CHARLES JAMES MAYER

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

• Please accept my apologies both in this post and in not attending the service. Charlie and I served in the House together from 1988-1993. We came from different worlds but ended up very much liking each other’s perspectives on the world. He was kind and thoughtful at all times when I asked many questions. After we had both resettled into a more regular here in Manitoba, he was always generous to me and full of laughter when our paths crossed. A delightful person to know. David Walker - Posted by: David Walker (Colleague in Parliament) on: Jun 03, 2025

• Charlie and my husband were classmate's in their university days and stay friends through the years ! Our families were close for many years Roger followed Charles passing by less then a month! I hope they are still doing the rounds of greeting all the families together! R.S.P. guys - Posted by: Patsy moore (Long-time friend) on: May 29, 2025

• Charlie Mayer and my mom Lois Edie had many conversations about the grain industry when she was in the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Board. Charlie was an encouragement to me as he drove to Crop Connect in Winnipeg to hear me speak and have lunch together. His passion for agriculture growth and strong character has left us a great legacy of support. I would love to watch your dialogue with mom now Charlie. May Gods comfort be made real to the entire Mayer family in the days ahead. We are rich in relationship having known Charlie Mayer. - Posted by: Elaine Edie Froese (Friend) on: May 28, 2025

• We have lost a great guy. I met and knew Charlie in business in Calgary. I loved chatting with him and hearing his deep wisdom. He will be missed by many here in Calgary. Rest in peace, Charlie!! Your pal, Rocky - Posted by: Robert (Bob) Iverach, K.C. (Business associate and friend) on: May 28, 2025

• Holly, Cheryl and Judy. Our most sincere condolences to all of you and your families. I first got to know your Dad in the middle 80s. Charlie was a humble, kind and compassionate man. He was very principled and represented his riding and Canada in a very dedicated manner. I was Charlie’s last riding president and I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with him and become friends. I don’t think he ever forgot someone’s name. We would chat about everything from politics, to farming and business. Great guy, he will be missed. Sue and I are thinking about all of you. - Posted by: Dan Sierens (Friend) on: May 22, 2025

• My condolences to Charlie’s family and friends. Charlie’s dedication to farmers and agriculture led me into politics in 1993. I learned a lot from losing that election. Biggest lesson was “Never Quit”. Charlie never quit. He was a consummate believer and leader for farming and rural life issues-including trade, transportation, rural development and many other areas across all of Canada. He was a great example for us all. Again, my condolences. - Posted by: Larry Maguire (Friend) on: May 21, 2025

• Charlie was a great friend to the Canadian farmer. He knew them and knew what was required from government to make them successful. Importantly, he understood the times when it was best for government to get out of the way and let them do what they do best, and those extreme times when government was needed to provide a helping hand. Charlie was a very good friend to my father and I count myself fortunate to have got to know him as a result. He always greeted you with a smile and the conversation that followed was an easy one. Charlie was one of the good ones. You will be missed sir. - Posted by: Andrew Enns (Friend) on: May 20, 2025

• Charlie was a great and loyal friend and a great supporter. He will be truly missed. So enjoyed working with Charlie as well. - Posted by: Ralph Eichler (Friend) on: May 19, 2025

• I am very saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I had the pleasure to work as one of Charlie’s constituency assistants in the Ottawa office. Charlie was down to earth, a politician who cared greatly for his constituents, and a kind man with a strong morale compass. My heartfelt condolences are extended to his family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Julianne Dunbar (Friend) on: May 18, 2025

• I first met Charlie in the early '70s when he and my Dad, as members of the Manitoba Beef Growers Association, were fighting the NDP government that wanted to put cattle under supply management. We stuffed envelopes in Dad's office downtown. I got to know Charlie much better later on as we both traversed through the ag industry, most notably when Charlie was Minister of State for the Canadian Wheat Board and Minister of Agriculture, and after. Throughout the efforts to end the CWB - and since - Charlie and I would talk on the phone semi-regularly, and talk sometimes for 2 hours or more. Charlie had a wealth of knowledge, strong opinions and great stories. The stories ranged from his involvement in trade deals with Russia, dealing with the ethos and governance of the CWB, to getting arrested in Virden, MB for hauling grain across provincial borders, which was illegal at the time. (The fact that it was his own grain he was moving to his new farm near Carberry to feed his own cattle, didn't seem to matter.) In later years, Charlie would repeat stories he had told before, but I didn't care - they were great stories worth repeating. I am really going miss our phone calls. To the whole Mayer family I extend my sincere condolences. - Posted by: john De Pape (friend) on: May 17, 2025

