Charles Hector Archibald "Chuck" Coll – June 22, 1936 – August 8, 2021
Chuckie-Baby has left the building. Charles Hector Archibald "Chuck" Coll passed away on August 8th at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. All those who experienced his humour and great cheer over his 85 years are tremendously grateful for his life and the love that he so generously shared.
He is mourned and will be forever missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Heather, children, Charles (Kathryn), Cathie (BJ Ross), and Ian (Paulina) and his cherished grandchildren, Charlie and Hailee, Heather-Alexa and Brian, and Kaspian and Selena. Chuck will also be greatly missed by his cousins from across Canada and many dear friends near and far. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Hector "Charlie" and Ethel (Archibald) Coll, his mother-in-law, Alice Logan Hall MacKinnon (the Barracuda), and his brother, Henry Edward "Harry" Coll.
Chuck was born June 22, 1936, in Toronto, Ontario, and immediately got the heck out of there to grow up in Timmins. The family moved to New Glasgow when he was very young, and he always considered himself a proud Pictou County boy and Bluenoser! After his childhood in New Glasgow, which included the formation of life-long friendships through involvement in bands, Student Council, Allied Youth, and Scouts (he was a King’s Scout), Chuck moved to Halifax for a little bit of university and a lot of work. There he met, courted, and finally married the love of his life, Heather (MacKinnon). After the birth of their first child, they moved to Truro which was home to the family for many years.
Chuck worked for Canada Life as Sales Manager in Truro and eventually turned his head and hand to growing Muskol Limited, an insect repellent business started by his father. Chuck had a successful career, but what drove him was his passion for community development and service to others. He was involved with numerous organizations over the years, including the Truro Concert Band, and executive positions with the Colchester East Hants School Board, the Truro Kinsmen, and the Truro Music Festival. Chuck led the fundraising drive for the Truro Centennial Pool and was a founding member of the Truro Sports Hall of Fame along with his dear friend and then in-law, Brian Ross. And he was an Elder and Sunday School teacher at First United Church in Truro for many years, laying credibility to his grace at the dinner table which always began quite sincerely with, "Dear God, it’s Chuckie-Baby here from Black Point…".
He loved to travel, especially if sun and warm water was involved, but there was never anywhere he wanted to be more than his beloved family homestead at Black Point, where he eventually settled in retirement with Heather. An avid gardener, he got joy from growing vegetables and flowers, especially his coveted sweet peas which he consistently delivered to the ladies in neighbouring cottages. Chuck continued to serve in leadership and fundraising roles in Pictou County, notably the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Chuck and Heather opened their home to family, friends, and neighbours, where Chuck was famously welcoming, always eager to put a drink in your hand and ready to chat. He had an intrinsic and truly unique ability to make everyone feel comfortable and completely at home. The reunions, spontaneous gatherings and annual parties at Black Point were legendary. He loved to bring people together, make connections, and enjoy true fellowship. He may have occasionally run out of ice, but he never ran out of laughter.
Even after the ravages of Alzheimer’s took hold, Chuck was always present in the moment. He was an excellent communicator, an active listener, and a mentor to many. Most importantly he was deeply kind and encouraged kindness in others. "Throw your bread upon the water, and it will come back peanut butter (and mustard) sandwiches", his favourite.
While we already miss him, he leaves us feeling wholly and completely loved, and better people for having had his "FANTASTIC" force in our lives!
Lord Jesus, Chuck is coming home. Please put the kettle on and have a beer ready in the fridge. And make sure you have lots of ice.
Chuck’s family is deeply appreciative of the care and concern shown by so many over the past few years. Special thanks to Dr. Dr. Emmanuel Rivera, Dr. Anne Kwasnik, Dr. Steve Beed, Dr. Maia von Maltzahn, Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst and the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, Rachel MacDonald and the wonderful VON staff, and the Palliative Care Unit at Aberdeen Hospital.
With thanks to Brian Hiscott, arrangements are entrusted to RH Porter Funeral Home in New Glasgow. Offerings of remembrance in Chuck’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, or an organization of your choice. A family service and internment will take place at Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, with a grand celebration of life to follow at a later date.