Royden Alvin Charlton, 68, passed away peacefully Friday Sept 3, 2010 at the Halifax Infirmary after a brief illness. Born in Maitland Bridge in 1942, he was the son of the late Albert and Inez Arvilla Charlton. He lived in Maitland Bridge his entire life and was a proud member of the community.
In his younger years, Royden worked at Raleigh Rowter’s mill and as a snowplow operator. He started work with Parks Canada in 1964 as a labourer and truck driver, helping to build Kejimkujik National Park. In 1978, Royden found his true calling as a Park Warden and served until his retirement in 1997. He spent his retirement fishing, hunting and travelling to visit family and friends.
Royden is survived by Iona, his wife of 48 years; his children Chris (Tom Jackson), Cindy (Ray) Forrest and Colin; and his grandchildren, Nathan and Brandon Forrest, Devinne, Colton and Braiden Charlton. He will be forever in our thoughts. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sisters Darlene (Rod) Peck and Virginia (Curtis) Orde and several nieces and nephews.
Royden lived a full and rewarding life. He deeply loved his family and always showed great pride in their accomplishments. He also enjoyed his time with innumerable friends, whether fishing and hunting with them or retelling stories about past adventures. Royden was an active member of the community and could often be heard before he was seen at local events. He will always be remembered for his hearty laugh at a good story, but may be remembered most for his eagerness to help out family, friends and strangers.
Visitation will take place 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday September 7th at Chandlers’ Funeral Home in Liverpool.
A funeral service to celebrate Royden’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, Sept 8th, in Saint Paul’s United Church, Maitland Bridge, with Reverend Tom Watson officiating. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery. The community will host a reception following the interment at the Maitland Bridge Community Hall and welcome Royden’s many friends to drop by for a story or two.
Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made in care of Cindy Forrest and will be used to establish prize trophies for a single horse pull event at the Queens County Fair. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Robert & Sally Fader
Iona & family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Lynn and Stephen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. It certainly is not easy to let go of a loved one, but I can attest to the fact that time does help to heal. We have so many wonderful thoughts of Royden. He was so dedicated to his grandchildren and so proud of all they accomplished. Above all, we will always remember his dedication to Jenna. He was such a great fan and travelled so many miles just to support her. Even when he couldn’t watch her, he would call to see how she was making out. It brought us great comfort to know that he was always there for Dad whenever he needed anything. He indeed was a wonderful person and I am so very proud to acknowledge him as my family. May God bless you all at this very difficult time. Royden will indeed be missed by family and friends.
Bertha Gerhardt
To Iona and family.Atho I did not know Royden Until we started camping a tKedje Iremember him as warden there .My thoughts will be with you at this time.From Bertha
Ronnie & Debbie Uhlman
Iona and family –
(Ray, Cindy, Brandon & Nathan) – Caring thoughs are with you in this time of sorrow, remember the happiness you all shared and may those memories help to ease the pain of your loss, with sincere sympathy.
Fred &Ruth Hawkes
Iona & family. our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow
Joey, Janie,Cory and Cara Ryan
Our hearts go out to you at this very sad time. This wonderful caring person has left a mark for all those who knew him. He will be sadly missed. The great memories will go on forever! With sincere sympathy.
Carolyn Tufts
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time . Hold on to each other and the memories you have of a great Husband, Father and Grandfather , I know he loved you all dearly and you all was his pride and joy . And i know there are alot of his friends who are going to miss not seeing him at the fair this year . RIP Royden
Gail and Paul
Iona and family, Darlene and family, virginia and family:
I was so very saddened to hear of Royden’s passing. It hurts so very much to loose a loved one. Royden was a very likeable person and very kind at heart. He was always there for anyone in need. I will never forget how good he was to Mom and Dad and he was always there at the drop of a hat when they needed him. I think of you all and know how you are feeling and in time it will get better but hold on to all the beautiful memories.
