Passing: May 06, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHARLES JOSEPH NABESS 1946 - 2014 On Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the age of 67, with his family by his side, Charles peacefully passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer at the Riverview Health Centre. Charles was born on June 11, 1946 to Marie and Patrice Nabess in Cormorant, Manitoba, and was the second youngest in a family of 12 kids. At the age of four Charles moved to Thicket Portage, Manitoba after the passing of his father. When he was 16 he moved to The Pas where he and his brother, Don, began performing together. The two brothers moved to Winnipeg in 1963 and formed The Midnight Angels. They recorded a single, I'm Sufferin' on the Apex label in Toronto. Following the end of their Apex deal in 1968 - Don and Charles renamed the band Three Penny Opera (named after the Berthold Brecht play) and continued touring on the strength of their reputation as a live band. The group lasted in several incarnations until 1992 and played throughout North America and Europe. Charles led the house band in Yellowknife for six years before returning to Winnipeg to spend more time with his family in 2005. Charles had been married twice; his first marriage was to Doreen Bauer in 1974, and then to his second wife Kris Nabess in 1984. Charles was most proud of his five children, and how he was able to make a living doing what he really loved - playing music as a full-time musician. Charles' love of music started early in life, beginning at the age of 10 he taught himself how to play the guitar. Charles also was a songwriter, culminating in his final song that he wrote and produced, his crown jewel, "Bayline Train". Charles also taught music throughout the years, and was a mentor to many in the industry. Charles was predeceased by: his parents, Marie and Patrice Nabess; sisters Violet Jacobson, Irene Nabess, Lillian Ducharme, Madeline Nabess, Elenor Nabess, and brothers Rupert Nabess, Louis Nabess, Robert Bignell and Archer Nabess. Those left to mourn and cherish his memory are: his sons Charles Ducharme (Irma), Rob Bauer (Viola), Alan Nabess; daughters Ella Nabess, Lisa Nabess; his grandchildren Holly, Cherilea, Carlo, Marshall, Anthony, Alexander and Brynjar, sister Gladys; brothers Fred (Elsie), Donald (Donna), nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends too numerous to mention. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Riverview Centre for their loving care of our Guitar Hero. The Celebration of Charles' life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, Winnipeg. Charles' sense of humour and passion for life was with him until the very end. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2014
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I first met Charles while working for a magazine/entertainment booking agency Neechie Culture Magazine. We were nestled in the heart of the north end of Winnipeg on Selkirk Avenue. Charles was a gentle man with a smile on his face every single day, who was never disappointed when he would lose out on a sale - he would just keep on going and showed much determination in his role as Sales Rep for the magazine. It was while working here that I had the pleasure of meeting one of his children, Rob, and seeing the two of them working together always made for a day full of laughter and lightheartedness. My condolences going out to all those who are dealing with the loss of such a fine gentleman. - Posted by: Ariane (Friend of family) on: May 14, 2014
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Dear Kris, Alan, Ella, Lisa & little Brynjar Charles' kind spirit & humour was so evident even in his last few weeks. Both Bob & I feel so blessed to have had a chance to visit him @ Riverview. Knowing that you all were going through a difficult several months, the family still made time to provide updates on his battle & always maintaining a compassionate positive support at all times to your Dad. The long term memories from years gone by; Bob remembered Three Penny Opera as they used to play at the Grant Hotel quite regularly. My husband worked the vendor & security back then. I remember when your Mom first met your Dad (Charles). I met him when we were roommates in the 1979! I hold onto the memories of the days we would all go out & watch your Dad & Three PO perform always entertaining their audience & very professional. Family friends with history a blessing and Will continue to cherish those years with our families in those early years to present. Charles climbed the "Stairway to Heaven" & "Knocked on Heavens Door" and is at peace in everlasting life always! Our Love & Deepest Condolences; Laura, Bob, Shawn, Geoff & Grant Calder. Xo - Posted by: Laura Calder (Good Family Friend) on: May 12, 2014
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Kris & Allan My condolences to you both. - Posted by: Debbie Monaghan ((co-worker)) on: May 12, 2014
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I'm sad for the loss of a friend but clear and sure he doesn't suffer anymore. I remember seeing this cool guy across the school yard at recess. He was different. He wore black well. He was short with sharp black hair, kind of long for the time and he had this big bright smile. He's handsome and had a warm and gentle heart. He's understated and didn't respond quickly as if he was thinking things out first. One day, a few guys were getting together to have a band practice. My eyes lit up. I had to be there. I loved Elvis and anything rock and roll. This day, I found other spirits like me. Before that, I felt alone but my family were a deep influence with music. The Beatles opened a floodgate of a musical and creative future for us. But, on this day, I entered a room with Charles Nabess, Larry Haynes and Jim Moran. Jim got a new set of drums. It would take me a few years to own my own drums. Meanwhile, I stuck around. I helped move band equipment. When Jim couldn't play I stood in. At dances I sometimes stood and played the tambourine just to be part of it. I watched Charles lead his mates. His teaching made them better players. In time, the band toured surrounding towns. I went with them. I enjoyed and witnessed Charles making music for happy fans then and for his complete lifetime. Charles and Larry remained the core of Three Penny Opera and toured everywhere. He's gone now. Charles checked out early today. In heaven, I can see him teaching and caring about others just as he has always done. God speed Charles. Keep on making good music in rock and roll heaven. See you later. My condolence to the Nabess family and Charles's many friends and close buddies from over the years. - Posted by: Norm Richards (Hometown Friend) on: May 11, 2014
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Dear Alan, Ella, Lisa and Kris, I am so sorry about Charles's passing. I have lots of good memories of watching your father play in Three Penny Opera and of hanging out with Darryl, Matt and Scott at your home on LaPorte in the late 80s and mid90s. We had lots of good laughs and fun times. Beautiful memories. Charles will always be playing a song in everyone's heart. Love you all. Betty - Posted by: Betty McGregor (Family Friend) on: May 10, 2014
