CHARLES RAE HALDANE-WILSONE

We are saddened to announce that on Thursday August 13, 2026, our father, Charles Rae Haldane-Wilsone, passed away at the age of 94 years. Near the end of his long and fulfilling life, he would say to us, “I can’t believe all the things that I had the opportunity to do”. His story is amazing and he has left behind a strong legacy in his family that we will carry in our hearts, memories, and actions. There is so much that could be written about his life, but the family hopes the following provides a glimpse into Dad’s story.

Formalities:

Rae was born to Charles Henry and Beatrice Violet (nee McDougall-Bryant) in Manor, Saskatchewan on July 25, 1932.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, of some 39 years, Kathleen Margaret (nee Rudolph) who passed suddenly on Aug 22, 2007.

Survived by his children: Kristie (Mel) Levandoski, Rick (Patricia) Haldane-Wilsone, Amie Haldane-Wilsone, Anna (Antonio Jr.) Almonte and his grandchildren: Austin (Taylor Ford) Levandoski, Reese Levandoski, Kaitlyn (Vasilis Schindle) Haldane-Wilsone, Jocelyn Haldane-Wilsone, Abigail Almonte, Andi Almonte, Liam Fifer, Emilee Fifer, and his only great-grandchild Everett Levandoski.

Raised in Souris Manitoba:

After serving in, and surviving, the First World War, his father Charles Henry came back home and worked for CP Rail as the Section Head between Souris, Manitoba and Gainsborough, Saskatchewan. This where Dad’s formative years were.

Dad had a lot of fond memories growing up in Souris. Delivering papers and groceries on his bike, sometimes having to cross the old swinging bridge. Enjoying times with his brother Alan (deceased) and buddies out and about. He loved Souris, and enjoyed, until just a few years ago, an annual trip chauffeured by Kristie, Pat, or Rick to catch up with some of his old buddies, visit his old house, enjoy the train simulator, and to reminisce on his time there. As Dad got older, these memories became more important to him. There is a family Haldane-Wilsone plot in the Glenwood-Souris Cemetery where Dad’s remains will be placed next to his wife Kathy.

Work Life:

After graduating from high school in 1950, Rae departed Souris for Winnipeg to attend the Manitoba Technical Institute to get his certificate to be a radio technician. Soon after he graduated, he left for the Town of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba to join the Manitoba Government Air Service from 1952 to 1959 that also included being responsible for the radio service and operation of air to ground communications. Designing and installing AM to FM repeater sites across Manitoba, and the field maintenance of the mobile and base radio stations for some 250 remote forestry fire towers. Spending time in many of the remote locations, receiving hospitality from many of the First Nation communities and people in the area. Prior to Dad departing for Winnipeg in 1959, he talked about how proud he was that many of his friends from these northern communities came to his going away party.

From what we know, Dad was quite the bachelor in the town of Lac du Bonnet and made quite a few “friends”. Going to the local dance hall, playing and coaching hockey and baseball. He got involved in the community. Dad always talked about purchasing his first “new” car, a Plymouth. He went to Detroit and received it right off the end of the assembly line. It was jet black and fast. So fast that the local police would borrow it occasionally to go undercover and capture some “bad” guys. Dad also talked about the motorcycle he owned, the telephone pole, and the shoulder injury he had received from it. He often complained about how sore it was after any hockey game or hard work in and around the home, but he never used it as an excuse. It was a special moment for him, in 2012, some 40+ years later, when Rick took Dad to his newly purchased lake property up at Pinawa Bay. As they drove up there, and stopped in Lac du Bonnet, the memories flooded back for him, and it was a remarkable journey for him and Rick. A few of the pictures contained in this notice show a fellow that was living his life to the fullest.

In 1959, Dad (now 27) received an opportunity to join the City of Winnipeg’s Signals and Communication Branch, for a whole $100 per month more, and took it. He joined a team of radio techs that were responsible for the building, installation, and maintenance of the City’s radio systems for the Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Transit. His role also included radar training for all police constables (sorry to anyone that got a speeding ticket). Dad worked for the City just short of 33 years, retiring in 1992. He was passionate about his work. Retiring as the lead Communication Technician. Over those 30+ years, Rae would take every opportunity to bring us kids to the workshop in the basement of the old Public Safety Building on Princess, take us on calls as he was servicing the various fire halls, and even convince the firemen to allow us to “slide” down the fire pole. Not so sure that would be allowed today.

Military Career:

Rae was “military” through and through. Following his Father’s footsteps, he enrolled as a trooper in the 12th Manitoba Dragoons in 1949 (at the age of 17), he joined the 10th Independent Signals Squadron as a Signalman in 1960. In the same year he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and in 1975 he spent time with the Milita Area Prairie HQ as a Captain. His next step was to take command of the 735 Communication Regiment on September 27, 1980, from which he retired from in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He wasn’t done yet. He served as the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel and finally promoted to Honorary Colonel from 1992 to 2005. He was proud of his time with the 735 and the growth, engagement, and comradery of the group of young men and women he had the privilege to lead. Dad really enjoyed his time as the commanding officer. He was a leader, and really cared about his staff, and the troops within. His time there led to many lifelong and cherished friends. He was never shy about sharing his military experience with his family, bringing us to Minto Armories to enjoy the parades, introducing us to the soldiers, and being part of the events. Even letting us taste the military grade peanut butter in a tube that came with their K rations. NOT GOOD!