• My deepest condolences to the entire Mayer family. Charlie was an amazing individual, thoughtful & gracious leader, champion of western Canadian farmers and businesses, and trustworthy representative of the people. In my short 2 years working with Charlie I learned an amazing amount, and watched a man lead with his heart & soul on topics that I felt resonated with every Canadian, every farmer, every person from a rural community and western Canada. The environments of parliament, Ottawa, international travel, and the ceremony of government never seemed to change the humble man inside, and the drive he had to represent the people that elected him to serve. It was an honor to work beside him. I still try and practice some of the style and approaches I witnessed practiced by Charlie. He will be missed. He was loved. He made a difference for many many people. We are all very blessed to have had him in our lives. Bruce Birdsell - Posted by: Bruce Birdsell (Work colleague) on: May 17, 2025

• Charlie was one of a kind. Always kind and interested in the world around him. We all loved him dearly. - Posted by: Dorothy Dobbie (Colleafe and friend) on: May 12, 2025

• Charlie Mayer was a darling man- a friend and treasured colleague in Parliament. We were in Cabinet together and he served in my (short-lived) government as Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Small Communities. He was loved by all for his intelligence, humility and wonderful sense of humour. No one ever became a political cynic by working with Charlie Mayer. He was the “real deal” - an adornment to Canadian democracy. I am so sad to know he is gone and send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the legions of people who knew and admired him over a long life. I know his passing will be the occasion for many fond reminiscences. I was enriched by knowing him. RIP - Posted by: Kim Campbell (Colleague) on: May 11, 2025

• My sincere condolences to Charlie's family. I worked with him as a senior official at AAFC over many years 1988 through early 1990s. He was a delight to work with, asking questions, carrying on discussions of policy and approaches to support and build the ag and food sector. Douglas. - Posted by: Douglas D. Hedley (Working with Charlie at Agriculture and AgriFood Canada) on: May 10, 2025

• I had the privilege of working for Charlie when he served as Minister of Agriculture. He was amongst the best people I have ever worked for. Charlie was whip smart, extremely wise and incredibly human - something I have not seen in many people. In my role, I traveled a lot with Charlie and got to see how deeply he cared about Canadian farm families. It was not a job to him, but a calling. And we laughed a lot. When we heard certain words we giggled - always a “story” behind them as he used to say. Not long after the 1993 election writ was dropped, Charlie asked me to come out to Manitoba to work with him. I spent nearly a month with him and it was special time. There was one night I stayed at the farm in Carberry when Don Mazankowski and Bill McKnight came for a campaign event. We got no sleep that night as the three of them shared stories. What a special night to listen to them! I have a picture that hangs in my office that Charlie gave me after the campaign. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to tell him how special that picture is to me. Canada has truly lost a special man. - Posted by: Phil Cochrane (Friend) on: May 10, 2025

• My sincerest sympathy is extended to all of Charlie’s Family. My late husband had the pleasure of serving in the House of Commons with Charlie until his retirement in 1988…John held Charlie in the highest regard. Kindest thoughts, Ann Wise. (Late Hon. John Wise, P.C, M.P) - Posted by: Ann Wise (Friend) on: May 09, 2025

• My sincere condolences to Charlie's family, friends and colleagues on his recent passing. My memories of Charlie go back to when I was a teenager on the farm with my Dad and his political roles in Agriculture. Charlie was a great advocate for all Canadian producers during his years as an MP. In recent years I enjoyed many visits with Charlie in my office at the Coop in Marquette and he supported me in my campaign in 2023 to become the Next PC MLA for Lakeside. Charlie's words of wisdom were inspirational to me once elected, telling me never to forget my rural roots in agriculture and to maintain my dignity and respect of my constituents. Charlie will be sadly missed by his Family, community and political colleagues. Rest in peace Charlie, I feel very fortunate to have been able to get to know you. Trevor King MLA for Lakeside - Posted by: Trevor King (Member of The Legislative Assembly for Lakeside Constituency) on: May 07, 2025

