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Charlie O'donnell (Gbu On The Forum And The Jagsfans Trivia Quiz)


Rid Skwerr
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I am sad to report the recent passing of Charlie O'Donnell, who was known to a few of us around here, but whom not many fans had met in person.

He hasn't posted in a wee while, but he was active on the Fans' Trivia quiz page right up until December.

 

Charlie's username of GBU came from the fact that he was Gerry Britton's Uncle.

He was always so proud of his nephew and took a close interest in Gerry's career and it was that, rather than outright support for the Jags, that led him to join up first on Leanne McDonald's forum, and then here.

Charlie kept up with Thistle even after Gerry finished playing, and was always ready to offer opinions and engage with other fans in to and fro of forum banter.

 

He was a man of great humour and kindness and it was always great fun to be in his company.

 

The main reason that Charlie wasn't too well known around here was that he lived on the far side of Canada in the town of Sooke, on Vancouver Island, having emigrated there with his wife, Joan, in the seventies (i think). They were very active in the community there and were well thought of locally.

 

Below is the obituary from the local newspaper in Sooke which will give you a feeling for what his fellow Canadians thought of him.

 

 

O'Donnell, Charles Newlands Tuesday, 17 Jan 2017

Sooke News Mirror

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Charlie O’Donnell, who died as a result of a stroke on January 17, 2017. Charlie was predeceased by his parents Bridget and James and brother Billy and leaves behind Joan, his loving wife of 49 years, sisters Maureen (Joseph) and Margaret, brother Jim, and sisters-in-law Marion and Patricia. He will be especially missed by his many nieces and nephews whom he loved to spoil and his walking companion Buddy.

Charlie worked for the British Railways in Glasgow, Scotland and then for B.C. Buildings Corporation after immigrating to Canada. Since retiring he has been busy in the Sooke community volunteering for the Sooke Museum, Sooke Community Association and Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society and at various community events. Charlie loved wandering the Sooke hills and beaches with his friends and canine companions. Charlie enjoyed watching a good soccer match and was proud to have been chosen to represent Scotland’s youth team as a goalkeeper.

Charlie’s family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of his many good friends who visited him in hospital and contributed their time, companionship and support: a sincere thank you to each and every one of you.

There will be no public service at Charlie’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society would be greatly appreciated.

 

It just seems so typical of Charlie to request donations to the "Salmon Enhancement Society" - a sense of humour (and community spirit) right to the end.

 

You'll be missed, Charlie.

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