|
A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CHARBONNEAU, Joseph Wilmer Ernest (Willie) of Eastern Passage, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2020 in Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII, Halifax. He was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Que. Willie moved from North Bay, Ont., to Eastern Passage in 1958 with his young family when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving until 1987. Willie served onboard HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Annapolis, HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Athabaskan and also was stationed at CFB Shearwater as a Naval Air Maintenance Technician working on Grumman CS2F Trackers and Sea King Helicopters. He also owned and operated Eastern Rabbitry Ltd. and Willie's Auto Salvage, both located in Eastern Passage. Willie was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Mary (Witiuk) Charbonneau, January 2020. He is survived by his daughters, Dianne (Howard) Skinner, Prince Edward Island; Eva Piercesaw, Massachusetts; Katy (Joe Hanratty) Taylor, Eastern Passage; son, Dan (Heather Banman) Charbonneau, Eastern Passage; grandsons, Devon (Julia Rook) Taylor, Cole Harbour; Peter Charbonneau, and Thomas Charbonneau of Eastern Passage; Kenneth G. Jr. Piercesaw, Massachusetts; also survived by brothers, Richard and Michel Charbonneau and sister, Pauline Charbonneau, all of Quebec. Willie was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Caen Branch 164, Eastern Passage. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, many friends will remember him selling his smelts and flat fish each winter in the Cole Harbour area. Willie was also an excellent mechanic. He could fix almost anything from chainsaws, outboard motors, lawn mowers to cars and trucks. He also liked to tinker. He developed and improved tools for the Canadian Armed Forces. Due to COVID-19, there will be no wake or funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice.
Ships served in:
|
For Posterity's Sake 
