Charles Sim

SIM, Charles Peacefully in his sleep on the morning of his 78th birthday, Thursday, August 14th 2008 at the family cottage. Born in Bo'ness, Scotland, Charlie came to Canada in 1951, settling first in Toronto. He came to Ottawa in 1953 to work for the City of Ottawa as an engineer and worked his way up through the ranks to become General Manager of Lansdowne Park in the 1970s and then Commissioner of Physical Environment until he retired in 1990, after 37 years. For many years, Charlie had a huge influence on the way the City of Ottawa operated and he was known as an honest and straight-shooting Scot. Upon his retirement, the newly constructed City Municipal Workshops Building in Ottawa's east end was named after him. He is survived by the love of his life, Marj, who he married in 1956, as well as Sue (Murray Nadeau), Jo (Pat Walsh), Rob (Lori Bentz-Sim) and Sandy (Carmine Mazzotta). He is the proud grandfather of Justin, Charlie, Rose, Lucy, John, Myles, Vivian, Daisy and Scott. Dear brother of Elinor (the late John Harkness) of Scotland. His summers were spent happily with his family and friends at the cottage in the Gatineau Hills, where he was always fixing or building something. He was a well-known, talented model ship builder and a long-time member of the Capital Marine Modellers' Guild. During the winter months, while Marj curled, he was busy at his craft in the basement. When asked why he never took up the sport of curling, he always replied "I'd rather watch paint dry". One of his ships is displayed in the lobby of the building that bears his name. He was featured on television and on the front cover of the Lee Valley Catalogue, showcasing his incredible talents and attention to detail. At Charlie's request there will be no service. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 315 McLeod Street on Monday, August 18th from 2 pm to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. We love and miss you Charlie.