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The Bayfield Lions are sorry to announce that our longest-standing current member, Charlie Kalbfleisch, passed away on February 18 at the age of 87.
Charlie served the Lions in many ways: as President, Treasurer, chair of several committees, and as chair of the Home & Garden Show for ten years.
Charlie was a retired History teacher who used his enthusiasm for music to bolster numerous school, county and community music programs and bands. He was well-known for directing and promoting the Seaforth & District All Girls Marching Band for more than 42 years. Through Charlie's mentorship and direction, the Band continued to travel and play in many parades in Canada, the U.S. and other countries.
As a proud father of five, a Life Member of Lions Clubs International, a valued member of the community, and friend to so many, Charlie will be deeply missed.
Our sincere condolences go out to Charlie's family and all who knew him.
We are deeply saddened to announce that Charles Edward Albert Kalbfleisch, known lovingly to many as Charlie or Chuck, passed away on February 18, 2023 at the age of 87. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Charles spent his summers from a young age in Bayfield, at his family cottage, and in Zurich, visiting his many relatives. He lived in Varna from 1965 to 1991 before he moved to Bayfield where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario and became a high school teacher in 1958. He married Marilyn Codlin in 1959 and together they founded a family of five children.
Charles started his teaching career at Norwich High School and then moved on to Medway High School in Arva. In 1965 he became the head of the history department at Goderich District Collegiate Institute and a proud Viking. He was a strong supporter of Viking clubs and sports, especially their football program. After his retirement from GDCI in 1991, he worked part-time for 17 years at Ellison Travel in Exeter, where he sold educational tours.
Teaching, music, history, politics, sports and his family were his passions. Charles led numerous different bands in the 1960s and 1970s: The Goderich Laketown Band (1967-1970), The Zurich Centennial Band (1967-1977), and the GDCI Viking Band (1965-1971). In 1978 ‘Chuck’ took over the ailing Seaforth and District High School All Girls Marching Band and revitalized it. He recruited members from across Huron County and taught them how to play various brass and woodwind instruments. Under Chuck’s direction, the band played in countless fair and Christmas parades throughout southwestern Ontario. Every year there was an exciting trip where they performed at competitions, festivals and parades. Destinations included the Calgary Stampede, Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, London (England), Paris (France), and the Dominican Republic. In 2012, Heather Dawe, a former band member, joined forces with Chuck and became co-director of the band. Chuck continued to teach girls to play instruments and attend practices as much as his health permitted. When he could no longer march parades he began driving his Mustang in front of the band. Chuck’s final parade was in September 2022.
Charles was profoundly dedicated to his community. He served on the council of St. Peter’s Lutheran church in Zurich. He became a member of the Bayfield Lions’ Club in 1991, serving as both president (2000-2001) and treasurer (2001-2007). He participated enthusiastically in their community fundraisers and events, and was the chair of the Bayfield Lions’ Home and Garden Show for 10 years. Charles’ helped coordinate the Bayfield Town Hall concert series (1993-2005), helped with the Bayfield Fall Fair and Christmas parades, and was an organizer for the Rise2Fame Youth Talent Search competition at the Bayfield fair (2012-2020).
Charles’ compassion, humour, positive energy and charm endeared him to his many students and band members over the years. He always had a joke or a kind, supportive word for all of the young people, and made a special effort to help kids who needed support. Going anywhere in Huron county with Charles was like traveling with a local celebrity as he was recognized and greeted so warmly. He would stop and chat about a funny story from days past or discuss local events. Charles’ had an incredible gift to build positive relationships with everyone.
Above all, Charles was a dedicated father and grandfather. His unwavering love, affection, and down-to-earth and calm nature made him the rock and the glue of the Kalbfleisch family. He always set high expectations for his children, and he modeled the integrity and hard work he demanded. He was a gifted storyteller, reveling in family lore, local history, and the antics of his childhood and teaching career. He had a keen interest in politics and current events and enjoyed discussing these topics with others.
He cherished his nine grandchildren and took an active interest in their lives. They will always remember their visits to Bayfield: swimming, sunsets, beach time, campfires, delicious local treats. Grandpa always offered hilarious commentary while watching movies. His contagious laughter and his big, warm hugs will never be forgotten.
Charles is predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (2005) and leaves behind his children Marianne (Bill MacKinnon) Robinson, David (Patty) Kalbfleisch, Paul (Anna) Kalbfleisch, John (Iris) Kalbfleisch and Julia (Paul Mezo) Kalbfleisch-Mezo as well as his grandchildren Thomas, Anna Maria, Daphne, Nikko, Christian, Simon, Jesse, Klara and Harrison. He will also be greatly missed by his lifelong friend, Margaret (Margie) Garbarino and her family.
Visitation will take place at McCallum Palla Funeral Home in Goderich on Saturday, February 25 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. The funeral will be on Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Zurich, Ontario.
