1932 – 2018
Ernest ‘Charles’ Banwell was born Aug. 21, 1932 at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, Castor, Ab. second oldest child to William and Ethel Banwell.
He attended Lucerne School until the age of 15 or 16 then putting his schooling aside, dedicated his life to the family farm where he resided until 2015.
It was at this time he became a resident of the Paintearth Lodge in Castor and calling the Lodge his home (or as Charles would say – Jail!!) until his passing.
His passion was farming; however, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He told us many stories and shared many fond memories and photos of his hunting and ice fishing expeditions.
He advised that he hunted and fished with Carl Plehnert and Bob Vigen for over 50 years. The group was accompanied by Frank Geduhn, Heinz Plehnert, Chris Bliesner and Tom Davidson at times as well.
He loved to show his photos of his hunting trips, trekking into the back country with pack horses and sleeping in tents in the snow. The views were so spectacular!!
He had a few albums as well, full of pictures of his ice fishing adventures- going to Buck Lake every January if possible explaining in detail how they ran the nets under the ice – returning the next day to harvest their catch.
Some years the fishing was plentiful – some years not so much. Was it worth the hard work during frigid temperatures at times? Absolutely!! You could see it in Charles’s face as he was reminiscing.
It was many years ago that he met a very special lady Eva Riggins. They attended many old times dance functions, they also enjoyed travelling and camping with a host of good friends.
Charles fully enjoyed spending time at the Riggins farm and felt so comfortable with Eva’s family. Charles and Eva had a very special bond. They spoke every night on the telephone if possible.
Charles passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 12, 2018, at the age of 85 years.
Charles is survived by his special long-time friend Eva Riggins; brother Bill (Betty) Banwell and their family Laura (Kelly) Cook and family, Kevin Banwell, Tanya (James Morash) Banwell-Wood and family; sister Dorothy Glasier and families; brother-in-law George Weich and families; chosen brother Joe Banwell and families; Gerry and Sandy Riggins and families; Allan Riggins (Jody) and families, numerous other nieces, nephews, special friends Roy and Barb Pals as well as other close friends and neighbours.
Charles was predeceased by his parents William and Ethel Banwell; nephews Cody and Kelly Banwell; sister Betty Weich and long time friend Carl Plehnert.
A celebration of life will be held at the Stettler Funeral Home on Fri. June 22 at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Should family or friends desire memorial contributions, they may be sent to Paintearth Lodge or to The Town and County Museum in Castor or a charity of your own choice.
Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels of Castor, Ab. were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please call 403-882-3141.
