On October 24, 2015, heaven gained someone very special. Chuck, Dad, Grandpa, Chuckles, Lealand. A man of many names, numerous roles, and infinite talents. Charles “Chuck” Lealand Belliveau was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, Maritimer, Canadian Forces Veteran, Edmonton Oilers fan, drummer, athlete, world traveller, animal lover, and comedian. He was passionate about what he loved, and entertaining about the things he didn’t. Even when he sat, seemingly quietly observing the situation, nothing got by him. If there were an award for “one-liners”, Chuck would win, and a full volume of “Chuck-isms” would hit the best seller list.

Born on January 22, 1938, in Joggins, Nova Scotia, Chuck spent his childhood in the small Maritime town. He enjoyed sports, music, and the company of his many friends, among them, his close cousins, Don & Reg. At age 17, he enlisted in the Canadian Forces. His first posting: across the country to a small Northern Alberta town, Wainwright. Chuck’s charisma and sense of humor made it easy to make friends; he met many lifelong friends during the years spent in Wainwright. It was also here that the young, handsome Chuck, met and fell in love with a beautiful young teacher from Nordegg, Alberta: Anne McMullen. The two were married on August 31, 1957, and welcomed their first child, Chuck Jr, in 1958. He was quickly followed by their daughter, Karen, in 1959. When Karen was only three weeks old, Chuck was deployed to Egypt for a full calendar year (with the UN Peacekeepers). Chuck and Anne were thrilled to welcome their second son, Mike, in 1964, and rounded out their crew with their third son, Pat, who arrived in 1967.

During these busy years of raising a family, Chuck’s army career took him across Canada and abroad to numerous military exercises. He was frequently chosen as the driver for dignitaries, including the Governor General, and multiple senior officers. With the advent of the newly implemented Canadian flag, on February 15, 1965, Chuck was chosen to raise the first flag featuring the maple leaf, in Wainwright. He was a popular instructor utilized for many military courses, noted as knowledgeable and kind to the young soldiers. In 1997, after a total of 43 years, both as a soldier and later as a civilian employed by the Department of National Defense, Chuck retired. When Canadian Forces Base Calgary closed, it was noted that he was the longest serving member in Alberta.

Many things came naturally to Chuck, but perhaps nothing came as naturally as Grand-parenting. Their four grandchildren: Nicole, Ryan, Michael, and Kristian, filled Chuck & Anne’s lives with joy, pride, and noise. They were the most loyal fans and spectators in every grandchild’s life, supporting them in Calgary, across Canada and abroad at countless competitions, tournaments, and various events. Their great grandchild, Ani, was born in 2011, and immediately became the apple of their eyes.
Over the years, Chuck and Anne enjoyed travelling the world together and with their family. They took regular trips “back home” to Nova Scotia, and spent many happy summers in Anne’s hometown of Nordegg, AB. Together, and with their children and grandchildren, Chuck and Anne adventured across Canada and the US, and even visited Asia, Europe, and Australia. Their favorite spot, Maui, Hawaii, was always a special place for them, and they visited frequently, making friends and memories along Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui.

Through his sense of humor and quick wit, Chuck had a unique way to make each and every person he met feel important. He was a true social butterfly, and enjoyed sharing a laugh with people wherever he went. Chuck loved “country and western” music, burnt food, family parties, relaxing in his recliner and watching his wide screen television. The simple joys, like the feeling of sun on his face, made Chuck happy. He was full of gratitude, patience, and genuine kindness, and radiated these wherever he went.

Chuck’s life represented the values that were near and dear to him, and nothing came above family. A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Community. His family invites you to celebrate his life at the Calgary Military Museum (4520 Crowchild Trail SW) on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Tributes presented at 6:00 pm). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veteran’s Food bank (http://www.calgarypoppyfund.com) or the Intercare Chinook Care Centre Hospice (http://www.intercarealberta.com/hospice-calgary).

Please share your photos, stories and condolences with Chuck's family through www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.