Charles Hamilton “Charlie” Strum of Arrowwood passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 81 years.
Charlie was born April 8, 1922 in Farmington, Maine to Aura and William Strum. At age 6 he moved with is family to Arrowwood for two years and then moved to Queenstown. In October 1940 he joined the Armed Forces and was a member of the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corp.(R.C.O.C.). He traveled to England where he was stationed in the Royal Canadian Electric and Mechanical Engineers Corp until 1943. Upon discharge in 1945 he returned to the Arrowwood District and worked for Carl Pedersen. In 1949 he purchased his own farm through the Veterans Land Act. For five consecutive years he was hailed out, so he continued working for surrounding farmers.
Charlie was a devoted neighbor and friend to his long time companion Grace Cockwill. For years he assisted her with her ranching operation. Together Charlie and Grace traveled to many events and would often go on Sunday drives. They enjoyed each others company for over 40 years. Charlie’s friendship with Grace opened the doors to a wide extended family who respected and admired him. They would often call on him for advice and help.
Music was an important part of Charlie’s life. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing western songs with friends and neighbors. He was a great bass singer. Charlie loved listening to Vera Lynn’s music and one of his favorite songs was “Till We Meet Again”.
Charlie loved his family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for each and everyone of them. He shared his wisdom, as well as his great sense of humor with all who knew him. He was always able to see the positive side of any situation and never said an unkind word about anyone. Charlie always put his work aside to help a neighbor or friend. He was very mechanically inclined and always seemed to be able to fix anything. An important life lesson that Charlie taught many people was to forgive. “Don’t carry a grudge,” he would say, “forgive and go on. Life is too short for gossip and slander”.
One of Charlie’s greatest accomplishments in life was his farmstead. He kept an immaculate yard with spruce trees, apple trees and beautiful flowers. His yard was a haven for deer, pheasants, partridges and coyotes. Watching the animals enjoy his yard gave Charlie great pleasure. He continued to maintain his yard up until his passing.
Charlie was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gleichen Branch #13. He served as president from 1973-1976 and assisted on the Poppy campaign for several years. He assisted with the upkeep of the Field of Honor and felt honored to carry out this duty as a Legion member.
Charlie is survived by a brother Bill of Richmond, BC, numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.
Charlie was predeceased by his long time friend Grace Cockwill in 1998 and his parents.
Memorial Service Tuesday May 20, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowwood Community Hall with Rob Moore D.M. officiating.
Cremation.
In lieu of flowers tributes in Charlie’s memory could be made to either S.T.A.R.S., 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, T2E 8M7 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.