Charlie LANE

CHARLES LANE (CHARLIE) Teacher, swimmer, traveller, photographer, and always inspirer, Charlie died peacefully on November 28, 2023, in hospice on his own terms after 85 years of great living. As a career geography teacher and department head for over 35 years in Etobicoke, he lived his profession passionately, bringing his students and often his family on frequent trips to far flung destinations. Always sporting his trademark Nikon for constant photos, he doggedly documented his travels first on Kodachrome and later digitally, often to the consternation of his subjects holding a pose for 'just one more shot'! Charlie broadened many students' horizons with exchange trips to Cartagena Colombia, and Baker Lake NU, and engaged in professional development with teachers in Africa and Central America. A great fan of the '4 over 5' year-long leave program, he embarked on several epic around-the-world adventures in his off years, effectively implanting the travel bug in his children, Adele and John. Only days after retiring, he jumped onto a plane to Myanmar and beyond. In 2000 he married Cathy and together they continued to travel the world. Charlie was a competitive swimmer in his youth, coached by the legendary Gus Ryder at the Lakeshore Swim Club. In the mid-80s, Charlie resurrected his swimming athleticism and became a stalwart member of the Etobicoke Olympium Masters Aquatic Club (EOMAC). He achieved many club, provincial, and national records for his progressing age groups, and participated in several winter swim camps in Margarita Island, Venezuela. As club secretary and membership leader, he inspired many members both new and current to realize their swimming potential by entering competitions and swimming relay events for the club. His omnipresent camera ensured that outstanding performances in the pool were captured and displayed on countless posters and in newsletters. Charlie's most recent 7 years included thrice-weekly hemodialysis treatments, first at the Watline Clinic in Mississauga and most recently at the Credit Valley Hospital. The clinical excellence demonstrated in both of these locations was outstanding. There are far too many people to name among the exceptional renal care staff who became good friends during those years. In his final months, the palliative team of Dr. Laura Harild continued to provide superlative, compassionate care to Charlie and his whole family. We are also grateful to the facility and staff of the Dorothy Ley Hospice who provided us all with comfort and support as they guided Charlie through his final day. Charlie died surrounded by the love of his family: wife Cathy; son, John (Cathy); daughter, Adele (Fraser); grandchildren Brennan (Anne), Eric (Mica), Alexandra, Grant (Dayl), Julie and Lindsey (Terry) and great-granddaughters Isabel, Florence and Carlisle as well as stepfamilies Ross, Jennifer, Miragh, Jude, Reed, Lauren and canines Benjamin and Toba. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dorothy Ley Hospice (dlhospice.org) or to a food bank of your choice.