Obituary of Charles Stafford

Charles Colin Stafford died at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on May 27th, 2012, in his 84th year. Charles was born on February 7th, 1929, first child of the late Colin and Marguerite (Clunas) Stafford of Malahide. Raised on the family farm, he learned the rewards of hard work, the benefits of a penny saved, and the need to care for the land. In 1946 he married Sophia Linnerth whom he met while working on her parent's tobacco farm. Together they raised four children, Margaret Vann (husband Harry) now of Orange Park, Florida, Robert Stafford (wife Barb) of Brampton, Susan Wiltsie (husband Russ) of Malahide, and Virginia DuBroy (husband Len) of Aylmer. Charles and Sophia became skilled at constructing homes, first on Charles family farm, followed by two homes in Cobourg and finally a home on the old Linnerth farm near Jaffa. Charles and Sophia also purchased and remodelled a cottage in Pt. Bruce where they loved to spend their summers. Charles enjoyed a number of careers over his lifetime - carpenter, engine repair on Mosquito Bombers, pipe line construction near New Liskaerd, tobacco farming, the Tobacco Auction Exchange, and lastly Tree Commissioner, Weed Inspector and By-Laws Enforcement Officer for Elgin County. It was this last job which permitted him to continue his passion for environmental stewardship. Not only did he personally plant thousands of trees in his lifetime, but this position allowed him the opportunity to encourage proper stewardship in others. Charles served as a Past Master of the Malahide Masonic Lodge. Charles is survived by a sister Helen Melville (Vern) of Aylmer, brother Karl Stafford (Margaret) of Malahide, and sister-in-law Michelle Stafford of Aylmer, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brother Fred Stafford, and sisters Shirley Redmond and Marion Heffren. As per Charles wishes, a private family service will be conducted following cremation. Donations (through Kebbel Funeral Home) can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Terrace Lodge Auxillary, or the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation. Most sincere appreciation is extended to the staff at Terrace Lodge and to Dr. Green and the 5th floor staff at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.