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Charles Nash Obituary
NASH Charles W.July 24, 1917 - April 20, 2008 With great sorrow we announce that Charlie died on Sunday, April 20, 2008 in Lions Gate Hospital. He was born in Lee-on-Solent, England July 24, 1917, and came to Vancouver with his mother, Hilda and brothers in 1925. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife, Bette, and brothers Jack, John, Peter and Sandy. "Chuckie" is survived by his loving family, daughters Rita and Terre, son Paul, grandson Adrian, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was a generous community volunteer and avid outdoorsman. His hiking boots, skis and kayak were in active use until three years ago. Charlie graduated in mechanical engineering at U.B.C. He then served in World War II as Flying Officer (Pilot) in the RCAF in Canada and England. He was a professional engineer who retired from B.C. Hydro as a Vice-President in 1981. He served as Hon. Vice-President of the National Council and Hon. President of Vancouver Coast Region, Scouts Canada; Chairman, Holy Family Hospital; Chairman of Shaughnessy Hospital and Shaughnessy Hospital Foundation; Board member, University Hospital; international volunteer, advisor and member of Board of Directors, CESO. He was a long-time member of St. Anthony's Parish, West Vancouver. Charlie's keen interest in other cultures led him to travel the world both personally and professionally. At age 73, Charlie attended S.F.U. to study Mandarin and later went to China as an exchange student. He was a member of the Vancouver Mandarin Club and his book club until age 90. For 23 years, Charlie was known as 'Cougar' to hundreds of West Vancouver school students to whom he taught Wilderness Survival. Charlie's wishes are to leave flowers to grow in the wild; instead, donations may be made to Holy Family Hospital, Scouts Canada or the charity of your choice, in Charlie's memory. Our dad's silent suffering is finally over. We extend our deepest appreciation to his caregiver, Jenny, and the staff of 4-East, Lions Gate Hospital, especially Christine and Krista. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony's Church, 2347 Inglewood Ave., West Vancouver on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
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15 Entries
Brandt & Belinda Louie
May 4, 2008
Our condolences to Charlie's family on his passing. I was part of Charlie's life, when he was involved with Shaughnessy Hospital and University Hospital. He did make a difference.
Patrick Wilson
May 4, 2008
Rita, Terre and Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's death.
My mother, Anne and Rita (Corky) send their condolences too.
Kind regards from the Wilson/Corcoran family.
Norah Findlay
May 3, 2008
On behalf of many former Westcot Elementary School children, I would 'Mr Nash' to be remembered for his incredible contribution to all our Grade 6 Out Door School experience. As the resident Naturalist, Charlies taught us all how to build a 'lean to' for protection against the elements, chew on Licorice Root and roast slugs. They are a great source of protein after all!
Ingher Wei
April 30, 2008
It was a very sad day to learn the news of Charlie’s passing on April 25. As I am away in Rome, I couldn’t bid my last farewell to a very dear friend for over twenty years.
I remembered when we first met in 1985-6. Charlie came to my Mandarin class at North Vancouver Continuing Education as I just started my teaching career. We became friends right away. I was very impressed by his dedication to study and his curiosity about China. After few sessions at NVCE as there was no advanced class for him, so Charlie took the challenge to attend an academic course at Simon Fraser University and went on as an exchange student to China. What was remarkable was that he was embarking on his adventure in his 70s!
I was touched by his enthusiasm and dedication to Chinese language and culture. We decided to create a conversation club (Mandarin Club) for those who were interested in keeping up with their Chinese language and interests in China. It was Charlie who kept the Mandarin Club going for so many years. I don’t know how many times Charlie played host at his beautiful home---we sang, played games, laughed, enjoyed the conversation, but most of all, nurtured a wonderful friendship. I am sure that all of us at the Mandarin Club have fond memories of Charlie!
Charlie was always sincere, kind, caring, and generous to everyone he met. When my late husband David passed away, he was there to support. I will never forget his kindness and friendship.
I was abroad for many years, but we always kept in contact with each other. Charlie was like family to us--David joined his hiking club, and my daughter Emily, my sister Sandra and her husband Richard all adored him.
