Charlie Butcher (23 Dec 1931 - 18 Feb 2020)

In loving memory of Charlie Butcher who sadly passed away on 18th February 2020.

Some time on 23rd December 1931 in Toronto, Canada, one Edith Smith gave birth to a boy she named Charles Henry. Three and a half years later, after Edith died while giving birth to another child, Charles was adopted by an English couple, and he began his life as Joseph "Charlie" Butcher. Charlie always said he couldn't remember much of his time in Canada, but he believed he had a happy life. In 1938, however, the family returned to Croydon, England, and within a year Mr Butcher passed away. It was then that Charlie's life changed forever. For the next five years, he found he was mostly left to fend for himself, until the spring of 1943, when he was placed in a home for waifs and strays. At St Boniface for Boys in Sampford Peverell, Charlie attended school and church, and carried out all manner of chores. It was also there that he discovered his love of gardening, a passion he maintained for the rest of his life. In December 1947, just two days shy of his 15th birthday, Charlie returned to Mrs Butcher in Croydon.

Fast forward five years, and Charlie's life began all over again, once again. In 1952, after completing two years in the Royal Artillery, Charlie met the girl of his dreams, Brenda, at the Classic Cinema on Brighton Road. He asked her if he could walk her home after the movie and for the next four months they went out several times a week, every week. But no true love story is without its drama. One night when Charlie arrived at their meeting place, the Swan and Sugarloaf, there stood a friend with a letter explaining Brenda felt she was too young to go out with someone of his age. By that point, Charlie knew he was very much in love with her. Some 18 months on, Brenda and Charlie were invited to the same wedding, and you can guess what happened next. Brenda was by then 18, Charlie was 21, and it was the start of a beautiful courtship. When Brenda took Charlie to meet her parents and siblings, he found out what it was like to be a part of a loving family. On 30th July 1955, Charlie married the girl of his dreams, "as she still is to this day and forevermore."

Charlie and Brenda went on to begin their own family, starting with their children Stephen and Carol, and later their grandchildren James and Emma. Charlie went from being, in his words, "the boy who was not wanted," to a man so deeply loved and cherished by many. With his family surrounding him, Charlie had a long and happy life. He read good books; he gardened; he shared his stories; he cheered on the Spurs; he played darts and drank Guinness; he listened to Frank Sinatra; and he was the best husband, father, and grandfather anyone could ever ask for.

A true gentleman who always treated others with respect and never forgot to say thank you, Charlie leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will live on through his children, grandchildren, and friends who all love and miss him dearly.

Floral Tributes
Charlie's love of gardening lasted a near lifetime, and he won two awards for his beautiful floral displays. For anyone looking to make a contribution, the family are grateful to receive any floral tributes in his honour.