• I remember so well arriving in Ottawa after being first elected and Charlie offered words of encouragement and support for the freshly minted MP from his home province of Saskatchewan. Charlie was a genuine guy with both feet on the ground and he always remembered his roots. What you saw is what you got. We send our sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time. Don and Marg Ravis - Posted by: Don Ravis (House of Commons Colleague) on: May 06, 2025

• Heather and I were saddened to learn of Charlie’s passing. He was in every sense, a great Canadian. Wonderful Wednesdays provided MPs, staff and even the occasional journalist – to share stories and have a few laughs in the process. It wasn’t all fun. Charlie and his colleagues truly did work hard and In the process they built a better Canada. We need more like him/them in our public life today. - Posted by: Hon Mike Duffy (Friend) on: May 06, 2025

• Charlie was a lovely guy - kind, thoughtful, modest, and always collegial. It was a pleasure having him as a colleague. He served both his constituents and his country with distinction. Thank you for sharing him with us. - Posted by: Perrin Beatty (Former colleague) on: May 06, 2025

• I keep great memories of Charlie as a friend of Western Canada - Posted by: Bbenoit Bouchard (Former colleague as minister) on: May 06, 2025

• To Charlie Mayers family. Please accept my most heart filled expression of sympathy on Charlie’s death, may you be strengthened by all the good memories that I know you shared. Charlie was a real gentleman at all times. Always a kind word, always considerate and very helpful. I am pleased for the time my head in Parliament and to be able to share that time with Charlie Mayer. Love and best regards, Gerry Weiner The Honorable Gerry Weiner PC. - Posted by: Gerry Weiner (Call in two governments.) on: May 06, 2025

• Jim and I were elected in May of 1979 and served together for over 14 years. He was a great friend and colleague, well respected by all members. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Doug Lewis - Posted by: Doug Lewis (Colleague in the House of Commons and Federal Cabinet) on: May 06, 2025

• Charlie Mayer was a wonderful man. He was a team player and he never had an ounce of malice. I cannot express how sad I am to know that he is no longer with us. I want to send my deepest condolences to his wife and to his family. There was no one like Charlie he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Charlie and pleasesay hello to Brian for me. - Posted by: Mila Mulroney (Friend and admirer) on: May 06, 2025

• Trusting that this kind soul who knew the commanding heights of achievement and power in life, and was a blessing to so many, will now receive God’s own blessing. Let us all come together to commemorate the achievements of this gifted man who lived a life of excellence and service to others. Heartfelt gratitude is expressed for the privilege of having known this magnanimous man and the inspiration he brought. We benefit from the example he set to cope, with wise courage and wit in times of trial and tribulation, which come woefully to this world all too often. The darkest moments are just before the glorious dawn; God blesses those who revel in the beauties of his earthly creation, who relish life with good humour and wisdom; in this he was blessed and a blessing to all who knew and loved him. This man who appealed to our better angels, who made each and every day count by making a difference for others, is surely now at home with God. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be.” His inspiration to do good in life will be his lasting legacy; the memory forever cherished of this magnificent man whose wisdom was only less than his great love of life and fellow man. Our surest way to honour him and to further our own journey towards the light is to emulate his good example. Prayers of comfort and compassion go forward for his three daughters, who shared in the glory as well as the family sacrifices made in service to the nation. Wishing his beloved wife Anita the strength to cope with her sorrow, truly a guardian angel here on earth, now watched over from Heaven above by the one she cared for with unconditional love and devotion. A love story that will be eternal. - Posted by: Paul Sanders (Friend) on: May 05, 2025

• A 46 year old chapter in my Book of Life closed with the death of my friend, Charlie. In addition to his work as the Member of Parliament for Portage-Marquette, later Lisgar-Marquette, he held 4 Portfolios. But Charlie was always just Charlie. The title he wore with pride was Farmer. His focus as a Parliamentarian was to make life better for Canadian farmers and in that respect, the door to our office was always open. Ministerial delegations, no matter where in the world we travelled, always included farmers and representatives of their organizations. Although distance separated us, phone calls and emails kept us connected. He was an important chapter in my life. Rest in peace my friend. To his family I extend my sincere sympathy. Dee Western Wednesdays - Original Producers - New Location - Posted by: Dee Derby (Friend) on: May 05, 2025

• I had the honour of serving in his Ottawa office, first as Director of Communications and then as a policy advisor. He was a kind, gentle man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Canadian agriculture and its potential place in the world. Each time we crossed paths over the years we fell into interesting and often humorous conversations. His mentorship continues to benefit me in my career. But most of all he was a great Canadian. - Posted by: Darell Pack (Friend and employee) on: May 05, 2025

