Charles FLAVELLE

Charles Flavelle died peacefully on the morning of Monday, May 27th, in the home he'd lived in for 71 of his 95 years. In his last weeks he'd had visits with family and close friends and the opportunity to speak about his life, the people, the places, the work, that he loved and was grateful for. He loved his work life. He bought Purdy's Chocolatier, with his friend Eric Wilson in 1963, and they enjoyed a fruitful and satisfying business partnership for 32 years. Charles keenly learned about the chocolate business, with a special capacity for seeking out knowledge, ideas, and expertise from of all those around him, employees, friends, and members of the various business associations he joined. Seen as a humble gentleman, he treated everyone with respect and dignity, and was most proud of making Purdys a place people loved to work, with many employees staying for 25, 30, 35, and even over 45 years. It was enormously satisfying for Charles, to have his daughter Karen take over Purdys after a 13 year business career of her own, and to get to spend nine years working together. Over the subsequent 21 years, he was proud to witness the huge growth and success of Purdys with her at the helm. Charles was also a devoted family man. His courtship with Lucile, his wife of nearly 70 years, was a testament to their shared love of outdoor adventure. They courted on his 1949 Triumph, and continued to ride it together over the course of their long life together. In the early years of their marriage, they spent the money they'd been saving for furniture, on skis instead. In their retirement years they enjoyed motorcycle trips in Europe, adventures on many continents, and skiing in BC's pristine wilderness. As a father, he instilled in his four children Karen, Scott, Alix and Keith the same values of hard work, integrity, and compassion that guided his own life. He always encouraged them to pursue their passions and was proud of their respective careers. He loved learning about their areas of interest and was delighted when they involved him in their projects or brought him along on adventures of their own. Beyond his family and business, Charles believed giving back to the community. Seeing to neighbourhood needs, he convinced the City, of Vancouver to allow him to build an adventure play park, in the empty lot beside the original Purdys factory on 7th avenue. Choklit Park remains today as a passive park. He was influential in the creation of Granville Island as the city transformed it from an industrial area, into the iconic artisanal public market it is today. He was active in the creation of Keith's Hut - a public mountaineering shelter - built to honour his son who died tragically climbing Mount Logan. He also supported many Vancouver-based non-profits in the arts, especially music, environment and social programs. In his final years, Charles continued to inspire those around him, with his insatiable curiosity for understanding the quickly-changing world around him. He will be dearly missed by his surviving family, wife Lucile; children Karen (Jamie), Scott (Erika) and Alix (Marcel). Also his grandchildren, Skyler, Tam, Cali, Scott, and Keanu. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, a shining example of what it means to live life with purpose, and passion. A Celebration of Life, will be held on June 6th from 4-7 p.m. at the Vancouver Rowing Club.