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CHARLES J. PHELAN, QC
Born: Jun 30, 1941
Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
CHARLES J. PHELAN, QC
June 30, 1941 - March 15, 2022
Character, generosity, and a sharp sense of humour are some of the traits that distinguished Charles Phelan up until his death on March 15, 2022 at the age of 80.
"Chuckles" will forever be remembered for his down-to-earth personality, his love of family and friends, and fondness for good political discourse over a glass of Scotch.
Charles married the love of his life Sylvia Phelan (Shewchuk) in 1972, and the two recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together. They made countless memories traveling the world and spending time entertaining family and friends beside the backyard pool in St. Vital. Charles is also survived by sons Michael and Timothy and daughter Colleen, along with daughter-in-law Ginger Arnold and grandchildren Lily and Tony Phelan.
Born in Winnipeg to parents, Charles and Margaret (Jerome) Phelan, Charles grew up in River Heights with his sisters, Judy, Cecily and Anne (deceased). Following his time at St. Paul's High School, he attended the University of Manitoba, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1963 and Bachelor of Laws in 1967. He carved out a storied legal career as a partner at Monk Goodwin LLP, where he earned the Queens Council (QC) designation for exceptional contributions to the legal profession in Manitoba. Among his numerous accomplishments, he was recognized in 1972 with the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee medal in recognition of his outstanding work in the community.
Charismatic to the bone, Charles had a special way of making people laugh and feel welcome. There wasn't a proper party unless he was there. Occasionally he was known to play some tunes on the piano or belt out an old Irish folk song. His words of wisdom, joyful laugh, and kind-hearted nature will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Avenue on Monday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the life of Charles Phelan. For those unable to attend, a virtual ceremony can be accessed at https://youtu.be/LaMS0nRcccA.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ukrainian government fund for the defence of Ukraine are appreciated (https://war.ukraine.ua/donate).
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2022
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I’m sorry for your loss! - Posted by: Kathy mcgill (Friend. We met at Allan jacks parties. ) on: Jan 02, 2023
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I am so sorry for your loss. Charles was an exceptional human being. He was kind, caring, helpful. Loving and good fun. My heart goes out to the family. Blanche Reynolds - Posted by: Blanche Reynolds (Cousin) on: Mar 24, 2022
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I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. He was a great friend, a wonderful colleague and an excellent lawyer. I still remember one of the family law trials I did early on in my career at MG. I had a difficult witness that I was going to cross examine the next day and went to Charlie to get some ideas on my opening question for this witness. Charlie sat back, thought for about 15 seconds and gave me the perfect question. I used it the next day to great effect and high-fived Charlie when I came back to office. I am so grateful to have known him and to have had the opportunity to work with him. I will remember him for his kindness, his humour, his friendship and his sharp legal mind. He was a good man. - Posted by: Rhonda Hercus (Former lawyer at Monk Goodwin) on: Mar 22, 2022
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I met Charles many times throughout my life as he was my mom's dear uncle. His wit, intelligence, and kind-hearted nature never failed to amaze me and will be missed dearly. Offering my sincere condolences to Sylvia, Michael, Colleen, Tim, and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Celeste Hickok (Great-Niece) on: Mar 21, 2022
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So sad to hear this. What a wonderful legacy he has left. Charlie helped me through some difficult times. He will be missed. Condolences to Sylvia and family. Bonnie Ash - Posted by: Bonnie Ash (friend) on: Mar 21, 2022
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We knew both Sylvia and Leona for many years and attended my happy parties at both of their home on Falconer Bay as well as Tod Drive. We are sending our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. From: The Fletcher Family - Posted by: David and Joanne Fletcher (friends) on: Mar 20, 2022
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Fare thee well, dad. - Posted by: Michael Phelan (Son) on: Mar 20, 2022
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I AM REMEMBERING SO MANY NICE TIMES.. WITH CHARLIE AND SYLVIA...OVER THE PAST 52 YRS OR SO.....CHARLIE WAS A KIND AND FUN-LOVING PERSON...HE WILL BE MISSED - Posted by: CONNIE (SKREPNEK) MCCORMICK (FRIEND) on: Mar 20, 2022
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Sorry Sylvia & Family for your loss. Thank you Chuck for being a Friend - Posted by: Gerry Ducharme (Friend ) on: Mar 19, 2022
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