The youngest, almost 100 year old I have ever known. Bright eyed, sharp witted, interested and interesting, describes Charles. We met at the Good Neighbours Scheme Wednesday coffee morning in Trinity Hall. Charles was keen to converse and when unable to hear and join a conversation would ask for an insight or question what the laughter was about. One of these conversations led to Charles, Patricia, Jean and I going to an evening performance by the Maasai Warriors who sang, danced and shared their fascinating traditions and culture including their incredible jumping skills.
We also fitted in a visit to the GP surgery and later lunch at Woodbridge and a lovely stroll by the river.
Charles was obviously popular with his carers, Patricia who flew in from Portugal, Ella from Poland and Sarah from the UK. Charles enjoyed their support with grace and gratitude.
He owned a carpentry and joinery business in what at the time was Rhodesia and continued using his woodworking skills back in Onehouse to do house maintenance locally, such as repairing sofits. His tools had been available to others he told me, but were now depleted.
Charles spoke proudly of his children, telling me his son Ian, the CEO of Pfizer in America, kindly flew him to the USA in their private jet for a Christmas break. He also talked about owning a post office at Combs Ford and another in Bury St Edmunds.
A strong character, Charles spread sunshine to those around him. It's been my pleasure and privilege to have had his frienship and an honour to have known him.
PS. As I write this tribute to Charles I watch and listen to the music and singing of the Maasai Warriors. A lasting memory!
Tim Carey
Charles William Read (25 Apr 1921 - 25 Jan 2021)
Donate in memory of
CharlesParkinson’s UK
![](https://dleuvcgxlyz71.cloudfront.net/assets/img/jg-logo.png)
Funeral Director
Charles William Read of Combs Ford and Onehouse passed away peacefully in West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds on January 25th 2021, aged 99 years. A wonderful husband of the late Clara, a much loved father to Heather, Ian and Jennifer and a dear father-in-law to Robert, Graciela, Mill and the late David Begbie. A loving grandfather to Christopher, Stephanie, Jennifer Clara, Ian, Louise and Thomas and a proud great grandfather to Clara, Reid, Henri and Lachlan. He will be missed as much as he was loved and will remain forever in our hearts. A private funeral service will take place at West Suffolk Crematorium, Abbey Chapel on Thursday 11th February 2021 at 3.30pm. Family flowers only please but donations if desired made payable to 'Parkinson's UK' may be sent care of Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service, The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1EZ. Tel.01449 771666 or made via the just giving link. Charles' funeral can be viewed live at https://www.obitus.com - username: Ruba5199 password: 401452
lit a candle
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![Charles William Read](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/JPPCBU5FPgn6TUFu7bu9kqOj3rs=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/cd4312c5-fed1-442b-b418-f6a3919ec7c4.jpg)
![Charles cutting his cake at his last game at Stowmarket bridge club.](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/9E_8hOntGnMC-Hwd14iYb6TrUaU=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/b4fee7e6-67c0-4c4c-b1b6-f9876ac70d32.jpg)
Charles cutting his cake at his last game at Stowmarket bridge club.
Great day with some of the families ,will miss you so much Charles x
![Christmas, 2017](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/1IVRmzrO_CPjwC5GaeNkIVc-ICo=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/0fb42b58-e3db-4ffe-b890-6c4e578ee347.jpeg)
Christmas, 2017
![A special dance with a special man on a special day <3](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/7f0jIMbNhbRqxC8fL3ElXCw9rz8=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/ef88ca56-6f4f-4133-8e15-f9d7e74de0d5.jpg)
A special dance with a special man on a special day <3
Four generations on holiday in France :-)
![Grandpa & Clara hitting it off from the start!](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/oWBixUcD0hDu0lTkwnf9K7QByxk=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/b1eff0bb-d47b-42e4-94b8-0a8be25b0dfd.jpg)
Grandpa & Clara hitting it off from the start!
![Remembering the inspiring moments spent in your garden, when we sat in silence observing the beauty and simplicity of Nature.
Thank you Charles](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/-Cpn2bq1IUG9VC1_P1VB1RrZ1TA=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/aebb2be8-cd5f-40c5-bddd-920c8a67a495.jpg)
Remembering the inspiring moments spent in your garden, when we sat in silence observing the beauty and simplicity of Nature. Thank you Charles
![Charles whit 97 year old fixing his door lock! And guess what ??! He did it !!!](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/BwtGDWpTZEJla_Z9RXcj3ePPlJo=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/18af6acd-f3f6-49a7-852f-f469e0f1efbb.jpg)
Charles whit 97 year old fixing his door lock! And guess what ??! He did it !!!
![With bridge friends on his birthday 2 years ago.](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/ECRGYTUBjPUmufdsXs1_el7-rso=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/0668e03d-414b-45cc-b03f-f77990a2b61a.jpeg)
With bridge friends on his birthday 2 years ago.
![Pop enjoying diner with Clara](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/xrWt24TbVC4HGvijIweE7k24StA=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/0cc4e90d-5e12-452c-a1dc-a5ade01ba59b.jpeg)
Pop enjoying diner with Clara
![Charles having a nice chat with his granddaughter Clara](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/YPO95HYktewph-H4kvqxOGz2yTw=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/c6ecceab-eb57-4297-b24e-e6b04f965747.png)
Charles having a nice chat with his granddaughter Clara
Charles and Shirley having refreshments under the apple tree
Peter and Charles enjoying the sun and a cuppa
a family get together
Under the apple tree
Charles and Shirley
Charles having a visit with us
![spending time at onehouse](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/vwww-u0egJCu8Ldj2b-jCTALjZM=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/aff72007-241c-4ec1-90f9-ddf164b714a3.jpg)
spending time at onehouse
![from the past Hazels and Sharons 18th birthday party](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/Eu9-IXM2nfJMsO9bD4KI_QoZk-k=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/75e1ab2a-92dc-46ac-8c35-311c5b0ca287.jpg)
from the past Hazels and Sharons 18th birthday party
back at home
a breezy walk
Charles enjoying his fish n chips
Shirley and Charles
![Having a meal with Grandad and Charles.](https://d24pb0tc2lc7uj.cloudfront.net/yt0UMNJtGw5sk0CT4shtlN9x7_k=/fit-in/800x600/public/assets/uploads/baa42243-fe98-4c28-9c6d-0427f72734f7.png)
Having a meal with Grandad and Charles.
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