We Remember

ANSELMO, Charlie Tony

July 2, 1936 — January 11, 2026

Charlie Tony Anselmo passed away in Kelowna on January 11, 2026, at the age of 89. He was born in Natal, BC, on July 2, 1936, to Mike and Lillian Anselmo. He was predeceased by his parents, also his first wife, Divina (née Kachaluba) Anselmo, his sister and brother-in-law Theresa and William “Bill” Welch Sr and recently by his dear nephew Bill Welch Jr.

Charlie was raised in the coal mining towns of Michel and Natal, and grew up surrounded by a large and very close Italian family with many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins that he always treasured dearly. He moved down the road to Sparwood in 1969, where he continued to be very involved in the community… everybody knew “Chachie”! He worked many years for Kaiser Coal, and he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, drove many ambulance trips transferring patients to larger hospitals, and loved his job as a school bus driver. He coached hockey for decades, was an avid golfer and dedicated member of his church. During these years, he kept such close ties to his Mom and his Aunts who now lived in the Minihaha area of Spokane (known by so many who lived there as “Little Italy”), visiting often – as they were so very special to him – and he was always there to help with whatever was needed.

It was in Spokane that he met the love of his life, Bonnie Mediaty. They spent many happy years together in Spokane, Kelowna, and Arizona, and they were known to often jump in the car to take road trips to visit many of the friends and families who they kept in touch with. Charlie loved being part of Bonnie’s very special family, including her daughter Lori and son-in-law Mike; grandchildren Adria (Geoff) and Anali (Matt); and he was always delighted to visit with and tell stories about their great-grandchildren, Rocco, Serafina, Vera, Enzo, and Domenico, who made him so happy whenever they would call or visit. He doted on those children!

We will miss this exceptional man who was always ready for a good story and a good laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emily Brydon Youth Foundation, who provide financial support to Elk Valley youth to pursue their dreams involving sports, education, and the arts.

There will be Celebration of Life planned in Spokane when the weather is warmer and when friends and family can gather to tell their stories and share memories.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Emily Brydon Youth Foundation Link: wp.emilybrydonyouthfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Lindy Polacik says:

    Condolences to Bonny and family. Charlie was a great guy and will surely be missed.

  • Tom and Wendy Rybachuk says:

    Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and all the family. He was known as ‘Hi Gang’ to us as he’d walk past our place, see the girls playing outside and every time say ‘hi gang’ to them. They’d watch for him so they could say ‘hi gang’ back to him. Brings a smile to my face. RIP Charlie! 💔

  • Kevin Petovello says:

    My golf partner for father/son nights in Sparwood when my older brother played with our Dad. There was always a seat next to Charlie at the grownups table in the Clubhouse, making us youngsters (many years ago) feel welcome. A great man! Always smiling and happy! Loved by all the Petovello’s ❤️ Our sincere condolences to Bonnie and the family!

  • Don Berdusco says:

    RIP Charlie. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.♥️

  • Pat and Ray Reghenas says:

    Our sincere sympathy to Bonnie and Charlie’s family. Charlie was a good friend and will be missed.

  • Dennis & Rina Beech says:

    Bonny & Family, sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with Charlie when he stopped in at Orlando’s office.
    Fun times working with him at the Costume shop at Halloween.

  • Dennis & Rina Beech says:

    Bonnie & Family, sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with Charlie when he stopped in at Orlando’s office.
    Fun times working with him at the Costume shop at Halloween.

  • Kory DePaoli says:

    Condolence’s to the family and friends.
    Charlie was a big part of my younger years. Helping coach with my Dad for a few years. Was part of the original Rusty Blades hockey team . Always had a smile and a good story. He will be missed.

    • Beverley Bellina says:

      We met Charlie when we arrived in Sparwood in 1972 at a church dinner. He was so welcoming. A lovely man. RIP Charlie. Condolences to all his family.

  • Trudy Whiting says:

    My condolences to Bonnie and family. Everyone loved Charlie he was such a wonderful person!❤️

  • Nancy Polacik says:

    Sending my sincere condolences to Bonnie & Charle’s family. I have very fond memories of Charlie. He always had a smile for everyone, a kind word & helped his community in many ways. RIP Charle!

  • Sharon Fraser says:

    So sad to hear of Chachi’s passing! Rest easy Chac and hi to all those you meet on your trip home!

  • Ray Cimolini says:

    So many great memories of Charlie, Baldy, Ricee (Raymond Reghanas), and all the original men of the Natal/Michel Volunteer Fire Department. They organized and supported so many wonderful activities in the Natal/Michel community, always giving their time and energy to make things better for everyone. We especially remember their dedication to us younger kids in all sports, including our Judo Club, and the many laughs and smiles they brought—especially when they dressed up for the Natal/Michel parades. He was always so positive and a joy to be around. He was our neighbour and our friend throughout those years of shared history. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, from the families of Siro and Adel Cimolini.

  • Joanne Di Vizio (Carpino) says:

    Sending our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family. We lived in Natal until 1965. Our families were very close as my Uncle Albert was married to lily Anselmo’s sister (Jenny Porco). Lots of wonderful memories!
    RIP Charlie.

  • Pat Gawryletz (Kusnir) says:

    Sending our sincere sympathies!!

  • Wesley Cheston says:

    So sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a wonderful person and a great friend during the years I lived in Natal.
    Wes Cheston

  • Silvio & Rosalie Fornasier says:

    Lived a couple doors down from him in sparwood, always had a smile and a story to go with it. I’m sure he will be missed. Condolences to Bonnie and the family

  • Alfredo & Phyllis Berdusco says:

    Our deepest condolences to all of Charlie’s family! Always a great friend of Alfredo’s father & mother. Just an all around kind & giving man! RIP Charlie!

  • Dawn (Harshman) Mackesy says:

    I’m”Everybody knew Charlie”…that says it all…well that and “Everyone loved Charlie.” I have such fond memories of Charlie. I just loved his laugh and his smile. He will be missed. Much love to you, Bonnie.

  • Nancy Bombino Zemek says:

    To all who knew and loved him, will understand how much he will be missed. His happy smile and good conversations will always be with us. God bless you Charlie.

  • Gabriel Niccoli says:

    Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and family. Charlie was truly an angel on earth, as all expressions of sympathy from all who had the good fortune of knowing him demonstrate. We’re sure he’s continuing that same mission in Heaven. Rest in the peace and light of God, dear cousin Charlie! Your Vancouver cousins Mario and Jess, Joe and Vicky, Gabriel and Franca.

  • Gayle Chala (Reghenas) says:

    My condolences to everyone. I always remembered him. I was little and he wanted to teach me to dance. His ability to make people feel so special was truly a gift sent from heaven.

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