Obituary of "Charlie" Ernest Charles Banwell

Charles was born August 21, 1932 at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, Castor, Alberta, second oldest child to William and Ethel Banwell. He attended Lucerne School until the age of 15 or 16 then putting his schooling aside, dedicated his life to the family farm where he resided until 2015. It was at this time he became a resident of the Paintearth Lodge in Castor and calling the Lodge his home (or as Charles would say – Jail!!) until his passing. His passion was farming; however he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He told us many stories and shared many fond memories and photos of his hunting and ice fishing expeditions. He advised that he hunted and fished with Carl Plehnert and Bob Vigen for over 50 years. The group was accompanied by Frank Geduhn, Heinz Plehnert, Chris Bliesner and Tom Davidson at times as well. He loved to show his photos of his hunting trips, trekking into the back country with pack horses and sleeping in tents in the snow the views were so spectacular!! He had a few albums as well, full of pictures of his ice fishing adventures- going to Buck Lake every January if possible explaining in detail how they ran the nets under the ice – returning the next day to harvest their catch. Some years the fishing was plentiful – some years not so much. Was it worth the hard work during frigid temperatures at times? Absolutely!! You could see it in Charles’s face as he was reminiscing. It was many years ago that he met a very special lady Eva Riggins. They attended many old times dance functions, they also enjoyed travelling and camping with a host of good friends. Charles fully enjoyed spending time at the Riggins farm and felt so comfortable with Eva’s family. Charles and Eva had a very special bond they spoke every night on the telephone if possible. Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 12, 2018 at the age of 85 years. Charles is survived by his special long-time friend Eva Riggins; brother Bill (Betty) Banwell and their family Laura (Kelly) Cook & family, Kevin Banwell, Tanya (James Morash) Banwell-Wood & family; sister Dorothy Glasier & families; brother-in-law George Weich & families; chosen brother Joe Banwell & families; Gerry & Sandy Riggins & families; Allan Riggins (Jody) & families, numerous other nieces, nephews, special friends Roy and Barb Pals as well as other close friends and neighbors. Charles was predeceased by his parents William and Ethel Banwell; nephews Cody and Kelly Banwell; sister Betty Weich and long time friend Carl Plehnert. A celebration of life was held at the Stettler Funeral Home on Friday, June 22nd at 1:00 pm with reception to follow. Should family or friends desire memorial contributions may be sent to Paintearth Lodge or to The Town and County Museum or a charity of your own choice. Gathering of Family and Friends Friday, June 22, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. Stettler Funeral Home Stettler, Alberta