Charles DREW

DREW, Flight Lieutenant (ret'd) Charles Edward Died peacefully in Pembroke on September 29, 2010 at the age of 88. Charles was born January 4, 1922 in Toronto, Ontario, and moved with his family to the Orillia area in the mid 1930's. He joined the RCAF in 1941 and served as a flying instructor during the war. He rejoined the RCAF in 1951, providing at that time basic flight training for NATO pilots. Charles' RCAF postings included Centralia, ON; Sea Island, BC; Bagotville, QC; Metz, France; and finally Ottawa, ON, where he retired in 1969. He then began a second career as a stationary engineer, moving to Pembroke in the late 1970's to work at the Canadian Splint, from which he retired in 1987. Activities he enjoyed during his retirement included participation in the Pembroke Musical Society and the Pembroke Community Choir; canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; rollerblading, bicycling and senior's ice skating; and spending time with friends and family. Deeply rooted in the Pembroke community for over 30 years, Charles was well known by the staff of many restaurants in town, and often joined old friends, and made many new ones, at Tim Hortons. Charles will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters Nancy (and her children Mitchell, Elissa & Amy Lyn) and Catherine "Cathie" (and her life partner Susan), all of Toronto; his beloved friend and companion Alma; his sisters May (Al), Toronto, and Hazel (Fred), Scarborough; his sister-in-law Edith, Kingston; as well as his many nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his parents Clarence "Ted" and Gertrude "Gertie"; brother Reg; and sisters Madeline, Eileen and Grace. The family would like to express deep gratitude to his dear friends John and Jeannette of Pembroke, and special thanks to the staff of Heritage Manor, especially Robert and Laurie; the staff of the 3rd floor medical ward at the Pembroke Regional Hospital; and the Palliative Care Unit at Marianhill. All are welcome to attend visitation at the MALCOLM, DEAVITT & BINHAMMER FUNERAL HOME, 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Wednesday from 2 to 4:00 and 7 to 9:00 p.m.; and a Service of Celebration for the life of Charles E. Drew at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the church hall. (In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Marianhill would be appreciated.) Online condolences and donations are available at www.malcolmanddeavitt.com.