Celebration of Life
Obituary of Charles Alexander Gillespie
November 17, 1927 – May 26, 2018
On May 26th, 2018 our Lord and Savior called Charles Alexander (Charlie) Gillespie to come home. Charlie passed peacefully early Saturday morning at Points West Living at the age of 90 years.
Charlie was born November 17, 1927 at Grande Prairie Alberta. He grew up in the Hermit Lake area west of Grande Prairie. As the oldest of 4 children he was considered a notorious tease by his three younger sisters, a reputation he maintained with his children and grandchildren. Always the entrepreneur, Charlie owned a number of businesses in the Grande Prairie area through his lifetime but is perhaps best known as the face of “Big Daddy’s Vending” a company he purchased in 1986 with his son Bruce. Throughout the years Charlie did everything from bookkeeping to flipping burgers to filling vending machines.
To his family, church, and community Charlie epitomized Christian values; he was a selfless, dependable and giving person who consistently put the needs of others before his own. Charlie’s work ethic, generosity of spirit, and concern for those in need knew no bounds. He will be remembered by what he gave to others and the example he set left a legacy that his family and friends will continue to honor.
Charlie is survived by Rita, his loving wife of 66 years, his 4 children Bruce (Suzanne), Judy (Troy), Earl, and Alexa (Denis), his 7 Grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, sister Doreen Boyd, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many longtime friends. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Mary Gillespie, and sisters Olive Walter and Barbara Boyd.
A Celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Saturday June 2nd, 2018 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 9929 105 Avenue T8V 1G7 www.trinitylutherangp.ca or PARDS 710009 RR 55 County of Grande Prairie #1 T8W 5A7 www.pards.ca in memory of Charlie Gillespie.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com
