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.
Donations may be made to:
SDHS All Girls Marching Band (e-transfer to [email protected] OR cheque to Heather Dawe, P.O. Box 1667 Clinton, ON N0M 1L0)
Bayfield Lions Club.(either e-transfer to [email protected] OR cheque to Bayfield Lions Club, P.O. Box 2107, 6 Municipal Rd., Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
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).
Krista Luiting
I was a member of the Seaforth All Girls Marching band from 1997-2002 and Charlie was an amazing mentor throughout my time in the band. I really appreciated his enthusiasm and dedication. Thank you very much Charlie.
Dana Kloss
Dear John, Julia and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I have so many fond memories of my time in the SDHS Band. Your father taught me to play trumpet, saxophone and even a bit of Sousaphone ( although that instrument was rather large for a person of my short stature) He picked me up and drove me to band practice every Wednesday which I’m sure my parents greatly appreciated. I remember him as a kind caring man with a great sense of humour. Thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Erinn Mulhern-Gilbert
Our sincere condolences of Mr Kalbfleisch’s passing. I remember him as a sincere teacher at GDCI when I attended there. He taught with gusto and humour! I recently looked at some high school work I did back then and thought fondly of him. May you have loving memories at this time of his wonderful life!
Elaine Fielder
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Kalbfleisch’s passing. I enjoyed his sense of humour and his many kindnesses. My thoughts are with his family.
Mark Heimrich
To all Charlie’s family, friends, and band members;
Our sincere sympathy in your loss. Charlie was certainly one-of-a-kind. I have many fond memories of spirited conversations with Charles over the years. You certainly never had to guess what his thoughts were on any topic! I will remember working with “Lion Charlie” over many years when I exhibited my business at the Bayfield Home Show. Julie has fond memories of “Girls Band Leader Mr. Kalbfleisch” of when she played trumpet and travelled widely with the band. Charles will be missed amongst our St. Peter’s Lutheran Church family as well. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, wishes to express her condolences also.
You all remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mark (& Julie-nee Miller) Heimrich, & Marilyn Heimrich
Angela Brindley (Glenn)
What an amazing man Chuck was to many girls in Huron County. He spent many hours with us trying to teach us to play an instrument. He was a ‘gift” to many of us. He taught many of us how to be responsible, to be committed and to be on time. I can still hear him say “Come on grandma”. Our memories of marching in the parades, spending long hours on the buses, and long lasting friendships, Chuck gave to all of us lasting memories. Chuck sure got his volunteer hours in !!!
Moira Donnelly Kavanagh
My deepest condolences to the Kalbfleisch family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Chuck – as he was known by his students was a GDCI legend! He always had a warm smile or a welcoming joke and was loved by all. Take comfort in the fact that he had such a positive impact on so many young lives.
Tracy McLennan
My sister, Tina, and I were members of the Seaforth and District High School All Girls Marching Band (from 1983-1987 and 1987-1991). Between us both, we have an abundance of memories of Charlie and our time with the band. Our travels to Myrtle Beach, NC, Fort Meyers, FL, Calgary, AB, and the many small towns and cities were always accentuated by Charlie’s presence. He, Chuck (Wood), and Murray were the terrific trio, and they kept us in line and entertained. He marched more miles backwards than most people walk forwards! Just last year, I ran into Charlie at the Exeter Tim Horton’s and he knew who I was right away. He always made you feel special. He was an amazing man. May the many memories you have of your father/grandfather make you smile through your heartache. We will never forget Charlie. He was one in a billion.
Our deepest sympathies.
Tracy (Bosman) McLennan and Tina (Bosman) Hoelscher
Pat, Langley
My sincerest condolences to the Kalfleisch family. When Charlie retired from the Town Hall I was given his job. I am eternally grateful for all his help, booking concerts and showing me the ropes. My late husband Bud was a Lion and enjoyed working with Charlie on many projects. Our family loved when Charlie would drop in for a chat. His stories were wonderful. Charlie was a caring and respected member of our community and he will be missed. Rest in peace Charlie.
Ron and Marian Lane
To the Kalbfleisch family. Our condolences to Charlie`s family during this period of loss. Charlie will be remembered for his love of music,his love of teaching others new skills. As a colleague I enjoyed the jovial banter and his support over years. May he rest in peace.
