The "railway town" of Chapleau lost "one of its best loved and highly respected citizens" when Charles Reid died in 1958 , according to his obituary in the Sudbury Star..
Mr. Reid, born in Eganville ON, had lived in Chapleau since 1889, and at the time of his death was one of the community's oldest residents.
"To young and old alike he set an example of good citizenship and daily living", the article noted. To many he was simply called "Charlie" or "Uncle Charlie".
Mr. Reid began his career with the Canadian Pacific Railway in Cartier but then moved to Chapleau as a fireman on the "old woodburners". There was no enclosed cab in those days, and all they had to protect them during the cold winters was a canvas cover.
Sometimes when "out on the road" it took several days to cover a division.
Mr. Reid graduated to engineer and during his half century of service with the CPR saw gradual improvement in working conditions as well as well as changeover to coal burning engines.
In 1904 he married Mary Blanche Pellow and in due course they built a house on Birch Street beside the red brick house which was the Vince Crichton Sr family home at Birch and Aberdeen streets.
The article noted that he was "a man of simple tastes" with a "beautiful flower and vegetable garden."
Fond of hunting and fishing, he was known as a "crack shot" during deer hunting season. He also enjoyed blueberry picking.
With his close friend Walter Leigh, for many years he went out to cut wood for the winter.
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| Ina Robinson, Mr. Reid, Mr Leigh 1940 Carnival |
In 1940, in the early years of the Chapleau Winter Carnival, and in fact the last one until well after the end of World War II, with Mr. Leigh he was active on the committee. Ina Robinson, who later married Frank Coulter was the Carnival Queen.
As an aside, Mr. Leigh, a very good skater, performed with the figure skaters.
Mr. Reid was a member of Trinity United Church and for his consistent and devoted service was presented with an honourary membership on the official board of the church.
He was also a member of IOOF Missanabie Lodge and was awarded a Veteran Life Membership.
"Charlie" or "Uncle Charlie", as he was known to so many was a vital part of Chapleau life for many years. In the interests of full disclosure, although I knew him well, passing his home daily, I always called him Mr. Reid. My email is mj.morris@live.ca