Obituary of Charles Gordon Procter

At Seaforth Community Hospital on Thursday, August 17, 2023, Charles Gordon Procter formerly of Belgrave passed away in his 100^th year.

Beloved husband of Grace Procter for 47 years. Cherished brother of Ross Procter and George & Elizabeth Procter and Ruth Alton. Charlie will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Stewart & Alice (Imlay) Procter, sister Mary Thomas, brother-in-law Ken Alton and sisters-in-law Mary Procter and Jean Robertson.

Charlie lived through amazing changes through his hundred years of life – always embracing and moving forward with the changes he saw. With a keen mind that was intrigued by anything technical, he started his career working for CKNX radio. A world war changed all that and Charlie bravely volunteered for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. 

Upon returning home after the war, he enrolled at Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto before beginning a very interesting career. He started his employment with the Atomic Energy Research Facility located in Chalk River, Ontario, before moving on to help build early warning radar stations on the Pine Tree Line – a job that took him across Canada. 

Charlie was also employed by Burroughs Corporation, which at the time was one of the largest producers of main-frame computers in the world. Charlie never lost his interest in this technology – and adapted with the changes in computers through the years. 

In 1963, at the age of 40, Charlie came back to his roots, becoming a founding partner of Bodmin Limited, with brothers Ross and George. He used his technical skill to maintain equipment, design and build, as well as to adopt computerized record-keeping systems. His skills allowed him to continually come up with solutions for challenges that are never ending on a farm. 

In August 1976, he quietly left on a trip to Scotland and returned with a surprise - his new wife, Grace. Together they built a loving home, enjoying antique car restoration, gardening, raising sheep, and entertaining friends and family. 

Charlie had a curious mind and never stopped learning, which also made him a good teacher.  Nieces and nephews, employees, and also countless bagpipe students learned from Charlie, with his quiet and patient manner.  Charlie was a world traveler and a member of several pipe bands, including the Brussels Legion Pipe Band, where he took on the role of Pipe Major for many years.  As a member of the Ontario Massed Pipe Band, he travelled to the UK and played for the Queen. 

Charlie’s mind was busy right up to the end of his life, downloading hundreds of books on his Kindle and continuing to do his own computerized banking and book keeping. He passed peacefully with his beloved Grace by his side, surrounded by family. 

A Celebration of Charlie's life will be held at the Belgrave Community Centre on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 1:30-4:00 p.m. Final resting place, Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 218 or the Wingham & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.