KIELY Charles

CHARLES ALEXANDER KIELY, beloved husband of the late June Kiely, passed away quietly at home on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the age of 72 years.
Charlie was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba and spoke fondly of his childhood growing up in the north end of Winnipeg as an “Irish-Uke” with his younger sister Cathy. He attended St. Paul’s Academy and Tech-Voc before starting a career in the mortgage industry. He worked with Canada Mortgage and Housing, Canada Trust and Royal Trust before deciding to attend the University of Lethbridge in the early 1980s where he earned his degree in education and then taught for a brief time with Lethbridge Separate School Board before taking a position with Lethbridge Community College where he became a business education and software instructor. He was a natural teacher, well-liked by his students and an advocate for their interests.
Charlie married the love of his life, June (Blakey) in 1966 and after a few years in Regina they settled in Lethbridge. Together they made quite a team and their home of over 40 years was always open to family and friends and their wonderful neighbors. A pot of coffee and good conversation was ready for anyone who dropped by for a visit. Charlie lost June to cancer in 2006 and he missed her every minute of the past six years. In early 2012 he was also diagnosed with cancer and faced it bravely. He spent his final months at home with his son Michael and daughter Suzanne of Los Angeles who both feel deeply the loss of their dad. Charlie was a calm, steady, strong-willed and generous person and a good listener. He will be remembered for a lifetime of service. He was a scout leader in the early 1970’s before his own family grew and was a vocal member of parent-teacher councils. He provided decades of service on the boards of St. Basil’s parish, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Charities where he was president for many years.
He is survived by his children Michael and Suzanne, and his sister Catherine (Al) Horobec of Winnipeg. He was particularly close to his sister-in-law Pat (Maurice) Kirby and their children Sean (Dawn) Kirby of Lethbridge, Maureen (Dave) Hughes of Calgary, and Cathi (Glen) Durell of Kelowna. He leaves several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Margaret June, his parents Charles Patrick and Annette (Popiel), and his son James.
The family wishes to thank everyone who came to their assistance with special thanks to dear family friend Karen (Rod) McLeod for her constant kindness and loving support. Staff at Jack Ady Cancer Center, nurse Jackalyn with Homecare and Lethbridge Family Services ensured Charlie was comfortable throughout his illness.
Donations in memory of Charlie are welcome by the Lethbridge Humane Society, PAW Society, or the Catholic Charities Clothes Bank.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, January 14th, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 604 – 13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
care@cornerstonefh.ca