It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chuck (Joseph Charles Marcel) Gentes on April 21, 2021 at the age of 78 years; following a brief stay at the Niagara Health System - St. Catharines Site.
Chuck was at peace, and surrounded by his loving family. He will be forever remembered by his wife of fifty-three years Louise (née Guénette), children: Johnnie (Kristina) and Pierre (Melissa); grandchildren: Morgan, Ethan, Teresa, and Jack; sisters: Colette (Graeme Gardner) Gentes, Gisèle Solon, Linda (Brian) Noto; sisters-in-law Madeleine (Ken) LaFrance, Yvonne (Ben) Kjartanson, Lorraine Guénette, Leona (Robert Beelen) Guénette and brothers-in-law: Richard Guénette, Mitch (Angie) Guénette. He is pre-deceased by his parents Gérard & Aline; in-laws David & Thérèse Guénette; sister Bobbi Sturby; brothers-in-law: David Hawn, Dwight Solon, Gilles Guénette, Raymond Guenette, and sister-in-law Pauline (Marc) Granger. He will be deeply missed by numerous nieces and nephews across Canada upon whom he bestowed lovingly hand-made treasure/jewelry boxes and other masterpieces from his wood-working hobby.
Chuck was born on January 12th, 1943 in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Gérard and Aline (Granger) Gentes. As the oldest child and only son, along with his four sisters, Chuck spent much of his early life in Letellier, Manitoba.
In 1961, he joined the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and later in 1964, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force which took him and his young family to Gimli, Manitoba; Cornwallis, Nova Scotia; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Baden-Soelligen, Germany and Cold Lake, Alberta. Following his military service, Chuck and his family settled in St. Catharines, Ontario where he worked for the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority and the Canada Revenue Agency.
In Ontario, Chuck continued his love of hockey and became an avid golfer and amateur Niagara tour-guide. It was through this passion for his community that his many friends, family and extended family were treated to the famous Chuck’s tour of Niagara Falls, the Welland Canal and the Niagara Wine Region.
Deeply devoted to his faith, Chuck was an active member of St. Julia’s parish and devoted many years to his community through Marriage Encounter and the Warehouse of Hope.
Always the good neighbour, Chuck could be counted on to pick up and return stray recycling bins, shovel a driveway or mow a lawn. After his retirement, Chuck and Louise fulfilled one of their life-long dreams and became snowbirds in Apache Junction, Arizona. There Chuck continued his love of golf in the Arizona sunshine and not only did he play baseball, he was the Manager for the Lost Dutchman Baseball Team.
The family would like to thank all of the amazing doctors, nurses and staff from the Oncology and Nephrology units at the Niagara Health System – St. Catharines Site who provided Chuck with the best possible care and support, especially during his final days. Their dedication to their patients is even more profound given the challenging environment that they all must work in each and every day due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. We know that Chuck enjoyed joking and laughing with all of the nurses and they “appreciated” his charming wit, smile and hearty laugh.
In keeping with Chuck’s wishes, arrangements have been entrusted to Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel (905-684- 6346). A small private family service will take place Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11 am at St. Julia Catholic Church, St. Catharines. This service will be live streamed for those who wish to attend remotely. Livestream information can be found on the funeral home website. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Chuck’s memory can be made to Niagara Health Foundation – St. Catharines Site or The Warehouse of Hope Food Bank. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.
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