Passed away suddenly on December 10/24 at the age of 75 while vacationing in Cuba.
Left behind to mourn his loss, but more importantly to celebrate the joy that he was, is his loving partner Karen Sweigard and her daughters Kaeli and Shelby. Although the four of them only had 16 years together, they were full of love and laughter (especially over his silly Dad jokes). There is nothing Chuck cherished more than family.
Chuck lived his first eight years in Kassel Germany surrounded by his doting grandparents Emil & Amalie, and loving family Tante Ulla & Ellie. In 1958 Chuck and his beloved Mutsch (Mom) Trudy Bernasconi sailed on the Seven Seas to arrive in Montreal. Not knowing English when he started school in Canada, and speaking only German, is perhaps how Chuck developed the skill of being able to communicate with people with smiles, hugs and genuine love. He displayed these traits every single moment of every day. A kinder, more loving soul would be hard to find.
He was lucky that at a later age in life he was able to track down and meet his biological father (Ted Meredith) and the bond was instantaneous and they were blessed to have 17 years of knowing each other.
Work life for Chuck involved computers. He started at the Royal Bank, and then went to Fiberglass Canada in Toronto and woke up every morning loving his work and his colleagues. It also gave him the opportunity to move to Guelph. His years before retirement were spent driving the customer shuttle for Mazda. Chuck got to drive and listen to classical music and of course, get to talk to people.
Chuck was involved with numerous activities. He served a stint as President of the Mens’ Slo-Pitch league, threw darts in a league, curled, and was a long time season ticket holder of the Guelph Storm, Blue Jays, and Ticats. Karen & Chuck loved attending musical theatre and the symphony, but Chuck’s favourite pastime was being in nature golfing. This was his religion. It was made much better when he and JR (Jim Robinson) would golf often and they would rib each other about their games.
An only child, Chuck was lucky enough to find a brother by heart in Jim Whitechurch and in turn Jim’s loving wife Patricia. Chuck, Karen , Jim & Patricia spent many hours together travelling, playing canasta at the cottage, musical nights and so forth. Going to Jim & Pat’s cottage was the top of the places he liked to be. Jim and Patricia were family to Chuck.
“Charlie” is deeply missed by his Onkle Hans, Cousin Monika and the rest of his family in Germany. Chuck and Karen were lucky to have been able to spend three weeks there in August.
And forever in Chuck’s heart are his adopted kids – Doug, Liz and Pat Livingstone.
Chuck felt eternally grateful for his neighbours, Brad and Allison Mitchell and their kids, for all they did. He felt lucky to have them and loved them.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Royal City Mission (royalcitymission.ca)
A Gathering to Celebrate Chuck’s life will be at a future date in late Spring. An announcement will be made once arranged.
Arrangements under the direction of Brombal Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph. Share online condolences and tributes at www.brombal.ca.