Obituary of Charles Willoughby

Charles William Willoughby of Camrose, Alberta passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the age of 73 years. Charlie was born April 10, 1944 in High River, the fourth son of Ruby and Walter Willoughby. Charlie was raised with his four brothers Vic, Wes, Jim and Bob, and sisters Shirley and Tillie,on the family farm one mile north of Gladys Ridge. There was lots of work to be done and cows to milk but Charlie, Wes and Jim always found time for hi-jinks. Charlie took his early schooling at Gladys Ridge and high school in Blackie. After a variety of jobs at twenty-one, on September 25, 1965 Charlie joined the Calgary City Police with the number 393, the same amount as his first paycheck there. Many friendships were made as a member of the City Police basketball, curling and slow pitch teams. Charlie walked the beat, advanced to car patrol and detective training as well as dispatching. Charlie married Joan Edwards on November 5, 1965 in High River after dating for two years. While in Calgary they were blessed with sons, Rob in 1968, Brian in 1970 and Jason in 1972. In 1974 Charlie and his family returned to his roots farming in the Gladys Ridge area until 1981 then buying land in the Kingman area. Charlie was a commuting farmer until 1984 when the home quarter was finally sold and the family moved to Camrose. The love of farming was passed on to Rob and Brian and from 1995 these were happy years for Charlie farming with his sons. Charlie loved Jason spending time with him and hearing of Jason's work as a Journeymen Heavy Duty Technician, especially his work on the big equipment at Fort McMurray. He was blessed to see his sons marry and give him six grandchildren to thoroughly enjoy. Charlie loved playing sports; softball, hockey, basketball, golfing, curling and playing slowpitch with the Camrose senior team. In 2009 Charlie was diagnosed with ldiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and spent the rest of his life on oxygen 24/7. He stayed actively involved in farming until 2015 and loved watching his grandchildren play hockey and ball. Watching sports on TV, reading, the internet, coffee every day with the old guys, and time with his family and friends enriched his final years. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Joan; sons Rob (Holly) of Camrose, Brian (Eileen) of Camrose and Jason (Leeanne) of Benalto; six precious grandchildren Brian and Eileen's daughter Charley and son Ryder, Rob and Holly's twins, daughter Taylor and son Zack, and Jason and Leeanne's twin daughters Cheyanne and Shona; brothers Vic (Joyce), Wes (Loretta), Jim, Bob (Sue); and sister Tillie. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Ruby; and sister Shirley. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from CityLights Church with Rev. Bill Harder officiating. Inurnment has taken place at the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Camrose and District Hospice Society.