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Charles-Henri "Charlie" BELZILE
Charles-Henri "Charlie" BELZILE
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Charles-Henri BELZILE Obituary
BELZILE, Charles-Henri "Charlie", CM, CMM, CD
Lieutenant-General (Retired)
Charlie died peacefully on December 5, 2016 surrounded by his girls. He was 83 years old. He will be dearly missed by Janet (nee Scott), his loving wife of 46 years, as well as by his daughters Denise MacGillivray and Suzanne. Born in Trois-Pistoles Quebec in 1933, he was the 12th and youngest child of Charles Belzile and Alice Dionne. Charlie had a long and distinguished military career spanning 37 years of active service. He joined the military during the Korean War and served in Korea after the cease fire for 13 months. As a career soldier, he served all over Canada as well as in Cyprus and Germany, ultimately as the Commander of Canadian Forces Europe. He retired in 1987 after serving for 5 years as the Commander of Mobile Command (now the Canadian Army). Following his retirement, Charlie was active in many different military and veterans organizations and was recognized with the Order of Canada for his contributions to veterans in Canada. To all those who knew him, Charlie was larger than life and left an impression on all those that he met. He had a story for every occasion, and loved to give tours of his "I love me" room, where every inch of wall space was covered with plaques and mementos from his long career. He had a great sense of humour and was a life-long Habs fan. Friends are invited to visit the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. (East of Vanier Parkway) on Monday, December 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Memorial Service, will be held Tuesday, December 13 in the Sacred Space at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. A private family burial with regimental honours will take place at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. The family is deeply grateful to Veterans Affairs, especially Lyne and Barbara; the nurses from At Home Hospice, and Dr. Vincent and Dr. Plantive for their compassion and care in the final stages of Charlie's life. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or a military or veterans' organization of your choice would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
16 Entries
Tom Furmanczyk
November 11, 2017
Being away in Houston I sought information about the Remembrance Ceremony in Ottawa. The General was an honored guest at St Gabriel parish that conducted a Memorial Mass and remembrance ceremony. I only had a few conversations with the General but was impressed with his commitment to veterans living and deceased. He really is the valiant heart whose knightly virtue proved rests tranquil in our memories. God bless.
Keith Brewer
June 29, 2017
On behalf of the Dieppe Military veterans' Association and its membership please accept our sincere condolences. He shall grow not old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary him nor the years condemn. At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember Charles Belzile fondly.
stephen cuddihy 142 ave Georges V
January 8, 2017
I MET Captain Charlie in Farnham camp in the summer of 1960. I was the Barrack stores officer,he was the camp adjudant. I last saw him at his Home in longueuil when I was invited for supper.I met you Janet and the little girls. He was a kind man and a true leader. I became a quebec court judge criminal devision in 1972.Deepest sympathy to you all,my prayers are with you.
Erica MIskiman-Beaton
December 14, 2016
Dearest Janet and family, I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. What a tremendous honour to have met and gotten to know both of you. Sitting with him and going through his Wikipedia page was an incredible experience and a memory I will cherish. I can only imagine his "I love me" room. Such an amazing gentleman. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Michel Maisonneuve
December 13, 2016
Chère Madame Belzile et famille: J'ai eu l'honneur de servir sous les ordres du général au début de ma carrière et il m'a toujours impressionné.He was a true leader, passionate, caring and an example for all. Please accept my sincere condolences. Michel Maisonneuve, LGén(ret)
Mark Poirier Lcol
December 12, 2016
Dear Janet and family,
Le décès du Gén Belzile m'a profondément touché et je vous prie d'accepter toutes mes condoléances et celles de mon épouse Lucie.
J'ai connu des moments inoubliables lorsque j'ai travaillé sous les ordres du Gén Belzile et j'en garde des souvenirs très précieux.
Nous ne pourrons malheureusement assister aux obsèques dûs à des problèmes de santé.
Peter Mills
December 12, 2016
I was saddened to see the news of General Belzile's passing and want to wish you sincere condolences. He was a consummate gentleman and a great champion of remembrance. It was an honour to know him and to have worked with him on occasion.
We will remember him.
December 12, 2016
Many years ago, our family had the fortunate experience of travelling to Ottawa and meeting the Belzile family compliments of our children, Jonathan and Suzanne who were on a student exchange. I will always remember the warm welcome we received at the Belzile home. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Gene & Barb Fischer
Kelowna, B.C.
December 11, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the Belzile family on your great loss. Sincere condolences, Bob and Dar Beaudry
Wayne
December 11, 2016
Thank you for your dedicated service to our country and our veterans. R.I.P.
December 11, 2016
Mon General:
I served as your Senior Roman Catholic Padre at FMC. You were an outstanding supporter of your Army Padres and a great boss!
Thank you for your service to Canada,
Je me souviens.
LCol Robert Girard (Ret'd)
Allyson Rossiter
December 11, 2016
Dear Mrs. Belzile,
Lieutenant-General Belzile was a great friend of my father's. What wonderful memories we have at the Officer's Mess and Club, and in our home in Soest, Germany. And I remember talking with you many times at Sears as well.The end of an amazing legacy. My family sends their deepest sympathy and are keeping you and your girls in our thoughts and prayers especially at this time.
Allyson Rossiter (daughter of Ern and Anita Thoms)
December 10, 2016
Dear Janet and girls: Jo-Ann and I were so saddened to receive the news of General Charlie's passing. He epitomized leadership and it was an honour and a privilege to have served under his command. He will never be forgotten in our lifetime. With deepest sympathy to you and the family at this time of utmost grief. Sincerely, John and Jo-Ann Dicker
John Houston
December 10, 2016
I was very saddened to hear the news of Charlie's passing. He was one of the great guys. To the family; I hope that the many fond memories of the past can help you through the next few difficult days. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Shelley and Rick- Dupont-Saunders
December 10, 2016
WE ARE DEEPLEY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WAS AN AMAZING MAN. A TRUE SOLDIER.
Robert Bova
December 10, 2016
Au revoir mon general.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON K1M 8E2
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