Skip to content

Johnstone Charles (Chuck) Edward. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Charles (Chuck) Edward Johnstone on July 1, 2013 in Chilliwack at the age of 90. He was born on November 13, 1922 in Toronto, Ontario. Chuck enlisted in the Canadian Army at the young age of 18 and was assigned to1st Chemical Warfare Company, RCE. At 19 he was shipped to England and then to the shores of France where he took part in the Dieppe Raid. He then went to Holland where he was part of their liberation by the Allies. From there he was sent to Germany where he fought until the end of the war. Chuck then returned to Canada and became a Drill Sergeant at Camp Borden, Ontario. When WWII was over, Chuck left the Army only to re-enlist in 1947 and was posted to the Yukon where he worked on building the Alaska Highway. He spent a couple years there where he said he enjoyed the solitude. He was then posted to Chilliwack where he met the love of his life Margaret Gagnon. They met in April 1950 and were married three months later in July. Chuck spent the majority of his military service in Chilliwack where he was greatly involved in the Sapper Apprentice program. He was not only an instructor, but a mentor to the young teens who had enlisted in the Army as apprentices. Chuck was involved in Teen Town on the Chilliwack base as well as organizing a band that was invited to play for Princess Margaret when she visited Chilliwack in 1958. For many years Chuck and Marg wanted to have children and finally in 1961 while in North Bay, they welcomed a son, Charlie, into their family. Two years later they were delighted with a daughter, Kathy, and their family was now complete. Altogether Chuck spent 29 years with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After service in England and Europe he served with the engineering units on the Alaska Highway, Chilliwack, Germany (NATO), North Bay, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Petawawa.

After many postings across Canada, Chuck retired as a Sergeant and later worked as a civilian with Base Supply, CFB Chilliwack. After retiring he continued to be an active and life member of the Legion (Branch 280) where he served as 1st VP, 2nd VP and Secretary / Treasurer. Chuck was predeceased by his parents James and Emily (Paulhill), all his siblings (William, James, Emily, Theresa) and his wife Margaret. He is survived by his daughter Kathy (Glen Besler), son Charlie, grandchildren Cheryl and Mitchell Fraser, nephew Jimmie Johnstone (Ruth) of Ont., niece Barbara (Denise) Owen of Antonio Texas, niece Becky (Allan) Smith, and three great-nephews Barrie (Tanya), Shea and Robyn. There will be service of remembrance and a colour parade at the Vedder Legion Br. 280 on July 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Henderson's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 604-792-1344.

www.hendersonsfunerals.com



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.