Obituary: Charles Wakefield '60

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Charles Wakefield, Class of '60.

 

Charles joined Selwyn House School in 1955. In 1959, he participated in the boxing competition in the Heavyweight category, received an Essay Award in the Literacy Competition, and received a special award in the Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Competition for which over 2,000 essays were submitted by students from Newfoundland to British Columbia. 

 

In his graduating year, he was Full Prefect and played Senior Soccer and Senior Hockey. The yearbook noted: "Although not an unduly good skater or skillful player, he made up for these by having great enthusiasm and aggressiveness. He gave of his best at all times on the ice". 

 

In 1960, the Wakefield Family won first place in the Father, Mother and Son Race. Charles also participated in the Choir (1955-59), Cubs (1955-57), Scouts (1957-59) and was a member of House Debating (1959-60).

Born July 25, 1945 in Montréal, died December 26, 2021 in Toronto. 

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of this magnificent and loving man who taught us all the true meaning of love and friendship. Predeceased by his parents Robert Wakefield and Meggie Bowman, beloved husband of 53 years to Donna (née Doyle), proud father of Kimberley and Mark (Josée-Anne), loving brother to Allan (Sue) and Sally and adoring grandfather to Gavin, Shannon, William, Christophe and Maximilian. He will also be remembered by his many in-laws from the Doyle family, cousins, nieces, nephews, stepsiblings, great-nieces, and great-nephews and so many more family and friends. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word with a kind, gentle, loving, and respectful nature inspiring us all to do better and be better. After graduating from McGill and Harvard Business School, he spent the first several decades of his career as an astute investment manager, mentoring many young people and achieving a level of professional success he rarely wanted to discuss. Among Charles' many active community involvements he was the Chair of the board of the Daily Bread Food Bank, he was also an active political supporter and mentor of Gerard Kennedy. After he retired, he spent the next 20 years tutoring children from disadvantaged backgrounds at inner city schools. He was a passionate crusader for all that he believed in, helped build up the light he saw in so many. Love was the superpower he used to make us all shine a little brighter. His passion for embracing and connecting his family and heritage knew no bounds. He was sharp, articulate, and warm with a friendly comment ready for everyone who crossed his path stranger and friend alike. He was the eternal optimist, cheerful and eager to connect with people from all walks of life. He will be sorely missed but his impact on all he touched will never fade. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Children's Mental Health Ontario, an excellent advocacy organization at https://cmho.org/donate/