Obituary of Charles (Charlie) Holmes DYSON

November 23, 1915 – Calgary, Alberta
December 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with much love that we remember, Charles Holmes Dyson, “Charlie” who passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, just nine days after celebrating his 105th birthday. He was an amazing, energetic, generous, compassionate, dedicated, kind man of great integrity who lived life to the fullest, right to the end.

He was born in Calgary on November 23, 1915, and nobody was prouder to be a Calgarian than Charlie. Son of William and Elizabeth Dyson, Charlie grew up in the Hillhurst area with two older brothers and three older sisters. He graduated from Western Canada Technical School majoring in electricity.

Charlie was a star on the football field and a natural at most sports.  He excelled in track and field, setting many records in high school and thereafter as a senior competitor of events held by the Province of Alberta. He served as President of the YMCA Field and Track Club and had a great athletic influence on many boys and young men in Calgary.

In 1936 he joined the City of Calgary Electric Light Department as a Journeyman Power-Lineman and then in later years was in Electrical Services before he retired in 1976 with 40 years of service.

The most important thing in life for Charlie was his family. Charlie was a fun-loving man and there were many good times in the Dyson household with family gatherings, athletic coaching of his children, camping trips and longer trips to the BC coast and into the United States. When he and his loving wife Carolyn,  became empty-nesters they had many wonderful trips to Hawaii and several countries in Europe.  

He lived in Tuxedo for seventy years and was very active in the community. He served as President of the community association and even well into his eighties he was still pruning trees around the community hall and property. He continued his love of gardening until he was 95, growing vegetables and flowers and had the best raspberry patch in Calgary. Of course, his family were the lucky recipients of fresh fruit and veggies every summer.  

Charlie also loved the Calgary Stampede and never missed an opportunity to participate in Stampede activities every day of every year it was run. Calculations suggest that he had probably attended close to 100 of the Best Shows on Earth.

Charlie joined the Masonic Order of Masons in 1949 and went on to become Master of Ashlar Lodge #28 in 1957. In 1972 he was the District Deputy Grand Master in the Province of Alberta District #1.   He joined the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in 1981 and later in life became a member of the Al Azhar Shriners in 2003.   

He was a devoted husband, kind father, wonderful grandfather, caring great-grandfather and good friend to all. He will be deeply missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Arlene and Bill Porter of Chestermere; his son and wife, David and Lynn of Calgary; and daughter-in-law Salli Dyson of London, England. He will also be fondly missed by his five grandchildren, Ray (Adriana), Chris (Margaret), Denise (Kit), Kelly, and Jimmy-Dean (Vanessa); in-law Jill and his seven great-grandchildren, Blake, Ted, Kiana, Aryana, Nell, Sophie and Rose. He will also be remembered by his nieces, Madeline Widmer of  Maple Creek, Sask., Joan Datchko of Houston, Texas, Sharon Rhodes of Kamloops, B.C., Margaret Ann (Ian Teggart) of Vancouver, B.C., and Teryl Allan of Red Deer, AB; and his nephew Rod Burkhart (Debbie) of Victoria, BC. Charlie was predeceased by his wife Carolyn (Burkhart) in 1989 after 50 years of a wonderful marriage. He was also predeceased by his eldest son Paul in 1991, grandson Kevin Dyson in 2006 and his dear friend Winnie Sinclair in 2014.   

The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Prince of Peace where Charlie made his home for the last six years. The care extended was wonderful and the friendships endearing. Also many thanks to Dr. Barnett and the staff at Brentwood Nursing Home for their caring and compassion for the short time he was with them.  

A Celebration of Charlie’s Life will be planned for a later date, once the challenge of Covid has subsided. If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made directly to Shriner’s Hospital For Children Canada c/o Al Azhar Shriners 5225 – 101 Street NW Calgary, AB T3L 1S4; or Grand Lodge of Alberta AF & AM – Bursary Fund  2816 – 11 Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7S7; or The Salvation Army 3060 – 17th Ave SW Calgary, AB T3E 7G8 online at www.salvationarmy.ca, or by phone 403-410-1112. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Charlie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Charles Dyson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.