<div itemprop="description">Charles William Wallis, a man whose journey spanned continents and decades, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec. <br> <br>Charles was a devoted husband to his surviving wife Sally (nee Mason) for over 54 years. He was a loving father to his sons Keith (Tracy) and Kenneth (Holly) and a cherished grandfather to Bryanna, Caitlin, and Devon. Charles is predeceased by his father Walter Joseph, his mother Jessie Lawson (nee Hollaman), and his daughter Carol-Anne. He is also survived by his brother James and by many to whom he was affectionately known as "Chico." <br> <br>Born in Mexico City to expatriate parents, Charles's childhood was marked by adventure and adaptability. His family relocated back to England when the government nationalized the oil industry, settling briefly in Streatham, a London suburb, before World War II. Seeking refuge during the war, they found solace with relatives in Montreal, an experience that shaped Charles's resilience and wanderlust. <br> <br>Educated at Pitman College, Charles mastered Secretarial Practice, a skill that proved invaluable during his mandatory military service. It was during this period that his passion for exploration ignited, leading him to traverse the globe after his military duties before eventually returning to Montreal, where he found a home and purpose with the Canadian National Railway. <br> <br>In Montreal, Charles met the love of his life, Sally, during the World Expo in 1967, sparking a romance that would endure a lifetime. Renowned for his quick wit and love of "dad jokes," Charles had a knack for brightening any room with his humor. His sweet tooth was legendary, with desserts being his weakness, adding a delightful flavor to his life and those around him. <br> <br>Following nearly two decades of retirement in Ottawa, Charles and Sally returned to Montreal, completing a circle of life filled with cherished memories and deep meaning. To honor Charles's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, we invite you to remember him with a simple act of kindness, perhaps by tuning up your car and checking the air pressure in your tires—a gesture he would have appreciated. <br> <br>In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Quebec Veterans Foundation or Sainte-Anne’s Hospital, where contributions can be made at https://fqv-qvf.ca/en/donate/. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. <br></div>