Robert Westlake
To the Kalbfleisch family, our sincere sympathy. May the thoughts of past happy times with dad and grandpa bring a smile to your face at this time of sadness.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Dan Donnelly
Kalbfleisch family, I have many fond memories of Chuck, from high school and visits to your home. I was watching for him this summer when I saw the Seaforth girls marching band in the Canada Day parade in Goderich. I now realize that I should have been looking at the Mustang! He had a very positive impact on so many Huron County residents. You will treasure that thought. Rest in peace Chuck, you will be missed.
Laurie Little
Mr. Kalbfleisch was a memorable awesome teacher. He had a wonderful sense of humour and he made attending class a worthwhile educational fun experience. I will never forget him. Sincere condolences
Terry Collings
We will miss our chats dearly. Charles was a wonderful friend to us and he always shared his life experiences with us and it was so wonderful
Safe travels my friend
❤️
Joan Spittal
As a relative newcomer to Bayfield, I had the good fortune to become acquainted with Charles. Over the course of the last few years, I learned more about Charles. He was a man of many interests. He loved his family, his music, and had a love of Bayfield and the community. He delighted in telling stories about growing up as a child in Bayfield and Zurich over the summers, and was happy to have been able to spend his remaining years In the community he loved. He will be missed indeed!
Mary Ellen McGIll
The world will miss Charlie who was always there to dig in and help get the work done. I first met Charlie when I joined the town band but couldn’t play and instrument. Charlie told me to just march along at my first parade and wiggle my finger and no one would know that I wasn’t playing. He was my history teacher in high school and one of his favourite phrases was to tell the girls they had verbal diarrhea which always made us laugh and stop talking. Charlie also got the high school band started and we had so much fun travelling and playing at schools in the area The last time I saw Charlie was at our 50th anniversary of graduating from GDCI. He came on his own and we loved his company and he still had so many stories to tell. I regret not getting over to visit him in Bayfield after that. Charlie and Marilyn were also great friends of my parents. When they arrived, especially with all five children, we’d have enough kids for a baseball team. Charlie, thank you for all you did. You were a great man and will be sorely missed. I know Marilyn was waiting for you and you will have even more stories to tell. I’ll miss you.
Tom and Kathie Kelly
We were so very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing.We will miss his yearly phone call! Thinking of the family at this difficult time!
Joanne Walters
I was a student of Mr. Kalbfleisch at GDCI in the early ’70s. He was a great teacher & so funny. I can still remember him telling us to get out our “crying towels” when we complained about an unexpected test or homework assignment. I also recall a memorable class trip he took us on to a Mennonite farm where he gobbled up the left-over “shoo fly” pie the rest of us couldn’t finish! I’m so glad I got to catch up with him at our 50th high school class reunion in 2019. He will always remain a pleasant high school memory. To the Kalbfleisch family, I’m so sorry for your loss but you can be proud of the positive impact your dad/grandfather had on so many. A life well lived!
Cathy Ellison
Our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family. It was a pleasure and honour to know and work with Charlie.
Lou-Anne Ruttkay
Dear Dave and Patty,
I am so sorry to hear about Charles. He was always so welcoming to Dana and I when we visited the cottage.
I hope Charles and Dana are in heaven together talking about their love of music.
Love and blessings,
Lou-Anne
Don Hiscox
It was my distinct pleasure to work with Charlie at Ellison Tours for many years. His caring, personable manner and sense of humour were a welcome mainstay of his personality. Charlie will be missed. My condolences to the Kalbfleisch family on the passing of a truly wonderful man.
Cynthia (Robinson) Fox
Please accept my condolences at this sad time. I was a student of Mr. Kalbfleisch’s “Man In Society” class in the late 80’s. How we laughed when he would call us “Granny” for not being on top of the current news! He was a fine teacher who I remember with fondness. Rest in peace, Mr. Kalbfleisch.
Andrea Lauzon (Smith)
My heartfelt condolences to John and Julia and your families. I will never forget the countless hours practicing with the Seaforth marching band and the amazing trips to Florida and South Carolina. What an amazing man Chuck was. I am grateful to have known and learn from him in the late 80s. Rest in peace Chuck. 🤗
Debbie Rathwell
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. I remember asking him to be our Grand Marshal for the parade for the Meet & Mix Parade in 1986! He certainly has touched many lives & made happy memories for many!
Don & Debbie Rathwell
Melva Barber
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I was fortunate to meet Mr. Kalbfleisch at his recent birthday party last year in Bayfield. It was obvious he was much loved and respected.
Gary & Cathy Hugill
We always enjoyed our conversations with Charlie at coffee hour after church. He was a great historian and a dedicated community leader. He touched so many young people’s lives with his involvement with local bands. He will be greatly missed.