William Howard Charlton

CHARLTON, William  Howard "Bill"

It is with a heavy heart we share that our beloved husband and father, William (Bill) Howard Charlton passed away on January 9, 2023. He is, and always will be, Diane (Holland) Charlton’s lifetime love of 65 years - they shared an incredible life and journey together.

Bill was born on May 3, 1934, in Weston, Ontario, loving son of the late Doctor William Howard Charlton and the late Beatrice (Bea) (Moffat) Charlton, and devoted brother to the late Bea Joy (Charlton) MacBrien.

Family has always been the most valued and cherished part of Bill and Diane’s life. Bill and Diane have so many wonderful experiences and memories shared with their four children and their amazing partners - Howard & Heather, Greg & Monique, Ted & Alysia, and Nancy & Jeff. They feel fortunate to have such talented and loving grandchildren - Madeline, Meredith, Elise, Lane, Erin, Colleen, Jack, Kaly, and John. They also are appreciative of the wonders that the next generation, Diem and Lark, has recently brought into their lives.

Bill loved to take his family, extended family, and other friends on outdoor adventures – camping, canoe tripping, skiing, fishing, curling, and golfing were among the activities he enjoyed. His lifetime love for nature and the outdoors was also prevalent throughout his varied and successful career – he began as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Lands and Forests in North Bay, Ontario, and his career culminated as the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for the Ministry of Northern Affairs in Kenora, Ontario. In his later years, Bill and Diane enjoyed their new friends and second home at Maple Leaf Estates in Florida. He was always a strong and capable leader, and all enjoyed and appreciated his wonderful sense of humour.

Our family appreciates and sincerely thanks all the support provided by the wonderful people at the Muskoka Alzheimer Society, the Huntsville Hospital, and especially Dr. Deb Harrold and the caregivers at Algonquin Grace Hospice. We so appreciate the support they have provided to allow us to say “goodbye” to Bill with such dignity and respect.

We will be celebrating Bill’s love and life with a private family gathering at his favourite place on Pen Lake in warmer weather. Thank you all for your friendship, love, and support – it is most appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Muskoka Alzheimer Society, the Huntsville Hospital or the Algonquin Grace Hospice would be most appreciated. As Bill would say, “Keep Smiling”.