Charles Murdock Thurgood
Peacefully at home on June 19, 2012 at the age of 90.
Beloved husband of 63 years to Lois (née MacKay). Loving father to George (Ann Willoughby), Ranald (Maura Volante), James (Jenny Jiang), Ann, and daughters-in-law Katherine Grier and Christiane Thurgood. Predeceased by infant son John William (1954). Grandfather to Rebecca Paterson (Finlay), Brigid, Alexandre, Jacob, Frédéric, Michael, Caroline and Alanna Thurgood; great-grandfather to Lucas, Lachlan and Annie Paterson. Dear brother to Marie Williams and uncle to Donna Williams.
Born in Gabarouse, Cape Breton, Charles grew up in Sydney. While serving as a Flight Lt in the RCAF during WWII, he was shot down over Occupied France, surviving with the help of local farmers and their families. Charles attained a degree in Mining Engineering from Nova Scotia Technical College, and played an important role in the development of the Pugwash Salt Mine. In Windsor, he worked for the Federal Business Development Bank until retirement.
Charles will be remembered as a man who was committed to family, church and community. He enjoyed various artistic pursuits, including all kinds of music, sketching, cartooning and painting. As well, he was an enthusiastic ice-skater and swimmer to the age of 89, and was an ardent sports fan to the end. Charles always looked forward to his summers at the family cottage in P.E.I., and will be missed by his many friends and in-laws there.
All who knew Charles will remember his pragmatic if not skeptical outlook, tempered by a kind-heart and quick, dry wit.
Thanks to his good friend and surgeon, Dr. Tom Elsdon; another good friend, and general-practitioner of 20 years, Dr. J.J. Price; the many devoted nurses and caregivers who attended him throughout his final illness; and the neighbours on Lorraine Avenue who continue to show so much help and support.
Join us in honouring Charles's life and leaving a condolence for his family by visiting our memorial at www.walterdkellyfuneralhome.com.