CHARLES BIDWELL CONWAY -

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CHARLES BIDWELL CONWAY 1931 - 2004 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles Bidwell Conway, beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend, peacefully on December 27, at home with his family at his side. Charles was predeceased by his mother Beatrice; father Charles Eugene; and granddaughter Camryn. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 39 years, Lily Ruth; sons, Charl (Joy Shen), George, and Michael (Christine Bancroft); daughter Cara (Steve Nohavicka); special granddaughter Taylor; brother Roger (Buzz) Conway (Maureen Gallagher) of Long Island, New York; and family dog-cat Kahlua. Charles' memory will also be cherished especially by brother-in-law Doug Wagner and wife Anna, and their children Gale (Charlie) and Trevor; cousin Madeleine Duthie-Baker; Marilyn Conway; and many other family members, nieces and nephews, and friends. Charles was born in Flushing, Long Island, on March 19, 1931, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He served in the US Army and Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Saudi Arabia. After his service, he moved to California, where he met the love of his life, Lily, in 1961. Charles and Lily married in Minitonas, MB in 1965, and moved to Winnipeg in 1968 to raise their family. Charles was a manager and trainer in sales organizations for over 40 years. He travelled across the US and Canada working with several companies, including notably Grolier Encyclopaedias. He went into real estate sales in 1981, where he worked until his retirement in 2003 at the age of 72. Charles loved to work with people and made many close friends throughout his work and career. Charles was very active and creative, and had many hobbies, including gardening, genealogy, painting, wine-making (and wine drinking), having garage sales, collecting Indian and Innuit art, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and going for coffee with his friends at Southdale MacDonald's. During his children's youth, he was also a dedicated Cub Scout leader and supporter of the boys' choir at St. George's Church, enjoyed camping and hunting, as well as spending time at the family cottage at Wellman Lake. He was very physically active, and enjoyed running in the Manitoba Marathon and working out at the Reh-fit Centre. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Charles' life centred on his family and home. He will be remembered most of all for his wit, sense of humour, as a peace-maker, and for the ways in which he loved to encourage people and make them laugh. Charles' family would like to thank all of the relatives and friends who spent time with Charles over the last couple of months, and who offered so much love, care and support. We would also like to thank the staff of CancerCare and the community nurses for their kind support. Cremation has taken place at Charles' request. Family and friends were invited to a memorial service held on Thursday, December 30 at 2:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomson Funeral Home, 783-7211. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Reh-fit Centre, or to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Bid, Dad, Papa, we love you and miss you. Your strength and guidance will always be remembered and cherished. Please keep watching over us. Fide et amore.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2005