We Remember
POIRIER, Charles “Charlie”
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Charles (Charlie) Poirier died on June 8th, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife Norma of 53 years, his son Michael (Joanne), daughter Nola (Jason), step-granddaughter Hanna, three brothers: George (Doris), Robert (Loretta), David (Andree), many beloved nieces and nephews, and his dog Sami. He was predeceased by his parents Georges and Florence of Shediac, NB.
Charlie was born in Halifax, NS and grew up in Shediac. He attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC, and completed his naval training at the Royal Military College in Greenwich, UK. He then trained in Florida and Texas, earning his pilot wings with the US Navy. Flying off (and on) the HMCS Bonaventure aircraft carrier was his life’s passion. In 1961, on a training cruise to Bermuda he met an English schoolteacher, Norma. They married in Bermuda the following year.
Charlie and his family lived in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Comox and Victoria, British Columbia, and Bermuda. He retired to Kelowna in 1986 after 37 years of service. In retirement, Charlie was involved in Air and Marine Rescue, the Military Reserves, and he was a volunteer firefighter for over 15 years.
Charlie was also an avid water and downhill skier, an indifferent golfer, a tennis player, and he loved to travel and camp in his 1977 VW van. On his 70th birthday he barefoot waterskied for the first time and at 75 he went rock climbing. His family and friends will miss his dry humour and his sharp mind.
Thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Cancer Centre, the Home Care at Capri, everyone at the Hospice House, and Drs. Michieletti and Kluftinger for helping ease Charlie’s journey. A special, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dan Obedkoff and staff for the years of extraordinary care.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held June 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Benvoulin Heritage Church, 2279 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna. If desired, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. No flowers by request.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
June 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Location
Benvoulin Heritage Church
Share with Others:
Central Okanagan Hospice Association
Service Information
Service Details
The service for POIRIER, Charles “Charlie” is scheduled for June 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Benvoulin Heritage Church
2279 Benvoulin Road Kelowna BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Norma and family-
It has been our pleasure to know you and Charlie.
He has been such a big part of our ‘ Mc Kinley’ family.
Sending hugs-
Kathleen and Eric Heffernan
It gave us moments of fear and loneliness, kinship and challenge, joy and sorrow, pride, tragedy and triumph. It became part of us then and is a part of us now. It will be with us till the end of our days….”The Carrier Experience.”
This is what we Squadron mates shared, what we remembered flying from our beloved Bonnie. Friendships like no other. Memories of a naval pilot: – An Officer – a Gentleman… Charlie Poirier, who departed the Delta!
This is what we –
Norma, Michael and Nola. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Annx
Our thoughts are with you. Uncle Charlie was a special person. I have fond memories of him.
Love Mark, Jenny and Jacob
Norma, Michael and Nola,
Our thoughts are with you on this saddest of days. We will always have memories of happier days in Comox and Kelowna.
We will always remember Chalie for his mischievous smile and clever sense of humour.
Love to you all