Boyce, Charles Hilton – Aged 94, of Bible Hill passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023.
A son of the late Charles Hilton and Harriet Boyce, Charlie was born in Truro. One of ten children, he grew up between Truro, Onslow, and Bible Hill. He met his late wife, Della, at the bowling alley, through lifetime friends, Art and Ruth Weatherby. They were married in September 1949. Together they were active members of St. David’s United Church for many years. During the summer they could be found at Mattatall Lake, spending time at their cottage with family and friends. He could always be caught making Della laugh with silly jokes, sayings, or stories from “the good ole days”. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, going on moose hunting trips to Newfoundland and even went on an unforgettable multi-day trail ride in Banff when he was 80. Charlie was an easy-going sports enthusiast who enjoyed golfing, regardless of the day’s results. A proud moment for him was a hole in one at Mountain Golf Course at the age of 70.
Charlie was involved in the auto parts industry for many years working for Commercial Equipment and Halifax Ignition until opening a UAP store with business partner, Ken McDonald, in 1971. He was involved in UAP associate stores in Truro, Parrsboro and New Glasgow over the years. He remained with the business when UAP transitioned to NAPA. Although he officially retired in the 90s he kept going in to work, almost daily, for many years to follow. He could always be found doing the year-end inventory counts with meticulous attention to detail well into his 80s.
Charlie was a very proud member of the Bible Hill Fire Brigade for nearly 70 years, serving many positions – Captain of Police, 2nd Deputy Chief, Secretary and Fire Chief. After becoming an honorary member in 1987 he stayed involved with the Brigade, attending many events and meetings. He always made sure to head over on Fridays to catch up on the weeks’ events.
Another big part of Charlie’s life was bowling. He began bowling at 13 when his father ran the YMCA bowling alley and continued to bowl for over 80 years. He bowled in many leagues and tournaments, and it truly was a passion of his. He was still bowling in his 94th year but would pass on warming up as, “I’ve had enough practice over the years”.
Anyone who knows Charlie would agree that he was a social butterfly. He genuinely enjoyed meeting new people and would stay in touch with people he met on his travels for many years after. Charlie strived to leave a positive impact on anyone and everyone he met. Being involved in his community, through the Fire Brigade, Bowling, and St. David’s United Church, was extremely important to him. He was known for being a genuine man who always had a smile on his face with a kind word to say. Charlie had a way with words and would write poems and rhymes for birthdays, anniversaries, and many other occasions. It was always a special moment when he would stand up with a piece of paper and start reading something he had written.
Charlie is survived by his children, Gwendolyn, David (Karen), and Kevin (Lesley); grandchildren, Riley (Faye), Murray (Ayla), Siobhan, Jenny (Joel), Sarah, Lynsey (Brandon), and Jaime (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Brixton, Emma, Charlie, Calum, Bohden, Kacey, Chloe, Katie, Ellie and Braver; siblings, Flo (Vince) Weatherbee, Ralph (Audrey), Syd (Irene) and George (Linda) Boyce; in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents; wife, Della; siblings, Doug (Eileen), Ron (Margaret), Bill (Lillian) Boyce, Helen (Charles) MacNeil, and Grace (Ronnie) Moore.
Special thanks to daughter in-law, Lesley; family friend, Raymond Lindsay; niece, Michelle Takacs; and the Doctors and Nurses at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre for their incredible care.
A Celebration of Life will be held in July 2024.
At being a friend, father, and grandfather he really was the best. An amazing man with a kind, pure heart, he is now at rest.
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