May I suggest that you stop for a moment and take in a deep breath?
In the way that the smell of an autumn morning brings back the precious memory of a first hunt, perhaps you could catch the aroma of another part of life that had a wonderful beginning. I pray that if you do, you will once again enjoy it. May you do so before time slips up behind you, taps you on the shoulder, and says, “The hunt is over.”
(Steve Chapman)
George “Harry” Charlton was born March 25, 1951. He was a twin, the elder of the two boys, the other being William “Larry”. Harry never let Larry forget that he was the oldest and Larry had to “shut off the lights”! The two boys had an incredibly close relationship. The twins had two older siblings, John and Mary to take care of them.
The kids grew up with their mom and Harold Turner “Dad” on what is now the Dalimore farm, owned by Bill Jacklin at the time. The four children attended Scone Public School. Harry quit at grade seven with Larry continuing on. Harry primarily worked with his mom and Harold at home on the farm and they spent some time apple picking in Meaford.
According to his sister, what one twin didn’t think of, the other one did! Those two boys never had any trouble finding trouble – from fighting in their crib with their baby bottles (Larry got the worst of it!) to playing tag on the barn beams. They were lucky their mom had a bad knee and couldn’t run too fast or climb the tree, but she NEVER forgot!
They also had a lot of fun and stories to tell with their school friend Chucky. He had a tent and they loved playing Cowboys and Indians. Chuck also had a BB gun “Daisy”. One day Harry was teasing Larry that he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. However, later Harry had to go under Chuck’s handy pocket knife to get the pellet out of “you know where” before his mom found out. After that the BB gun was known as the “Oopsie Daisy”.
Harry also enjoyed motorcycles. He had a 175 and a 350 Honda Gold Wing and a chopper, “Snortin Norton” (which he owned for a very short time). He decided to take Larry to Scone on a maiden voyage. When they took back off for home, the motorcycle went up on it’s back wheel, the sissy bar went into the ground and dear bro Larry landed in the middle of the intersection. When they got back home that night, Harry sold it back to the original owner and never bought another one.
In 1974, Harry attended Chickenfest in Walkerton with a friend Randy. The main attraction was the tug-of-war and some of Randy’s other friends were participating in the event. As luck would have it, those friends were brothers to Kate.
Well, in 1975 Harry was lucky enough to have married the love of his life, Katherine Elaine Harron. Pastor Bill Purdy was the officiant with the ceremony taking place on May 9th at the Hanover Missionary Church.
Harry was a hard worker. Over the years, he spent time at Dirstein’s Pellet plant outside of Elmwood, Fleming Construction until he hurt his back, then Saugeen Valley Conservation, Pepplers, Durham Furniture, and finally at Findlay Pallet factory in Scone. At the young age of 52, in 2003, Harry had to quit work and go on disability because of the debilitating effects of his rheumatoid arthritis.
In 1980 he saw the light, so to speak, and came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Having admitted to God, himself and others that he was an alcoholic, Harry began a new journey for his life on earth. At the time, he and Kate were living in Elmwood across from the restaurant and they attended the Baptist Church in Elmwood. Nine years later they moved to Crawford where they lived for sixteen years. It was in 2000 that Kate and Harry moved to the north end of Chesley. The Chesley Community Church then became his faith family and home.
To say that Harry liked to hunt would be an understatement. Harry “loved” to hunt, and most especially deer season. Over the years he hunted turkey, geese, moose and rabbits and was very proud of his gun collection. Harry also enjoyed fishing, especially in the river behind the farm and more recent fishing trips with the “boys” to Marten River and Charlton Lake Camp, near Espanola. However, fishing never really rated as important as deer hunting. Harry’s favourite author was Steve Chapman, and it is no great surprise that most of Mr. Chapman’s writings included hunting.
Heavenly Father, thank you for what You have taught these men during our hunts together in the glorious woods of Your Word. Thank you for the great outdoors. I believe You made them for us to use for sustenance and to learn more about You. I ask You to water the seeds of truth that were planted in the hearts of all of us as we studied Your Word. Continue to guide us in Your ways. Blessed be your name. Through Christ we pray. Amen. (Steve Chapman)
Harry loved to watch any show on TV that dealt with the wild; hunting, fishing and the National Geographic, History and Discovery channels. What about music you ask? Harry loved his music; country gospel, Elvis Presley and any country music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. In fact, at one time Harry was called the “Dancing Fool.” When able and not dancing with his sister Mary, hunting, fishing or watching TV, Harry loved to weld, tinker and putter in his shop, and most importantly help other people. Going to the coffee shop to socialize was another enjoyable pastime for Harry.
Harry was a meat (beef and pork preferably) and potato kind of guy, of course! Even when unable to eat, he did request some mashed potatoes in his final hospital stay. He was a people person and always enjoyed being around other people. He was also a renowned teaser and would often joke and torment the nurses on his many hospital visits (as was the case even in London!).
Harry companions included the four-legged variety. He enjoyed all dogs, but his favourites were his hunting companions, his hound dogs. More recently, his dogs have made their way into the house. Over the years, they took in abused dogs and gave them a warm, loving environment. Sproget, his current companion, is already missing him greatly.
Over the last few years Harry’s medical issues have mounted. His body slowly failed him and he passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, with his wife and siblings at his side, on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. His final hours were spent telling jokes and singing hymns in anticipation of his “going home”. He was 65.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 41 years, Katherine “Kate.” His dad, Harold Turner of Mount Forest, his twin, Larry (Judy) Charlton of R.R. #1 Chesley, his brother John (Pauline) McAughey of Waterloo and his sister Mary (John) Alles of Mount Forest, will also grieve his loss. Harry also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and will be fondly remembered by the Harron family as well. He was predeceased by his mother Mary Alma in 2004.
A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held at the Chesley Community Church (307 1st Ave. N.) on Saturday, November 5, 2016 beginning at 11 a.m. This gathering will include conversation, music and refreshments and will be followed by a service at 1 p.m. Please note change in time for the service!
Harry and Kate’s health issues, have made their day-to-day finances difficult for them in recent years. If able, any memorial donations can be directed to Kate (payable to Katherine Charlton) to help her with final expenses or be directed to their beloved church, Chesley Community Church. Please no flowers, due to Kate’s allergies.
