Charles Edward CHURCH

CHARLES EDWARD (TED) CHURCH 1925-2023 On April 17, 2023, we lost a cherished father and uncle. Ted died peacefully in his Brantford, Ontario home with his daughter by his side. He was predeceased in 2017 by Jean (nee Milne), who was his life-long friend and beloved wife of more than 70 years; and in 1967 by his daughter, Linda. He is sorely missed by his daughter, Nancy; his nephew, Brad Church and family; his many nephews, nieces and other members of the Lithgow and Milne families; dear friends and neighbours in Brantford and Cambridge; and more recent friends at Chartwell Tranquility Place. Ted was born in Brantford on November 17, 1925, the fourth of five sons of Frederick and Esther Church (nee Golding) and his family later moved to Hamilton. He and Jean met and their love story began at Hamilton Central Collegiate. He enlisted in the Canadian Army at age 17 in 1943 and completed his training with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion at CFB Shilo in Manitoba. He was on furlough in preparation for shipping out to Europe when the war ended. After discharge in 1945, he finished high school then enrolled in Normal School. Ted married Jean in 1946 and took on his first teaching job in a one-room schoolhouse in Gibraltar, Ontario in 1947. Their two daughters followed and so did many career advances to vice-principal or principal at elementary, junior high and secondary schools. The family followed Ted's career to Guelph, Scarborough, and Brantford, where they made their homes and many long-standing friendships. Ted retired in 1984 as a superintendent of schools for the Brant County Board of Education. He especially enjoyed his years as Superintendent of Program and Professional Development. Ted's interests were many and varied. He was a woodworker, cabinet maker, builder, renovator, sculptor and artist. Music was a passion. From 78s, transistor radios, albums, his Heathkit stereo, player piano rolls, tapes, CDs and MP3s to Spotify, his music went with him everywhere. He was Mighty Ted to two young nephews, a master of Thanksgiving and Christmas roast turkeys, and the person the family relied upon to deliver a wedding speech or a eulogy. He was a mentor to many and an early leader in the support of women in their careers. Ted was a man of integrity, courage, humour and generosity, who was loved and appreciated by his family, friends and colleagues. At Ted's request, his body has been donated to the Education Program in Anatomy at McMaster University for the advancement of medical education and research. There will be no service. We invite you who knew him to share your best memories of Ted with your family and friends.