He was a great sportsman, enjoying hiking, skiing and kayaking. He told stories of his adventures in the wild and showed me some wonderful photos he took.
Charlie, we envied you for a healthy, long and full life, a loving family and great many friends. I was lucky to have met you. I will miss you greatly!
Terre, Rita, Paul and Adrian, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Pat Shaughnessy
April 27, 2008
Rita, Terre and Paul, You have all been in my thoughts and prayers these past days. I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I have the fondest memories of him and Bette. When my family arrived in Vancouver from Virginia in 1971 to begin a new life in Canada, they were the first to welcome us at St. Anthony's. We were temporarily staying in a motel in N. Van. We were amazed when they invited us all (10 of us) to breakfast after Mass. Charlie was such a support to me and my family when Ed died . He certainly led a full and active life and touched so many people's lives. You and everyone will surely miss him.
Bob & Swee Young
April 26, 2008
We were saddened to hear of Charles' passing and will miss him at the Mandarin Club meeting.
We loved and admired Charles and will always remember his warmth and kindness,
Bob & Swee
Sandra and Lawrence Chuah
April 25, 2008
We had the opportunity to meet and know Charlie through the mandarin Club of which he was a devoted supporter and friend. We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man. He was sincere and true in his love and respect of other peoples and cultures. He lived a full life; his energy and sense of adventure are an inspiration to all his friends. Sandra and Lawrence.
Emily Wei
April 25, 2008
Charlie was a dear friend to me and my family for many years. My mother, Ingher, met him through the Mandarin Club when I was barely a teenager. I remember the incredible kindness and generosity he showed us when my father David passed away. He was one of the few friends who was always close by to lend a helping hand. We were always impressed by his energy and joie de vivre - kayaking and skiing at an age that most were slowing down. I particularly enjoyed his homemade yoghurt, too, and listening to him tell his stories.
My mother and I will miss his gentle spirit and friendship. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
Lorraine Harland
April 25, 2008
I am truly sorry for your loss. My father, Bill Harland and Charlie were great friends who shared their love for the outdoors. It is of course through my dad that I met Charlie and I was always touched by his very kind and giving spirit. I will cherish the memories that I have of skiing with him on Blackcomb and hiking with him to Diamond Head (both while he was in his 80's, no less). He was a remarkable man.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Beverley de Villiers
April 24, 2008
I did not meet Charles until 2003, being introduced that year to the Mandarin Club by Bob and Swee Young. Though I was not privileged to know him well, I found him always a gracious presence at our soirees, a gentleman to the core.
Tom Shaughnessy
April 24, 2008
My heartfelt condolances to all of the Nash Family in this time of grief. I have such fond memories of Charlie and all the joy he brought to our family.
Maureen Shaughnessy
April 24, 2008
Paul, Terre, Rita and all the family, I am sad for your loss of Charlie. May his spirit go to the Light.
I knew Charlie through his friendship with my parents, Ed and Pat Shaughnessy when our family lived in North Van. Charlie was a good friend of my dad's and they both loved to spar with each other intellectually. When dad passed away Charlie was a strong reliable support for my mom, Pat, and for the kids who were still living at home with her. I know Charlie's and Bette's friendship meant so much to Pat and helped her regain her center after her loss of her lifelong companion. Your father was an amazing man!
Jean Cui, Tian Zhang
April 24, 2008
We are in disbelief! We are truly saddened by his passing. We lost a great man and a great resource. We knew Charlie when we joined Vancouver Mandarin Club in 1998. He was such a gentle spirit and we will never lose those images and fond memories that we have of him. He will be part of the our lives forever… Our lives were certainly better for knowing such a super person.
We extend our condolences to all his family, loved ones and friends.
Charlie, may you find peace and rest.
Verna Adamson
April 24, 2008
Scouts Canada would like to pay tribute to Charles for his leadership and commitment to the youth and to Scouts Canada for so many years.
Yours in Scouting
Scouts Canada
BC Yukon
Bill Turnbull
April 24, 2008
Sorry to hear of his passing, but he had such a full and wonderful life, you will have lots of memories to keep him in your hearts.
I got to know Mr. Nash when I went to work for B.C. Hydro in 1974, he was a wonderful person and he will be missed by many.
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