Fraternal Career:

It seemed like Dad had multiple lives going on at once. Between his day job with the City, his evening job with the Militia, he initiated into the Mason’s in April 1974. Dad loved being a Mason. Climbing the ranks to become Master of Gateway Lodge, continuing into the Scottish Rite, joining the Khartum Temple (Shriner) in 1978 joining the Sport Car Unit and purchasing his Bradley (see picture). Dad loved that car. He enjoyed choreographing a demonstration of the sport cars and competing at the various Shriner’s conventions. Again, many great family times on these trips where we got to see some great cities.

Dad’s journey with the Masons culminated with him being the Grand Master of Manitoba between 95’-97’. He took great pride in this role and planned and executed a visit to all the lodges in Manitoba during his tenure. He also spent time connecting with masonic lodges across Canada, Minnesota, Michigan, and North Dakota. He felt it was his obligation. From the feedback that I received over the years from some of his fellow Masons, was that they appreciated his efforts and how far he reached during his tenure. It was quite the few years for Rae and Kathy. All the travel and commitment to the role. He was very proud to be the Grand Master and wore it on his licence plate 95-GM-97 until he couldn’t drive anymore.

Dad achieved his 50 year membership pin in 2024. It was a rare moment, but the family had the opportunity to attend and witness the ceremony. It was the last time we saw him in his regalia.

Going through his belongings and records, we also found out that Dad was member of the Great Priory of Canada. In other words, Dad was a Templar (mind blown). I remember one night after having a few scotches, Dad let it slip that he was a Templar. We were probably talking about Dan Brown’s the Da Vinci Code. I shrugged it off and said, O.K. What did I know? Maybe he took with him the location of the buried treasure on Oak Island?!?!?

During their marriage, Dad convinced Mom to join in with the Daughters of the Nile. It really sparked her. She loved the service they provided, the tambourine group, and the singing. They ended up sharing their love of these organizations supporting each other as they each moved up the ranks.

Family:

After a few more years of being a “bachelor” in Winnipeg, Dad met the love of his life, Kathy. Kathy had moved to Winnipeg from Fort Frances, Ontario and was asked by a mutual friend to be an “extra” on a mixed curling team. Dad was the Skip. Mom would tell the story that she initially thought he was an arrogant “@#”?!” as he was always yelling at her to sweep harder. Dad must have softened his approach and with his persistence and charm they began what became a friendship and marriage that lasted some 39 years till Mom’s passing in 2007. They were best friends and partners in life and raised four kids. Dad still wore his wedding ring right to his last day. He never forgot about Mom.

Mom and Dad weren’t bystanders in life. Whether it was coaching, organizing, or participating in their kids’ journey through sports (hockey, figure skating, baseball, volleyball, basketball, etc.) and clubs, they were involved through either coaching, as chaperones, tournaments, equipment, erecting the outdoor rinks and flooding the ice at Principal Sparling. It was volunteers, like Mom and Dad, that made these moments happen for their kids. Without their support, we would not have had the same opportunities growing up. Many of our most cherished moments as children were a direct result of these efforts.

They joined the Winnipeg Citizen’s Radio Club and participated in everything they could. There were many family trips across the Midwest to attend CB jamborees. Rae (Jiminy Cricket) and Kathy (Cricket) were Legends within this community and made many friends along the way. They were working class, down to earth people, passionate about their family, and wore their hearts on their sleeves. If their example taught us nothing, they taught us you must earn what is given to you in life, but you also must also appreciate what you have. I recently ran into an old classmate (Peter) from high school, and he mentioned that it was growing up in the West End that taught us these principles.

He was a proud father of us kids. Worked his butt off to provide a roof over our heads and to put food on the table. We all had our moments growing up with Dad. Some of us more than others… but the constant was his wish to provide a better home, upbringing, and opportunity than what he experienced. Things were different in the 30’s and 40’s. Tough times and having to take on responsibilities earlier in life than a kid should. We kids did not “want” for anything we didn’t need and sometimes got more than we deserved.

Dad was very principled. To a fault some might say. Respect was important. He never forgot when he felt he was wronged and would bide his time, and set it straight when the opportunity presented itself. His integrity was second to none.

Because Dad was so involved with the military, City of Winnipeg, sports, CB radio Club, Mason’s, Shriner’s, etc.… he literally couldn’t go five minutes anywhere without running into someone knowing him. Dad always enjoyed connecting with people he knew, it was at least a 20 minute conversation after that. As Dad got older and outlived his wife, many of his friends, and peers, he really enjoyed any time he could get with his grandkids. At our family celebrations of birthdays and holidays, it was always great to see our kids talk and joke with “Grumps”.

