July 28, 1943 – March 11, 2023
2 PPCLI
Errol Champion Monkley, 79, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, passed away on March 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, on July 28, 1943, he was the son of the late G. Lorne and Edna (nee Champion) Monkley and the grandson of the late Edward and Ella Mae (nee MacDonald) Monkley and Wesley and Memie (nee Thompson) Champion.
Errol is survived by his spouse, Evelyn (nee Kelly); daughter, Sandra Lee-Ann (Terry) Pauley, son Steven (Noella) Monkley; grandsons, Bradley and Jason (Rachel) Pauley and Carter Monkley; granddaughters, Lauryn Monkley and Hannah Pauley. Brothers-in-law, Philip (Carol) Kelly and Robert (Shirley) Kelly, sisters-in-law Betty (Robert) Brooks and Lilla Jenkins and several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Edward (Claire) Monkley and Allen (Elizabeth) Monkley; parents-in-law William Cyrene “Cye” and Sara (nee McGee) Kelly; brother-in-law William “Bill” Kelly and sisters-in-laws Mary Lillian “Pat” Langfield, Dorothy “Dot” (Ralph) MacKenzie and Francis Elizabeth Kelly.
As a youth Errol, Edward and friends worked at his grandfather Champion’s fox farm on Central Street and for fun they would let the foxes out to try and catch them. As well, he participated in hockey, baseball, swimming and summer church camps.
In 1960, Errol followed his father and brother Edward’s footsteps and enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces. Errol was 17 years old at the time and required a note from his mother to join the Military, once it was provided he shipped off to join the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1964, while Errol was visiting PEI on leave. he met the love of his life, Evelyn. Two short years later they were married on September 24, 1966, in Edmonton, Alberta.
Errol re-mustered to the Royal Canadian Navy serving on the HMCS Chaudiere and retired as an Auditor with the Royal Canadian Air Force. During his 28-year military career serving Canada, Errol served in Edmonton, Alberta; Victoria, British Columbia; Iserlohn, Germany; Camp Borden, Trenton and Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Errol was fortunate enough to complete three around the world tours and his final posting was to Summerside, Prince Edward Island where he retired in 1988.
Following Errol’s military retirement, he worked as the PEI Conservative Party Executive Director; Special Advisor to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and later became an instructor for ProTrain driver training. His final retirement was in 1995.
As an adult he enjoyed: playing with his or his children’s dogs, growing flowers, photography, CB radios, darts, country music, golfing, attending community parades with his Shriners car, playing the ukulele, researching genealogy, watching his favorite show – “Blue Bloods”; watching the Montreal Canadians play hockey; and sitting in the sun reading a book. Errol loved to socialize, laugh, surprise his family with special gifts and great adventures. Family traditions and gatherings brought him great joy.
Since Errol was a child, he always had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Errol decided after his numerous trips that New Zealand and Florida were his two favorites. Wherever Errol traveled he tried to absorb the community culture and people including: hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. When at home, he loved to spend time at their cottage in MacIntyre Shore, Prince Edward Island.
Wherever Errol lived he got involved the community organizations including: the Trenton Winter carnivals; Trenton Radio club; Darts night in Sioux Lookout, the Fourth Prince PC Association (Vice President); the Summerside Lobster Carnival (President); Summerside Lions Club (President); The Royal Commonwealth Society (President); and Probus (President). Errol was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Charlottetown Gentlemen’s Club, and met frequently with a group of masonic friends for weekly morning coffee.
One of Errol’s greatest passions was being a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners. These organizations brought brotherhood, friendship, improved his sense of purpose, strengthened his spiritual outlook and broadened his horizons. Errol’s over 47-year membership in his beloved fraternity journey included:
• 1975 – he became a Mason at the Trent Lodge (No.38) in Frankfort, Ontario;
• 1981 – he became affiliated with St. John’s Lodge (No. 1) in Charlottetown, PEI;
• 1981 – he joined the Hiram and Lebanon Lodge (No.3) in Summerside, PEI;
• 1988 – he became the Worshipful Master in Summerside, PEI. He became a member of the Prince Edward Chapter (No.12) Royal Arch Masons in Kensington, PEI; and he became a Charter Member of the Red Oak Shrine Club in Kensington, PEI;
• 1996 – he joined the Philae Temple and the Island Shrine Club and served as President of the club;
• 1998 – he was elected the Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of PEI;
• 2003 – he was elected the Deputy Grand Master and joined the Preceptory (No.35) of Knights Templar in Charlottetown and was appointed as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Alberta and Grand Lodge of Delaware;
• 2004 – he was installed as the Grand Master of Grand Lodge of PEI;
• 2006 – joined the Order of Secret Monitor in Mt. Uniacke, Nova Scotia;
• 2007 – joined Red Cross of Constantine and invited to become a member of the Royal Select Masters in Charlottetown, PEI; and,
• 2008 and 2009 – he was elected the Presiding Preceptory.
Errol was a relatable and likeable person. He was a man of his word and a loyal person with a strong sense of right and wrong. Errol was a leader who exceled at organizing things, he deeply cared about those around him and his strong faith in God guided him.
Errol was a strict father but provided his children unconditional love, protection and made them feel special. He was supportive and proud of his children’s accomplishments. As a grandfather the strictness was no more. Errol attended and supported his grandchildren in all they did, ensuring to attend as many events as he could. If Errol was unable to attend an event, he would love to hear his grandchildren’s stories, tease and laugh with them.
With faith, family and friends Errol and Evelyn laid a firm foundation, and built a life together that stood the test of time. Their souls complete each other – their hearts beat as one. Errol will be remembered as a gentleman with great character. He carried himself with: honor, integrity, loyalty and conviction. He was a man of principles and any assignment he took on he embraced it with sincerity, devotion and commitment.
Errol’s family would like to extend a big thank you to Dr. Cooke (retired), the paramedics and the staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the wonderful care he received over the years.
Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Mass Friday from St. Dunstan’s Basilica at 10:00 a.m. Interment later in Sherwood Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation (Cardiac Care and Stroke Unit). The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 1 Charlottetown will hold a Legion Service of Remembrance on Thursday at 3:45 p.m. Visiting hours to follow from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. St. John’s Lodge No. 1 will hold a Masonic Memorial Service following the visitation at 7:00 p.m. All brethren are requested to attend. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com
https://macleanfh.ca/death-notices/obituaries/
Service Date: Friday, March 17, 2023
Service Time: 10:00 a.m. from St. Dunstan’s Basilica
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