28th May 1943 – 3rd May 2024 ( 81)
3 PPCLI
With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our loving father, Charles Edward Cowell, with family by his side.
Chuck, as he was known, was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Donally Carol Cowell nee Bligh, and his daughter Lynn Madeline Cowell. He is survived by his daughters Rena (Bill), Karolyn (Bill) and Trish (Russ) and his son George; 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. We all miss him very much. Chuck grew up on his family’s farm in Matheson, Ontario where he went to school in a one room schoolhouse. As youngsters, Chuck and his brothers would head to school early to start the wood stove to heat the school house. The boys were each paid $4.00 a month. Next, at the age of 14, Chuck worked in a mining camp in northern Ontario. There he was a chief cook and bottle washer for 40 miners. At 17, Chuck joined the Canadian Armed Forces. During his time in the army, he travelled to Cyprus, Norway, Germany and many other parts of Europe. Chuck was a member of the 1st Queen’s Own Rifles from 1961-1968 and then the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Lite Infantry from 1968-1972. In 1961, Chuck was sent to Germany to reinforce NATO forces in Europe while the Berlin Wall was being built. For this term of service, Chuck received the Special Service Medal. In 1965, Chuck was promoted to the rank of Corporal while spending 7 months in Cyprus as a member of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. For this tour of duty, Chuck received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal. Chuck was promoted to Master Corporal in 1967. In 1970, during the Freedom Liberation Quebecois Crisis was in motion, he was assigned as a personal bodyguard to Mrs. Laporte after her husband had been kidnapped and later assassinated. August of 2001, Chuck was awarded the Canadian Armed Forces to pursue a career as a Correctional Officer at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) At the jail, Chuck moved through the ranks quickly. Starting as a Correctional Officer at the jail, then Correctional Officer at Jordan River Camp, to Transport Officer moving into Acting Director of Programs and finishing as the Acting Supervisor of Instructors. While working at VIRCC, Chuck gained the respect and admiration of the staff and is held in high regard by his superiors. In March 1985, Chuck received a commendation for his high level of professionalism during an armed attack against himself, a fellow officer and medical staff at an optometrist’s office. Chuck’s ability to remain calm and take charge of a dangerous situation helped to save many lives that day. In April 1990, Chuck received another commendation for his capture of an escaping inmate. Without his quick thinking this inmate would have been out on the street. Again, in October 1999, Chuck received another commendation for himself and his staff after converting the Metal Shop into a holding unit for Chinese immigrants This large and complicated task was completed in only three days thanks to Chuck’s supervision. During Chuck’s 30 year career in Corrections, there have been many stories. Ones of courage, mentorship and respect. There are stories of honor, laughter and friendship. Most of all there are stories of a man who touched many lives and has left his imprint on many souls, both staff and inmates. After retiring in 2002, Chuck spent his time working at a slaughterhouse, a friend’s farm, renovating his home and spending time with his family and friends. Hunting with his partners was also a big part of Dad’s life for over 50 years. His biggest goal in life was to bag a moose at the age of 80. Well, he certainly accomplished that. Getting that moose meant the world to him and he truly enjoyed telling the story and showing pictures to anyone who would listen. Family was of great importance to Chuck and he went above and beyond to ensure that the whole family was taken care of. Dad especially loved family gatherings with the kids running around, family everywhere and friends joining in. May Chuck be enjoying a huge family gathering in Heaven, surrounded by the loved ones who have gone before him. We will see you again, but until then you will remain in our hearts and always be apart of our lives. We miss you.
Condolences & memories may be shared at:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/victoria-bc/charles-cowell-11796841/add-memory
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