Thinking of you and love you all
frank& Janet Merry Smith
We was so saddened to hear the passing of your beloved one (Royden ) He was a wonderful person and was always there to give a helping hand to everyone.He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and the Family.God Bless You All !!! RIP Royden
David,Marsha,Dalton&Vanessa
So sorry to hear about your loss. We are all thinking of you all. If their is anything you need please let us know.
mu8rray , jessica , luke , rachel
Iona@ kids . So very sorry to hear of your loss. We all loved roydon just because he was { just roydon} He never forgot a friend . We were very very lucky to have him as a related friend .He will be missed by all
]
Judi and Bill Wamboldt
Iona and family,
We were shocked and very sad to hear of Royden’s passing. As a school chum, colleague at Kedge, and valued community friend, our memories go back a long way.
The wonderful video presentation pays testament to a good husband, dad , granddad, family member and friend who will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Adrienne Craft
Iona and family
I am so sorry to hear about Royden’s death. He was always SO wonderful to my parents and for that I will be forever grateful. I wish I could express my condolences in person but please know that I am thinking of you all in this sad time. I know you have many happy moments…hold on to those in the dark days ahead. Love, Adrienne
Glenn, Melissa & Family
Sending our deepest sympathies to you all at this sad time..
we were shocked & very saddened to hear of Royden’s passing.
He was a wonderful person,who if at all possible was always there to lend a helping hand or to give his advice weather you asked for for it or not. but,that’s what made Royden Unique!
I had to chuckle when I read how he enjoyed telling stories. It reminded me of many he shared with us.
He always had a big grin on his face & such excitement in his voice,not to mention his laughter which was contageous!
Glenn & him had especially grown close over the past 8-9 yrs in which they developed a one of a kind friendship. It was great to see them chum around always joking & carrying on,helping one another out.. They certainally made some good memories which I’m sure he will treasure!!
It’s no doubt Royden will be greatly missed!
May God Bless you all!
Bonnie Dalby Flemming
Please except my sincere sympathy for your loss..I am Jean Alexander’s daughter and camped at kedgie for many years. Colin , my daughter Kim and my niece Crystal were friends when i camped there..Please take care..Bonnie
Denton & Jeannette Orde
Sorry to hear of Royden’s death, we extend sincere sympathy to each one of the family,
God bless.
Bruce and Sylvia Fancy
Iona and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Royden was an enormous help to us when we were researching his grandfather Alvin for our family tree. Not only was Royden a 1st cousin to Bruce but a 2nd cousin to Sylvia through our families. Therefore both families were truly blessed having him as a family member . We feel priviledged to have known him.
PMO MHP TDT
To Chris and family. The entire office is saddened for the loss of your father. We are certain he had a strong influence in your work ethic and colourful sense of humour. We offer our sincerest condolences on what must be a very difficult time.
Carl, Roxane, Dana and Dylan Canning
Iona, Cindy, Ray, Nathan and Brandon
Thinking of you all. Royden was a wonderful man who made people smile. Keep your memories close to your hearts. He will be greatly missed.
Mary & Delbert Weare
Iona and Family, We were shocked to learn of his sudden passing. This is where your faith comes in. He starts a new beginning where no sickness or suffering can ever intervene again. We will not be able to ask any more favors of him. All our love and best wishes.
Stanley & Joan Canning
Iona & Families
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your loved one, Royden. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, at this very sad time.
Tony Duplante
Chris and family,
I was so sorry for you to hear of the loss of your father . On behalf of your family please accept mine and Jane’s condolences. Take care of yourself and your family my friend.
pat,jennifer,joel,amber
our hearts and thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow we have had some great laughs also shared a few tears but to brandon and nathan you had a wonderful grandfather who enjoyed you two very much please think of all the great times you had together and the many fond memories that we have all shared with him .
Jean Tavanaee
Someone so special and dear to you…..can never be forgotten
Their memories will live on in your heart. Sorry for your loss, Jean
Mae & Family
Dear Iona, Chris, Cindy, Colin and Families:
My thoughts and love and prayers are with you. Remember,
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall have eternal life.” Though it hurts tremendously to lose
someone you love so deeply, you will see him again.
