To Charlie’s Family:
I was saddened to read of the loss of Charlie today. I knew him in my capacity as a Judge for the past 25 years, of the Provincial Court, Family and Youth Divisions, as we used to circuit to Gleichen when the courts sat there. Before I was formally introduced to him, I had heard about his reputation as a wonderful child welfare worker and administrator from my former mentor, Senior Judge Herb Allard, who knew him very well, also.
I will always remember Charlie’s wonderful sense of humour, his ability to laugh at himself, and his compassion for others, particularly those who came to the attention of Siksika Child and Family Services. He was a well-respected professional highly regarded by others doing similar work, as well as by other members of the judiciary and of the community. I remember well when the tri-partite agreement was entered into which allowed the fullest control possible of aboriginal child welfare services to be taken over by Siksika and how proud he was of this achievent for the people of Siksika–I believe this was the first agreement of its kind in Alberta. I also recall stories told to me by Judge Allard about how well he and Charlie were able to work together in establishing a unique kind of child protection hearings which allowed the best evidence possible to be given in court by people unaccustomed to giving evidence in courtrooms, and how well cases were prepared under his direction.
Your family should be very proud of the strong leadership Charlie brought to his role in the community, how welcoming he was to members of the judiciary, and what a fine role model he always was for his people. I thought he would be that person for many more years to come, and am so sorry he will no longer be with us. It was an honour to have met him.
God be with you all throughout this difficult time
Sincerely,
Lynn Cook-Stanhope
