It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ‘Charlie’, Charles William Skeates on August 30th, 2009, at Vernon Hospice House. He was born in Swift Current, SK, on the 24th of October, 1924. Charlie lied about his age (much to his mother’s dismay) and joined the Navy at the age of 17. He served on the HMCS Huron on the Murmansk Run during World War II. After the War, Charlie returned home with his wife Dorothy (Horwood) Skeates from Halifax, NS. They had 3 children, Peggy Lynn, Maureen and Stephen. Charlie worked in the CPR Roundhouse in Swift Current and then pursued a career of Mining. He worked in Elliot Lake, Ontario, and so often said ’that he never knew a Miner who came out of the Elliot Lake Uranium Mining Area who survived past the age of 70. At the age of 84, he was still saying this. He raised his family in Capreol, ON, and worked in various Mines in the Sudbury Area. In 1967, he moved to BC where he continued to mine and then at the age of 59, retired as a Superintendent for Fry Associates. He became a Snowbird and enjoyed many years of travelling with his companion and wife of 24 years, Doris Gemeroy. Charlie was predeceased by his infant daughter, Peggy Lynn, Swift Current, SK; his parents, Charlie Bessie Skeates, Swift Current, SK; sister, Margaret (Skeates) Milbank Charles Milbank, Cambridge, ON; and his wife Doris, in October 1999. He is survived by his daughter, Maureen Primrose (Vic Rantio) of Vernon, BC; his son, Stephen Skeates of Nanaimo, BC; their mother, Dorothy Skeates, Vernon, BC; his grandson, Greg Primrose of Vernon, BC; nieces, Gail (Bob) Cryderman, Peterborough, ON, and Elaine Ellis, Cambridge, ON; great niece Tammy/Paul Litehouse family; and great nephew Rod/Lara Jones family. He was a hard worker, extremely strong willed and a ‘character’. We loved him and we will miss him. By his request there will be no service.