I know he was tremendously proud of each and every one of you.
Love, Mae
Elaine Frail
Iona, Chris, Cindy, Colin and families:
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather. The hole in your hearts will heal, and fond memories will keep him close. Treasure the memories.
Elaine Frail
Art Digout
It was sad to hear of Royden’s passing. I think of my family’s year in Maitland Bridge as one of the best times of my childhood and Royden’s friendship was a large part of that.
My sincere condolences to Royden’s family. I know that his absence will leave a gap in many lives.
Art
Al and Sadie Huskins
Iona,Family,and Friends,
We wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy at
this most difficult time.Please know our thoughts and prayers are
with you. Royden was extraordinary in his special way and how he
connected with those around him.
Sincerely, Al and Sadie Huskins
Bridgewater
Erich Muntz
Iona and Family
I was shockend and saddened to hear of Roydon’s death. We spent some good times together at work , at the kitchen table and on the road to Newfoundland. Even though I haven’t lived in Maitland Bridge for years, Roydon often called and kept in touch. I have a great deal of respect for his character and personal qualities. He was a man I could trust and rely on. And I want you to know that I feel fortunate to have called Roydon a friend.
Sincerely, Erich
Laurence Sianchuk
Chris & family: While I never met your Dad, Chris, I sense in reading the above that I have missed out on a chance to meet a great man. Sincere condolences.
Alex & Marie
Iona, Chris, Colin, Cindy and families: Please, accept our sincere sympathy. Words can only do so much at a time like this. We would like to make a donation to help establish prize trophies for a single horse pull event at the Queens County Fair (as mentioned in the obituary.) Thanks for suggesting this idea. What a great way to continue Royden’s memory!!
Sharon (Young) Dickson
Dear Iona, children & grandchildren, Darlene & Virginia
I wish to send my deepest symapathy to all the family at the lose of your husband, brother, father and grandfather. I know this is a very hard time for all of you to lose such a special man in all your lives. George Demmons called me today and told me, knowing I would not hear. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time in your life. Sharon Young Dickson
lorne redmond
sorry to hear of roydon’s pasing many fond memories from the fishing days at kejji wil be missed by all the fishermen and ladies he met on is daily routine he was a great guy to meet on your back
country travels take care lorne redmond
John Gorman
I am sorry to have learned of the passing of Royden Charlton. It gives me great sadness and regret. Like many, I guess I thought he would never be gone, because he was such a large presence in life. I worked with him for five years while posted as a warden at Kejimkujik National Park. he was a very reliable and hard worker and answered every call no matter what the situation or time it was, whether on duty or off. He was probably the most reliable warden I had ever come to know in my own career and a very resourceful person. Unfortunately, I accepted a different route in life which took me away from many of the things and people I loved. I can surely tell from the video that he was well-connected and involved with his family and loyal to the best things in his life. I admire him for that. He obviously has a great family and was widely known in the community and surrounding area. It was difficult for me to watch these photos of his life, knowing I will never see him again. My heart goes out to all that knew him, especially to his wife and children. thank you Royden for being my friend along the way.
Royden's family
The family of the late Royden Charlton greatly appreciate the outpouring of support received through phone calls, visiting, food, cards, and donations, from our many friends and relatives.
Sincere thanks to Kevin and the staff at Chandlers Funeral Home. Also, much appreciated is the fine professional care received at the Fisherman’s Memorial, and the South Shore Regional Hospitals, and the Infirmary.
Special thanks to nephews Steve, Marvin, Brad, Jeff, Dean and Darin, who were pallbearers. Heartfelt thanks to Reverend Tom Watson, and Reverend George Demmons. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Edward & Carol Callahan
Dear Iona and family, We are truly saddened to hear of your loss. We just met Royden once but we were really pleased to meet you and your husband.You both gave us such a warm welcome which will always be remembered by us fondly. We hope that the present sadness that you must be feeling will be lessened by the warm memories that you have of Royden.
With love, Ed & Carol Callahan