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CHARLES ALEXANDER HORN
Born: Jul 23, 1936
Date of Passing: Sep 06, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHARLES ALEXANDER HORN
On September 6, 2024, we lost our much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Charles Alexander Horn.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Phyllis (née Chable); daughters, Linda Glowacki (Robert) and Donna Horn; grandchildren, Brett Goss (Sylvie) and Tristan Goss, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews, including Brenda (Paul), David Horn (Dwayne) and Rob Horn; and, of course, his much-loved cat Grizz.
Dad was a kind, generous and humble family man who was devoted to his wife, Phyllis, and his daughters and grandsons. He was proud of his work with the RCMP and the career was a good fit for his innate honesty, desire for justice and integrity as well as mischievous sense of humour.
He was born in Winnipeg on July 23, 1936. From his earliest days, his character shone through - inquisitive and curious, he was never afraid to embrace new things. He lived life with a powerful determination and a well-developed and quick humour that left people shaking their heads and smiling. (Well, except maybe for the childhood neighbour who complained, "keep that redheaded kid off my lawn.") He was able to bring humour to nearly every situation and had an incredible ability to deliver instant, witty and usually self-effacing responses.
He met Phyllis while working at Cockshutt Farm Equipment in Winnipeg and it was love at first sight for him. He wooed her with a paperclip necklace. From that moment on and for the next 70 years, they were inseparable. The RCMP required them to wait several years before they could marry which was hard on them both. After their marriage, they were posted in various new communities. This lifestyle, marked by constant relocation, forged an inseparable bond and deep devotion that lasted their entire lives. Dad once shared that they fell asleep holding hands every night throughout their marriage.
Shuffling from towns to cities wasn't the only test of their bond. Charlie had a major heart attack in his 40s, and over the years survived many other medical adventures - including an aortic aneurysm, a broken vertebra, and even a brush with cancer. Our father defied death more times than anyone could count, and he did it with a smile on his face and optimism in his heart.
In 1986, our parents realized their dream by moving from Winnipeg to retire on the west coast. They spent many years working on their home and garden (there was no home improvement task that dad was unwilling or unable to take on), visiting with Donna and their grandsons, and enjoying many trips in their motorhome. Charlie's ambition, technical mind, and love for tinkering left a lasting impression on his grandsons, who emulate his skills and curiosity. Inspired by his ability to figure out how things work, they carry on his legacy through their own projects, work and endeavours.
In 2022, Charlie and Phyllis moved to an independent living community at the Waterford. Charlie thrived in the new environment, enjoying the social meals and activities with Phyllis by his side.
Charlie's heart may have been damaged, but it was larger than life. He defied the odds. He was an example of what optimism, insatiable curiosity and an ability to laugh at life can do. His sense of humour, and drive to live each day to its fullest, has been an inspiration for us all.
Goodbye, dad. We love you and will miss you greatly, And we promise that when we think of you, we will shake our heads, and smile.
Out of respect for our father's wishes, there will be no service. We ask that you share your favourite Charlie story with others so that they may too find inspiration.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Cpl "Charlie" Horn and Cst. Ted Booth were the first Mounties that I remember ever seeing, at least in plain clothes, when they can to Sioux Lookout to interview me and my family prior to me being accepted into the RCMP. I had just completed my commercial pilot's license and was working on the seaplane docks and was promised a flying job in the fall. They found me at a local watering hole on Friday night after having meet my parents. I was less than enthused meeting them or joining the RCMP but they persisted and convinced me to join. To this date, I am forever thankful and hold these two members in highest esteem possible. Thank-you for your persistence and understanding in dealing with me. My career, my wife, my family were the direct results of your intervention into my life. For that I will be forever grateful. RIP Corporal. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Barry Perlin (RCMP) on: Feb 12, 2025
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My condolences to Phyllis,Donna,Lynda & familys. Have many happy memories of visiting you mom & dad where they were. Also had a fun time camping with them across the line. Isobel - Posted by: isobel neufeld (cousin) on: Sep 16, 2024
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Phyllis: How sad to hear that Charlie passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and we know how much you miss him. Please take care of yourself, and we hope to see you soon. We are also thinking of Donna and Linda, and how lucky you all were to have him for so long after all the health problems he survived. We go back so many years, walking with you to elementary school, when Charlie joined the RCMP we went with you when you moved to Regina, Charlie was unable to join us that weekend because he had fallen off his horse without permission. When we moved from Winnipeg to Ottawa we were so happy that you were living there, and spent many happy times with both of you. Charlie visited us in Calgary when he was looking to buy a house in B.C. And we visited you many times in BC. One of the amazing things Charlie did with that house was to put another balcony At the back overlooking the beautiful backyard you both created, and you could sit where the sun was in the front, and then move to the back when the sun moved. And he did it himself by inventing pulleys and other ways to get the construction material up to balcony. He was an amazing person, and I know he enjoyed his life very much with you and the girls. With love from Roberta and Lyle - Posted by: Lyle and Roberta Hallett (Old friends) on: Sep 16, 2024
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I remember one summer in the late 1970s, when my younger sister, my Mom, your family, and I, all fit into Uncle's very LARGE, clean and shiny, light turquoise Chrysler. As we drove along an Ontario highway, Uncle led us all in a rousing rendition of "You Are My Sunshine." That car was great for family...and extended family... outings! - Posted by: Susan Routledge (Niece) on: Sep 15, 2024
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Condolences to Auntie Phyllis, Linda, Donna and family. As a child I knew that Uncle Charlie was a funny guy who could build things. He took me for a ride in the sailboat he had built in their Ottawa apartment. Many years later, my husband and I visited their home during a cross country motorcycle adventure. We were able to share in his love of motorcycle riding. Duane also appreciated talking shop with a fellow police officer. I am grateful for having him in my life and will miss his sense of humour. - Posted by: David Horn (Nephew ) on: Sep 15, 2024
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Our love & thoughts go out to Auntie, Linda, Donna & families ♥️ I remember way back visiting in Kenora, On. when you were posted there & got to LIVE in the detachment residence, what awesome experiences over the years you had as a FAMILY! Laura & Family. - Posted by: Laura (Routledge) Stephansson (Neice) on: Sep 14, 2024