Ronald James Charlton

Charlton, Ronald, James – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, Ronald James Charlton, in Halifax on February 28th, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Dad had endured the effects of Lewy Body dementia over the last 5 years and managed his illness with the same strength, fortitude and quiet dignity with which he approached life.

Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late Frederick and Mae (Slaunwhite) Charlton. Predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Theresa Marion (Noel), dad is survived by his 7 children; Debra Meagher (Bill) Timberlea, Nancy Lawrence, Calgary, Patti Theriault (Paul) Timberlea, Paula Henry (Darrell) Halifax, Susan Charlton (Mike Waldron) Halifax, Douglas Charlton (Sharon) Timberlea, Michael Charlton, Halifax, fifteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, sisters, Helen Ferguson (Skit), Evelyn Comfort and sister in laws- Marguerite, Betty and Jacqueline as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by brothers, Cyril, Ken, Don, Ervin and Reggie.

As a young man, Dad was an accomplished athlete and hockey player. Affectionately known as ‘Chick’ by in-laws and friends in Pictou, he played from 1952 to 1955 as a top scoring two-way forward with the Pictou Maripacs of the provincial APC Hockey League. Dad remained active throughout the years and always enjoyed watching his beloved hockey, baseball and golf.

He owned and operated Charlton’s Grocery for many years in Fairview before joining his brother Ervin at Charlton Flooring Ltd where he worked until he retired.

Dad always enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren. Family days spent at the beach, camping, summer reunions, road trips, barbeques, hilarious golf games played with his sons-in-law, he was always front and centre, and though soft spoken and slightly reserved, you could sense the great pride he felt for his children and the pleasure he took in being with them.

Until recent years, Dad looked forward to his daily coffees where he loved to trade stories, argue about politics and share laughs with his pals at Tim Hortons. Even when wheelchair bound, he was still determined to get out on occasion, and connect with his friends.

He was an animal lover from a young age. Later in life, he discovered Hope for Wildlife and became quite interested in the work they did to rehabilitate injured animals in NS.

Dad was an avid walker in his retirement. He loved the outdoors and the birds, especially the crows, and other wildlife he’d encounter on his daily 4 km walks.

Another great interest in retirement was drawing and painting. A talent none of us knew Dad had. It became a favourite pastime of his. He took lessons, and then painted and sketched scores of pictures from impressions of his daily walks, and of NS landmarks that he would see in the local newspaper. As an amateur artist, his creations are delightfully whimsical and much treasured by the family.

Dad was kind, considerate, giving, loyal and honest to a fault in everything he said and did. Never one to pass judgement, he accepted the world as it was with a stoic grace. He had a droll wit and an understated sense of humour which could make you smile and laugh when he made his unique and earnest observations on the absurdities of daily life. He was a true gentleman and will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.

We would like to express our love and gratitude to our brother Michael whose care and devotion enabled our father to stay in his own home much longer than we thought possible. We would also like to thank the staff at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home for their care and compassion during the last 17 months.

A visitation will be held from 1-2pm in J A Snow Funeral home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, with a memorial service to follow at 2pm on Sunday, April 11, 2021. Due to Covid restrictions anyone wishing to attend must pre-register with J. A. Snow Funeral Home by calling 902-455-0531. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of NS or Hope for Wildlife.

“Come embrace the day,

We will never pass this way again.”

-Carpe Diem

Sarah Brightman