Obituary of Charles 'Charlie' Walter Srokosz
“How ya doin’ kid?” That’s how Charlie affectionately greeted anyone younger than him. No matter how many times he’d say it, or to however many people, you immediately had his undivided attention. And that smile - big and broad, completely authentic, and absolutely contagious. He knew how to connect with people.
On Tuesday, May 1st, 2018, the world lost a truly remarkable human being, a devoted husband, a loving father/father-in-law, a fun grandpa/papa, and a ‘favourite’ uncle. At 91, Charlie said that he had done everything in life that he had wanted to do.
May 1st was also the day, 64 years ago, that Charlie married Marie Delrue and together they managed a family farm and raised three children. Charlie was a great source of fun to his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids - teaching many of them to skate, water ski, snow ski and play pool. He was funny and loved the comic strips. He played cards, made wine, caned chairs, and was an avid reader of Stephen King. When he wasn’t barefoot water-skiing on the Ausable River at the age of 75, he was fishing for whatever he could catch in it! He adored dogs and wildlife, was a successful vegetable grower and gave back to his community. He held a number of titles: President of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association, Reeve of Bosanquet, a lifetime Alhambra member, President of Southcott Pines, and part founder of the Lambton Heritage Museum and the Lake Smith Conservationists.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, family and friends. His children and their spouses, Cathy and Garry Parsons, Cindy and Bill Maxfield, and Mark and Rhonda Srokosz cherish the time spent with him. His grandchildren, Aaron Parsons (Erika Tilson), Ryan Parsons, Emily Parsons (Paul Melloul); Nicole Maxfield and Joel Sheffield, Jax and Jet, Katie Maxfield (Gabe Halycia); Cari, Christopher, and Morgan Srokosz adored Charlie’s attention because he saw what was unique about each of them. Over the past year as his health declined, we were comforted by those who cared for and preserved the dignity of this man.
We hope you will join us as we remember and celebrate Charlie’s life and legacy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, 337 Ontario Street, Highway 21 South, Grand Bend, on Friday, June 8th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Following the service we will share special memories of Charlie and welcome your participation. Those wishing to make a donation in his name are asked to consider their favourite charity.