Dad had a soft heart for our pets. The house we grew up in always had multiples of a dog and/or cat in it. Dad wasn’t a crier. Letting Rosie go, who was really Mom’s dog, had a significant emotional impact on him. I don’t’ think I have ever seen my Father cry until that moment.

Hockey is Life:

In 1979 when Rick was playing hockey in the North End at the age of 11, Rae met a few of the other parents on the team and it took about 10 seconds for my Dad to agree to join the Ralph Brown Oldtimers. Now, Dad played hockey all the way to Junior and coached in Lac du Bonnet, but hadn’t skated since he left Lac du Bonnet in 1959. He came home, unpacked his bag, that still smelled like it was used the day before, and checked to see if all his equipment was there. With a quick assessment, he threw the bag away and went out to Athlete’s Wear on Market and got himself some new gear. It didn’t take Dad long to make an impression. His first shift playing with them resulted in a penalty for body checking. No one told him it wasn’t full contact. As I said before, Dad was all in at 48 years young. That moment led to a 15 year career with the Ralph Brown guys, hanging up the laces at 63.

Many great times were had with the Ralph Brown team. Annual trips to Grand Forks to play a group of guys down there really became a bonding trip that he enjoyed and never missed. Lots of shenanigans along the way there and back. I laugh a lot about these times, because I got to have a front row seat. Many Sunday morning (6:30am) skates, he would drag my butt out of bed to come drop the puck at their weekly game. I used to love the time with my Dad and the guys on the team because after the game as we would go to the Salisbury House (Dad’s favorite) for breakfast. I got to know many of his teammates over the years, quality people like Terry, Gil, Frank, Dan, and many more. When I reached 50, I got the opportunity to lace it up with the Ralph Brown Oldtimers. To my surprise, a few of them were still around from the time that Dad played. The first day that I went to the rink and entered the dressing room, Dennis Twomey walked over to the other room and took the number 6 jersey right off the back of the guy who was wearing it and handed it over to me. This was my Dad’s number, a condition of him joining the team back in 79’. I wore it with pride. Kaitlyn also wore 6 on her jersey during her ringette career to honour grampa. He loved that.

As an avid hockey player, he also played with the 735 Sigs ‘is’ Pigs hockey team in the military league. Known to drop the gloves with an opposing player and then shake his hand after. This was unique for the Commanding Officer. Rae convinced Rick, at 11 years old, to be their goalie. Rae used to complain that he still had the bruises on his backside where Rick was hacking at him to move out of the way because he was screening him from a shot. Rae was doing everything he could to protect his son, even if that meant blocking a few shots. Dad just put more padding into the rear of his hockey pants, he wasn’t moving. One story that I can recall was when we were playing the Camerons. Dad got into it with one of their bigger guys after he was going after one of our players. Being 11 years old, I started to lose it as my Dad was scrapping with this guy. What didn’t dawn on me in the moment, as I was joining in and throwing my cheeseboard at the guy’s head while Dad had wrestled him into a headlock, was that my Dad was doing just fine. Lots of the old 735 crew remember times like this, my Dad, as their CO, had their backs.

Defied Logic Health Wise:

Dad defied logic health wise. He fought off colon cancer in his late 40s. Smoked a pipe and cigars. Liked his Ballantynes and lived off Werther’s, Jujubes, and any other candy he could find. In his later years, Rae wasn’t interested in eating a meal, but he could down a strawberry sundae like it was his job! Is that the recipe for living to 94?

Special thanks to Kristie and Patricia for the care and support that they provided to Dad over these past years as he lost his independence and needed more support. The family is indebted to you for this.

Lasting Friendships:

As Dad aged and found a way to continue after Mom’s death, he found some respite in a few of his final key friendships. Jake Mohns, Dennis Twomey, Fergie Devins (deceased), and Sheryl Chochinov were all very important to him. He loved them all and always looked forward to spending time either on the phone or in person with them. The Family thanks them all for maintaining their relationship well into his later years.

A Lasting Legacy:

Dad was many things throughout his 94 years: a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, public servant, Mason, Shriner, hockey player, mentor, leader, and friend.

But above all, he was a man who showed up. He showed up for his family, for his community, for those he led, and for the organizations he believed in.

He lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.

We will miss him dearly, but his stories, values, and example will continue to guide us for generations to come.

"I can't believe all the things that I had the opportunity to do."

Neither can we, Dad. And we're grateful we got to share them with you.

A Final Goodbye:

Dad, thank you for everything.

Thank you for the lessons, the stories, the laughter, the advice, and even the occasional lecture. Thank you for teaching us the value of hard work, integrity, loyalty, and commitment. Thank you for showing us what it means to lead, to serve, and to stand behind the people you love.

We will miss your stubbornness, your stories, and your presence at family gatherings. We will miss hearing about Souris, hockey, the military, the Masons, and all the adventures that filled your remarkable life.

While it is difficult to imagine a world without you in it, we find comfort knowing that you have been reunited with Mom and with so many family members and friends who have gone before you.

Your life was a gift to all of us.

We are proud to call you

Dad, Grandpa, Grumps, and friend.

Rest easy.

Your watch is over.

We have it from here.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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