Chuck Blakey (Harry Charles) of Parksville, B.C. passed away on August 27th at home while visiting with family. He valiantly fought an aggressive cancer diagnosis, but went to spirit at the age of 72.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife Nancy Blakey; his children Barbara (Sean) and Janice (Joe), and Kevin (Janna); Grandchildren Stella, Simon, Everett and Ellie; Sister Pat Kirby, nieces and nephews Cathi (Glen), Maureen (Dave), Suzanne, Michael, and Sean (Dawn). He will also be missed by his sidekick Redge the Blue Heeler, and many friends, cousins and relatives. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Jenny; siblings Raymond and June, and his dog Ceileh. He maintained a warm friendship with, and will be missed by his former wife Pat Lewis. He will be remembered by his vast circle of friends especially Don Gleason, Greg Corbett, Ron Neufeld and the coffee crew who were a great support to him.
As a husband, father, GrandDad, cousin and friend, Chuck’s love was expressed in a quiet way. His language of love was openly expressed by helping with repairs, projects, and sharing his gifts and abilities. He was the person to call for advice, to discuss strategy, or if you wanted help in building something. He also possessed a brilliant mind for the law and problem-solving. In his career, he shone as an investigator for the RCMP, as a Director at the Alberta Securities Commission, and in legal contract work later in life.
His other life’s joy was for sport, which was constant from his childhood until his passing. He played hockey, baseball and football and served on committees for his teams. He played on senior leagues, won many medals, and received lifetime achievement and other recognitions from his leagues in both Arizona and Parksville. His sports buddies were his brethren.
Chuck had built an idyllic life in retirement on an acreage in Parksville BC. He and Nan, and their dog Redge enjoyed nature and community in their cedar forest near the sea. Chuck’s two workshops were his pride and joy and that’s where you would find him in his spare time. He enjoyed researching family history and keeping up with old friends and troopmates on Facebook groups.
He loved travel, and often took road trips to visit his children. Travel highlights include driving to Utah to participate in the World Senior Games, going to England and Ireland with all his kids for his 70th birthday, fishing trips to Moose Jaw and reunions with the RCMP. He and Nan enjoyed many trips together including time spent in Arizona over several winters. Of late, his children and grandchildren spent much time visiting Chuck and Nan in Parksville. His last Summer was spent surrounded by loved ones, doing projects in the shop, planning his son’s wedding, taking grandkids to the ball diamond and to the beach, restoring a vintage trailer with his daughter and teaching everyone about tools. Many evenings were spent around the fire sharing good food and precious memories.
Despite difficulties in his final months, Chuck bravely tried to keep life as normal as possible, and that was only possible with the dedication of his constant support: his partner and best friend Nancy. Nan expresses her thanks to the Oceanside Palliative Care Unit and their homecare nurses, and staff at Parksville Pharmasave.
In Chuck’s memory, donations can be made to the Oceanside Hospice Society. There will be a private service in his home town of Moose Jaw at a later date. Chuck’s legacy will last for generations, and he will be sorely missed by all who loved him.
