Obituaries

CHARLES (CHUCK) HAMELYNCK
October 14, 1929 – November 25, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father and grandfather, Charles Hamelynck, on November 25, 2020, at the age of 91.

Charles was the beloved husband of the late Ella-Jean (Anton) Hamelynck and father to his two daughters Rose Mary Edwards, married to David Edwards, and Susan Moncrieffe, married to Marlon Moncrieffe; his two sons Rob Hamelynck married to Tammy Hamelynck, and Tom Hamelynck. Charles loved his grandchildren Hope, Samantha, Dante, Teagan, and Peyton and had many of their photos of them throughout his home and loved showing them off to guests.

Charles was born in Bergen Op Zoom, Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in his 20’s and shortly thereafter sponsored his mother to move to Canada. Charles was originally sponsored by James Richardson and family and worked as a farm hand when he arrived in Canada. He quickly moved on to other jobs and worked for a time delivering Orange Crush soda to retail stores and worked for CP Rail getting to see all of Canada from coast to coast.

But Charles’ love for the languages won out and he was offered the opportunity to start a teaching career in Austin, Manitoba. Teaching by day and doing University courses at night with a newborn was no easy feat and he definitely had his hands full.  Charles moved to Gimli, Manitoba shortly thereafter and was employed as a high school English teacher and has many fond memories of his teaching days in Gimli. He always said that his first year of teaching in Gimli was the best year for him as a teacher and he had a wonderful group of students.

At the same time Charles and Ella-Jean started their family and wanted the best opportunities for their children so they moved to Winnipeg and purchased a brand new home for their growing family in Westwood. Westwood was home and Charles had very fond memories of his great neighbors and a great community. He found his permanent teaching home at Fort Richmond Collegiate teaching high school English and after many years where he retired. Charles had many good memories of the students and the rest of the faculty members. His passion for reading and writing was evident throughout his career and he took his teaching responsibilities very seriously.

Through his love of everything ‘Holland’ Charles introduced Speed Skating to his family and all four of his children participated in the sport. He sat on the boards of both the Manitoba Amateur Speed Skating Association and later the Canadian Amateur Speed Skating Association and very much enjoyed his time on both boards.

Charles was also an avid wine drinker and later a wine maker and his wine making skills became so good that he won a provincial reward for the quality of his wine. We always joked that his office in the basement became a Winery with usually several batches on the go.

With Charles being a sun-worshiper, it is not surprising that in his retirement years he fell in love with Florida. Charles and Ella-Jean found a wonderful retirement community in Siesta Key, Florida where they spent many cold winters being ‘snow birds’. They made many friends there and Charles spent many hours on the beach soaking in the sun and of course reading a good book.

In his later years, Charles lived at The Waverley Retirement Living and Brightwater Senior Living.  He made many friends at both places and enjoyed the social activities provided especially the ‘happy hour’. We were very appreciative when everyone showed up for Charles’ 90^th birthday party last year, it was a very special day for Dad.

We would like to thank the care and support provided by the Grace General Hospital staff for Dad’s end of life care. Although he was finally overcome by complications from Covid-19, the care and support he received during these difficult times was greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank the doctors and staff of CancerCare at the Victoria General Hospital for all their support over the past couple of years. Lastly, we would like to thank the management and care workers at Brightwater Senior Living.

In accordance with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and will be followed by a private family gathering at a later date.