October 15, 1940 – July 6, 2020
It is with deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing at Extendicare Hamilton of our brother Charles on July 6, 2020. Charles was predeceased by his parents Laird and Dorothy Mickle of Hensall, brother Bill of Exeter and brother-in-law Ross MacMillan of Waterloo. He will be truly missed by sisters Betty MacMillan of Waterloo, Ann and Bud Collins of Waterloo, brother Bob and Lynne Mickle of Ayr, sister-in-law, Fran Mickle of Exeter and his many nieces and nephews.
As a young teenager, Charles became interested in stamp collecting, specializing in the British Empire. With the encouragement of fellow stamp collectors, he traded stamps with many pen pals in the East and West Indies, becoming increasingly interested in the geography and history of those regions. For his long-time affiliation with stamp collecting, he was awarded an Honorary Life membership in the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. After graduating with a BA, majoring in history, from the University of Western Ontario, Charles became a teacher of politics at Westdale Secondary School and later at Sir John A Macdonald Secondary School in Hamilton. Early in his teaching career, he completed a Masters degree at Lehigh University in International Relations.
Although not an avid outdoors person, Charles did enjoy his family fishing retreats on Sandy Island with his brothers, brothers-in-law and nephews. As Charles always commented, it was comradery and freshly caught fish meals that made those trips special.
Charles travelled whenever possible completing a world tour to China shortly after beginning his teaching career. Travel to the West Indies, brought him to St Kitts and Nevis where he developed lasting friendships. With the advancement of crippling rheumatoid arthritis, it became increasingly impossible to make those trips without the assistance of long-time friend, Bruce Grainger. Many were the stories of functions attended with friends and Governors General who entertained him at Government House.
During the latter part of his life, Charles resided at Extendicare Hamilton where he found a new home in a friendly and caring environment. A special thanks to Nella, Tara, Ashley, Stephanie and all the staff who filled his days with joy and laughter and to Dr. Irene Tuttle and the nursing staff for their continuing care. Also, thanks goes out to all his friends especially Bill Brown whose weekly Extendicare visits Charles looked forward to and enjoyed.
Keeping with Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at the Hensall Union Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter (519-235-1220).
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Arthritis Society of Canada would be appreciated by the family.
A special brother forever missed.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
ELIABETH ROLLAND
Chariie was a teacher colleague at Sir John A Macdonald in Hamilton for many years. Although he was plagued by health issues, he was always ready for brief fun chats. He was well regarded by all his students and all the staff.. . I send my condolences to his friends and family and will always remember this “really nice guy”.
Elaine (Bell) Ford
My condolence to the Mickle family and friends.
Theresa Murphy
“Charlie” Mickle, as I called him, was a gentle man with many fun stories. Liked by many, it was fun to have him “hang out” in the Library office while on break or help set up movies for his history students. Theresa Murphy, past employee of Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School.
Fr Richard Charrette
I would like to express my condolences to Charles’ brothers and sisters and family. I was a high school mate of Charles and we were great friends. I also knew him in at Western University. Our paths diverged from then on and the last time I saw him was at his mother Dorothy’s passing in Hensall . But I thought of Charles fondly from time to time and still considered him a friend. So I was sorry to hear of his passing and wished to honour his memory and to express my sympathy to his family.
May he rest in peace.
Bill Brown
As a fellow teacher at Westdale Secondary School, I met Charlie and we have been friends since 1966. During my visits with him at Extendicare, we talked about so many things and I would read him articles from the Nevis newspaper. Through all the years, Charlie never lost his sly sense of humour. I will miss him. Rest in Peace,Chuck,and ,to the family, my deepest sympathy.
Shirley Avery
So sorry to hear of your loss! As I read this obituary, it brings back so many memories of another time in our lives! My prayers go out to the family! Shirley Flynn Avery!
Kathy Mann
So very sorry to hear of Charles’s passing. He had been in touch in the past few years wanting to hear about Hensall United Church and interested in hearing about the events happening at Hensall Heritage Hall. My deepest sympathy to the Mickle family