• My father Paul supported Charlie in his first run as pm in 78 and 79 until dad passed in 1979. We moved back to Winnipeg in 82 and Carberry in 85. We supported Charlie in 82 during the 83 pc convention in Ottawa and in all his runs in Carberry as MP. Charlie always kept me in the loop during elections as we were looking at numbers and gaining seats for majority during Elections. Charlie was Manager of Senior hockey club when I played in 71/ 72 then going to B Team in Carberry. Charlie was well respected and loved my many, He will be missed by us all Our sincere condolences to all Charlie's family, Wife and all his children. Sincerely Don, Paulette Baron - Posted by: Don & Paulette Baron (Friend and Supporter) on: May 04, 2025

• My wife Monique and myself would like to offer the Mayer family our condolences! When I was a teenager in the 80’s, going to school and working with Dad on our grain farm; those were the good ole days of farming; Thanks to the Hon. Charlie Mayer! In those years we struggled with drought and depressed grain market prices. Charlie and his Conservative Party always had a plan to keep the farmers afloat financially in these tough times. I’ll never forget watching the 10:00 pm news on TV and Charlie would have news conferences announcing of the helpful programs for Canadian Farmers whether coming from the Canadian Wheat Board or Canadian Agriculture. Every time Charlie would appear on the news on TV, The Manitoba Co-operator or The Western Producer, my Dad would say “what does uncle Charlie have to say here”. As a young man, I was inspired by what Charlie and the PC’s did for Canadian Agriculture. In the early 2000’s I was honoured and had the pleasure of meeting my idol Charlie in person at my cousin Denis Combot’s birthday party in St. Eustache, MB. What a good night I had with Charlie talking about farming and politics while sipping our whiskeys, I was in my glory! This was my opportunity to Thank Charlie from my heart for the very good he did for Canadian Agriculture, that helped keep my Dad surviving working on his farm while battling cancer for 7 years. If it wasn’t for Charlie, I think I would have lost my Dad sooner! And I let Charlie know that! He always gave Dad the hope to continue what he loved doing: producing grain. Canada will never see good politics for Agriculture like the Charlie Mayer / Brian Mulroney days. Thank You and RIP Charlie! Hope Dad meets you in Heaven and talk farm! Joel Combot, friend, St. Laurent, MB. - Posted by: Joel Combot (Friend) on: May 03, 2025

• Cheryl, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father. We only met him once and immediately saw how a great man your dad was. May he rest in eternal peace, and may the good life he had console you during your time of grief. Al and Emily Bedard (daugher Cheryl's former and current work associates) - Posted by: Al and Emily Bedard (Cheryl Mayer's former/current work associates) on: May 03, 2025

• CHARLIE MAYER WAS OFTEN A PASSENGER ..ON MANY OF THE AIR CANADA FLIGHTS TO OTTAWA...THAT I WORKED AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT....... IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SPEAK WITH HIM....HE WAS A KIND, CONSIDERATE AND HUMBLE CANADIAN...I HAVE ALWAYS FELT PRIVILEGED TO HAVE MET HIM.. - Posted by: CONNIE MCCORMICK (FRIEND) on: May 03, 2025

• Condolences to the Mayer family. Charlie was a legendary supporter of Canada and Canadian agriculture. We were blessed to have this passionate leader. I recall many fond memories of my time with Charlie but one immediately comes to mind. I recall mentioning to him one day after he made a comment and people were criticizing him that I sure was glad I don't have his job. I said, "Someone is always complaining at you." He responded, "Oh, it's not that bad. There is always one response that gets you out of a tough corner -- 'there's no consensus on that' -- because in agriculture there is never a consensus." We then had a laugh and agreed that regrettably, that response is correct. - Posted by: Kim McConnell (Friend) on: May 03, 2025

• Charlie worked hard for the farm community. I worked for him in his Ottawa office in the winters when he was a Federal Cabinet Minister. In the spring I returned to my farm. He was instrumental in getting help for the agriculture industry in drought and low commodity price years. His efforts saved many farm operations. The farmers of the day had great respect for Charlie Mayer!! Dallas Watt. - Posted by: Dallas Watt (Friend and employee) on: May 03, 2025