CHARLES WESTOVER

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles (Chuck) Lee Westover, of 929 Third S. E., Fort Frances, Ont., on Friday, May 8, 2009.
He was born Dec. 20, 1931 in Fort Frances to Grace and Donavon Westover.
Chuck was from the generation of men that are rocks—pillars of strength, humorous but commanding, full of love and pride. He exemplified all these characteristics.
He was predeceased by his parents, Grace and Don Westover; sister, Evelyn Perry; brother, Russell Westover; in-laws, Marshall and Gladys Bolton; and brother-in-laws, Don Harris and Lloyd Perry.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joan Westover (nee Bolton); and children, Dale (Deb) and grandchildren, Kenny and Charlee, Nancy (Kevin Stewart) and grandson, Byron, Scott (Candy) and grandchildren, Samantha, Chad, and Dani, and Michael (Lynn) and grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, and Matthew.
Also surviving are his sister, Jean Harris; sister-in-law, Cheryl Westover; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles grew up in Fort Frances and “summered” in Barwick, Ont. with his grandparents and the rest of the Westover clan. The family moved to Vancouver, B.C. during the war and returned to Fort Frances afterwards.
Dad was a hard worker and worked in the mill for 39 years. He was well-respected, could be tough to work for, but was always fair.
Dad had a great passion for cars and driving. He always had special memories of certain cars he had owned in his younger years. He also loved his boats and loved being the fastest on the lake.
Chuck married Joan Bolton on Sept. 28, 1957 and through her family was introduced to the lake. He not only married the love of his life, but in Marshall gained a second father. The times spent at the cabin were filled with keeping Woodchuck maintained, hunting, fishing, and playing cards.
He renewed his love for hunting when his “number one” son, Dale, started hunting. They had many crazy adventures hunting for deer and moose until Chuck couldn’t take riding the bush roads any longer.
Chuck enjoyed spending time with his sisters, Evelyn and Jean, and his brother, “Chummy.” Visits of “debating” and playing cards were the norm.
Chuck loved his family, and he was always there if you needed him. He loved his grandchildren. When the babies were little, he loved to fall asleep with one of them sleeping with him on the couch and many times on top of him.
Chuck and Joan spent their later years rebuilding their cabin on Woodchuck Island and spending time with their children, grandchildren, family, and good friends.
It is said life is for making memories. Lucky for us, we have so many great memories!
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating. A reception will follow in the church auditorium.
The honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Arason, Larry Arch, Art Scheirer, Benny Beck, Larry Buffington, Bill Spuzak, and Ken McFayden.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Dialysis Unit or St. John’s Anglican Church c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com