It is with a broken heart, I announce Chuck passed away on August 2, 2022 at St. Boniface Hospital in the Intensive Cardiac Care Service unit at the age of 82.

Chuck is survived by me, his wife, Jan Eshmade, his son Devin Howard, and his sister-in-law Margaret Eshmade and father-in-law Tony Eshmade. Along with his dear puppy Jackson and many special friends.

Chuck was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces and retired as Chief Warrant Officer after 31 years of service. Chuck’s military service was with loyalty and distinction. He went on to work with Construction Engineering(Public Service)on the military base for another 20 years, dedicating over 51 years of service to the citizens of Canada.

Chuck finally decided to retire in April 2018 and began to enjoy his passions in life; gardening, cycling, reading, walking and basking in the sun with a Black Russian or Pina Colada in his hand.  Chuck’s gardening skills were noteworthy and he received many compliments on a regular basis from people walking or driving past our house. In April of 2019, he constructed his own Little Free Library box that has become a well known icon in our community. He would decorate it for every holiday and it brings so much joy to our neighbourhood. In 2019, he began volunteering at SBH and adored this experience. Sadly, COVID ended this opportunity and he had hoped one day to be able return to this activity that brought him a high sense of joy and reward.

Chuck and I shared a very special kind of love. We were true companions and at our happiest when simply being together. We experienced so many fantastic trips and we were always looking forward to our next adventure. We shared so much love and laughter. He was a wonderful husband and kind hearted man.  I miss him so much already.  But I am so incredibly proud and grateful of our 18 year marriage and 25 year relationship.

Special thanks to the ICCS unit and the thoughtful care Chuck received for the seven weeks he was there. Chuck was able to die with so gently with dignity.  Thank you to all the RNs, HCAs, OTs, PTs, RTs and MDs that contributed to his care. Special mention to some extraordinary staff; Ben(Dr. Fultz)- I will never forget your gentle nature, compassion and efforts to help Chuck recover. And I will always remember the kind words you shared with me.  I am so incredibly grateful that you were a part of this chapter of our lives. Thank you.  Dr. Brudney - thank you for your respectful and compassionate way of speaking with me and being very clear when I needed clarity. I trusted you whole heartedly.  RN Jessica - your compassion and kind heart warmed me so much. You felt the love we shared and honoured that in the way you cared for both of us. You made a difference.  RN Reggie- I appreciate you checking in on me and helping anyway you could (#5eforlife). CRN Teresa- thank you for helping me understand what needed to happen in such a compassionate manner.  And OT Shannon, I wish you had a magic wand too.

Finally, I would regret not mentioning a few special people that made these last two months bearable. A special thank you to my life long best friend Sue Mair. I don’t think I could have made it through these last two months without your support, caring heart and love.  You were literally beside me every step of the way, with your unwavering support.  And Sue’s husband Al, your understanding and kind heart greatly helped me cope with my unwanted reality. Dad and Margaret, I greatly appreciate all your love, help and support and continuous offers to assist me with anything. Kelly, your knowledge and support has been priceless to me; you made me feels less scared and your calming nature was so helpful. Elizabeth, thank you for your strength, wisdom, support and understanding; it has made such a difference for me. And my girls, Angela, Lana and Svjetlana, thank you for never ending support and love.  CRN Judy, your love and support for us was heartfelt and I appreciated all the check-ins and positive messages. Fiona McIntyre, thank you for being so supportive and navigating me down unknown roads.  And lastly Pat and Mike, thank you so much for your help with Jackson and for your ongoing support and kind and hearts.

I have experienced just how much kindness matters.

I feel very fortunate that Sue, Al, Kelly and Devin were present for the end of Chuck’s journey. He left this world surrounded by love. Devin, you showed such strength and compassion during your dad’s final hours. He was already so proud of you and I know you he felt your love and knew you were beside him, holding his hand as he took his last breath.

Chuck fought such a hard battle to stay on the road to recovery. He loved his life so much and he demonstrated this with the strength and determination he showed over the last seven weeks. But alas, his body just simply could not carry on anymore. But his spirit will remain with me forever. I am so grateful to have felt so loved for so long. I just wish it was longer. But I guess, it would never feel long enough. Learning how to navigate life without him will be so challenging. But I know I am not alone in this new unwanted chapter of my life. And again, I am grateful for my circle of support.

 Rest In Peace my love.
I love you more.

Chuck’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held 2:00 pm Friday, August 12, 2022 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road(Unitarian Church).